Carousel Lights were asked to supply decorative lighting installations for the launch of Paramount + in the UK. The focus was to be the launch shows. This is how we did it.
Paramount+ launched in the UK in June 2022, bringing its vast library of content to British audiences. The service offers a mix of popular films, TV shows, and original programming, including titles from CBS, Showtime, and Paramount Pictures. Subscribers can enjoy a range of genres, from classic films to exclusive series like Halo and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The launch marked a significant step in expanding Paramount’s global streaming footprint, competing with established players like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video in the UK market.
To celebrate the UK launch of the channel the streaming service hosted a high-profile influencer event in London. The event brought together a mix of top British influencers, celebrities, and content creators to showcase the platform’s new offerings. Attendees enjoyed exclusive previews of Paramount+’s original shows, immersive experiences, and interactive activities designed to highlight the platform’s diverse content range. The star-studded event generated buzz on social media, helping to drive awareness and excitement for the service’s UK debut, while influencers shared their experiences with their large followings, amplifying the launch to a broader audience.
The brilliant team at Experience12, the award-winning pop culture marketing agency, asked Carousel Lights to produce branded neon signage for the event, with the focus being on the launch shows.
The brief was to create neon signs from the logos of 9 of Paramounts highest profile shows that were to be showcased at the influencer event on 22 June 2022. Namely, they were to be:
Star Trek – Strange New Worlds; Mayor of Kingstown; The Deal; 1883; The First Lady; Queen of the Universe; The Man Who Fell to Earth; Kamp Koral & Yellowstone.
See below for a brief synopsis of each show.
All of the neon signs were constructed from 6mm LED ‘neon’ flex on clear acrylic. The designs wither followed the centreline of the design (eg The First Lady and Yellowstone) or the neon flex followed the perimeter of the design to ensure the integrity of the logo remained intact (eg Kamp Koral, Queen of the Universe and 1883).
Each sign was supplied with a transformer and a dimmer so the illumination level could be set according to the ambient room lighting, ensuring that the branding of each show came across clearly on camera. At influencer marketing events the camera use is a mix of professional photographers and guest’s own smartphones, so lighting brightness levels are extremely important for maximum coverage on post-event socials.
All neon signs were 1200mm (w) apart from the 1883 neon and The Offer neon signs which were both 1,000mm (w).
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a sci-fi series that serves as a prequel to the original Star Trek series, set in the years before Captain Kirk’s command of the USS Enterprise. The show follows Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), Science Officer Spock (Ethan Peck), and Number One (Rebecca Romijn) as they explore uncharted planets and encounter new species in the 23rd century. The series blends episodic storytelling with character-driven arcs, highlighting the crew’s adventures as they uphold the ideals of the United Federation of Planets. With a mix of exploration, diplomacy, and action, Strange New Worlds offers a fresh take on classic Star Trek themes while staying true to the franchise’s legacy.
Mayor of Kingstown is a gritty crime drama set in the small, fictional town of Kingstown, Michigan, where the local economy and power dynamics are dominated by the prison system. The series follows the McLusky family, led by Mike McLusky (Jeremy Renner), who acts as an unofficial “mayor” navigating the complex relationships between law enforcement, inmates, and corrupt officials. As tensions between rival factions and within the criminal justice system escalate, Mike is forced to balance his personal morals with the harsh realities of the town’s criminal underworld. The show explores themes of power, corruption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, all set against the backdrop of a struggling town defined by its prisons.
The Deal is a crime thriller that follows the high-stakes world of Hollywood and the entertainment industry. The story revolves around a struggling screenwriter who, in a desperate attempt to make it big, strikes a shady deal with a powerful producer. What starts as a simple business transaction soon spirals into a dangerous game of deception, betrayal, and manipulation. As the writer navigates the cutthroat environment, he must confront moral dilemmas and the personal cost of his ambition, all while trying to maintain his integrity in a world where nothing is as it seems. The film explores the blurred lines between ambition and ethics, as well as the corrupting influence of power and fame.
1883 is a historical drama and prequel to Yellowstone, set in the late 19th century. The series follows the Dutton family as they embark on a perilous journey westward, seeking a new life in the untamed frontier of Montana. Led by James Dutton (Tim McGraw) and his wife Margaret (Faith Hill), the family joins a wagon train of pioneers facing brutal hardships, including treacherous landscapes, harsh weather, and dangerous encounters with outlaws and Native American tribes. As they struggle to survive and build a future, 1883 explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the spirit of pioneering in a raw, unforgiving era of American history. The series paints a vivid picture of the hardships and courage that shaped the American West.
The First Lady is a historical drama anthology series that offers an intimate look at the lives of three iconic women who shaped American history: Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson), Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Michelle Obama (Viola Davis). Each season focuses on one of these First Ladies, exploring their personal struggles, political influence, and the roles they played in their husbands’ presidencies. Through their stories, the show delves into themes of power, resilience, and the complexities of being a woman in the public eye. The First Lady provides a nuanced portrayal of these women’s legacies, revealing the private and public challenges they faced while navigating their positions at the forefront of American politics.
Queen of the Universe is a vibrant and glamorous singing competition series that showcases drag queens from around the world competing for the title of “Queen of the Universe.” The show combines jaw-dropping performances, fierce competition, and high-energy musical numbers, with contestants battling it out in front of a star-studded panel of judges and a live audience. Each episode features stunning vocal performances, as well as dramatic runway looks, with queens bringing their unique talents and personalities to the stage. With an emphasis on inclusivity, self-expression, and celebration of drag culture, Queen of the Universe highlights the artistry, charisma, and creativity of its contestants in an entertaining and empowering competition.
Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years is an animated prequel to the beloved SpongeBob SquarePants series, set in the summer camp years of SpongeBob and his friends. The show follows 10-year-old SpongeBob and his pals—such as Patrick, Sandy, Squidward, and others—as they embark on fun and mischievous adventures at Kamp Koral, a sleepaway camp in the underwater world of Bikini Bottom. With a mix of slapstick humor and light-hearted antics, the series showcases the early years of these familiar characters, offering a playful look at their childhood experiences, friendships, and the zany situations that lead to the iconic dynamics seen in the original SpongeBob series.
Yellowstone is a modern-day western drama centered around the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The series explores the complex and often violent world of land ownership, family loyalty, and power struggles in Montana. As the Duttons fight to protect their ranch from external threats — including land developers, a nearby Native American reservation, and corrupt politicians — they must also navigate personal conflicts within their own family. Yellowstone delves into themes of greed, loyalty, and survival, blending intense family drama with gripping political and social issues, all set against the stunning backdrop of the American West.
Photo Credit – Provided courtesy of Paramount Global © Viacom International Media Networks U.K. Limited.
Date:
30th June 2022