Since 2018, Vis a Vis Video has collaborated closely with Billie Eilish on her live tours, focusing heavily on creating a cinematic experience that pushes the boundaries of live video production. For Billie’s Hit Me Hard and Soft tour, just as with her acclaimed Happier Than Ever world tour, the goal was to create a visually immersive event that captivated audiences.

Hit Me Hard and Soft took this concept to new heights in terms of video production design, with Vis a Vis working closely with Moment Factory on bringing the creative vision to life. Not only was it conceived as an arena tour in the round, with a central stage and a 100-metre walkway, but the entire set was also designed to function as an immersive video backdrop, feeding IMAG to every surface. 

To meet the challenge of balancing high-quality visuals with the scale and weight requirements, the Vis a Vis team partnered with The LED Shed to specify 306 ROE Vanish V4ST and 140 V8 LED panels. The panels offer high brightness levels and excellent viewing angles and were deployed to cover the walls, floor and central performance platform.

Capturing the show in the round required meticulous planning to ensure comprehensive coverage from all angles, while minimizing cabling and operator complexity. A pair of Motion Impossible Agito, typically used for motion picture or red carpet events, were deployed on magnetic strips along the stage walkway with ARRI SRH stabilized remote heads. Both were equipped with URSA Broadcast G2 from Blackmagic Design with Fujinon Duvo 14-100 PL lenses for stunning quality visuals, and controlled via a Vislink 4K wireless system. A DJI Ronin steadicam also tracked Billie around the stage. As the stage also had a central cutout, Blackcam 2.5 metre tower cams are in place to cover the action.

The unique on-stage camera package is complemented with more traditional FOH long-lens positions at either end of the stage, together with a fleet of Blackmagic Micro Studio cameras, which cover the band and the backing singers at the back of the stage.

In a unique touch to bring her fans closer to the action, Billie also wanted to have her own ‘selfie’ camera, that she could operate on stage, filming her band and the audience throughout the show. As the video quality has to match the rest of the package, Vis a Vis developed a bespoke camera and grip setup, using a 6mm prime lens to continue the cinematic feel.

The main production desk is built on the ATEM Constellation 8K and a 4 M/E mixing desk, with signal management handled by a Smart Videohub 120×120 router and a series of 16 HyperDecks capturing full ISO recording of every performance. This enables the team to have complete flexibility in the live mix and post-production, allowing for the extraction of any specific angle or moment for future edits or media use. With this setup, every visual element of the show, from intricate camera work to dynamic stage visuals, is precisely controlled and recorded in high-definition.

The tour design exemplifies Billie’s deep appreciation for the impact of video on her live shows. Her vision has always been to use technology to bring fans into the heart of the performance, creating a shared experience that feels both personal and expansive. Through this cutting-edge production, every fan, whether at the front of the stage or further back in the arena, is immersed in a dynamic visual narrative that complements her music and on-stage storytelling. 

Stu Merser “Billie loves video, and this was LED, on LED, on LED, as well as working with 360° cinematic coverage across the arena, with a team of expert camera operators at the top of their game.”