A Different Angle

I’m a backstage, behind-the-scenes kind of person. I find it fascinating to observe things from somewhere other than where the audience normally sits.  Watching from the side of the stage or perhaps seeing a rehearsal often reveals something unexpected or amusing.

Years ago I was at a professional video shoot and watched as the crew meticulously setup a shot.  The director said he wanted to have the light cascade over the subject of the scene in a particular way, so I looked around curiously, wondering what specialized piece of equipment was going to be brought over.  (The crew had arrived with two moving vans, which seemed to contain a never-ending supply of gear.)

Instead, the director called “Action” and after a few moments, one of the technicians raised a hand and – fingers spread – slowly rotated it across one of the lights.  It produced a gradual, strobe-like pattern – and looked great when played back on their nearby monitors.

I started to chuckle.  Two huge trucks filled with expensive, sophisticated video equipment and to get the effect they want someone waggled their fingers in front of a light.

Movie magic at it’s finest.

This week’s Data Center Deconstructed video was shot at our Data Center in Allen, TX where we often host customer visits, but from an angle where no one is normally allowed to go – up on the roof.  Click below for this uncommon view of the facility and hear me and Cisco distinguished engineer Jon Woolwine talk about several features that help make the Data Center highly-resilient and green.

For more on this Data Center, check out this TechWiseTV episode or Cisco’s website detailing the site’s design and architecture.