Concert visuals are evolving, and they now look like cinema. German music sensation Shirin David has captivated fans across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with her extravagant Schlau aber Blond tour. While the high-impact performances and glamorous visuals were expected, what stood out was the tour’s commitment to cinematic broadcasting, a bold integration of film technology into the live arena. At the center of this innovation was ARRI’s ALEXA 35 Live – Multicam System, marking the first time this setup was used on a concert tour. The collaboration between Adlib, ARRI, Fujinon, Tim Routledge Lighting Design, and 24/7 Productions created a new blueprint for visual excellence in live performance.

From Cinema Set to Stadium Stage

The choice of the ALEXA 35 Live wasn’t accidental. Known for its dynamic range, color science, and robust sensor, the camera was adapted for live productions when ARRI announced the ALEXA 35 Live, transforming a cinematic tool into a broadcast workhorse. Cinematic broadcasting, as defined in the YM Cinema deep dive COVID Invented the Cinematic Broadcasting, emerged from pandemic constraints, but in today’s live shows, it’s being used to elevate the visual experience. And with Shirin David’s high-contrast lighting, rich color palettes, and demanding stage dynamics, a cinema camera became the only logical choice. The tour’s production team faced challenges typical to the touring world, rapid setups, daily transport, and unpredictable lighting conditions. But they also had a mission: to make the stage look as good as a music video. That required the cinema-grade quality and reliability that only systems like the ALEXA 35 Live could deliver.

TRINITY Live, Duvo Lenses, and Seamless Integration

Supporting the visuals were Fujinon’s Duvo lenses, which offered broadcast operability with cinematic depth. As explored in ARRI Announces TRINITY Live: Hybridization of Gimbal and Steadicam for Cinematic Broadcasting, ARRI has been investing heavily in live-hybrid systems that combine cinematic optics with the agility required for stage environments. Operators on the Schlau aber Blond tour praised the seamless control interface, remote painting options, and intuitive design. It was a system designed not just for image quality, but for the speed and flexibility of concert life, where there’s no room for retakes. To ensure durability and daily reliability, Adlib worked closely with ARRI Rental, integrating the system into a rugged, tour-ready format. The results were seen not only in the clarity of the image but in the consistent performance across all 14 dates.

Building on a Trend: Cinematic Cameras for Live Performance

This isn’t an isolated case. Cinematic Broadcasting is a rising trend, gaining traction across high-profile performances. As shown in An Orchestra of Cinema Cameras to Shoot an Orchestra Live Show, more productions are prioritizing the look of live shows as much as the sound. It’s no longer enough for a concert to just “look good.” Today’s audiences expect filmic beauty, and productions are meeting that expectation with cutting-edge camera systems and workflows traditionally reserved for scripted content. Even ARRI’s entry-level systems are adapting to this space (if there’s such a thing as Entry Level at ARRI). Their latest budget-friendly solution, covered in ARRI Unveils New ALEXA 35 Entry-Level Model with Flexible Licensing and Affordable Media, opens the door for mid-tier productions to access this kind of cinematic quality. It’s a sign that this isn’t a trend for megastars only, but a direction the entire industry is heading.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is Cinematic

What Shirin David’s tour proves is that cinematic broadcasting isn’t just viable, but desirable. With ARRI’s ALEXA 35 Live, Fujinon’s Duvo lenses, and a skilled production team, the live concert has become a real-time cinematic experience. Every LED screen lit up with visuals worthy of the big screen, and every seat in the arena felt like a front row at a premiere. As technical expectations rise and tools become more accessible, we can expect more artists and tours to adopt this approach.