HEA provided the structural design of a unique acoustic canopy suspended from the new Hollywood Bowl shell. Seismic analysis showed that the design could take advantage of reduced loading afforded by the pendulum effect of the suspended canopy, which reduced the...

This set simulated the appearance and motion under sail of the HMS Rose and was used for filming close-up action on the main deck and gun deck. HEA designed the foundation and structure for one of the largest gimbals ever built, which allowed the set to travel along...

Challenge: A legendary thrash metal band wanted to illuminate their stage using coffin-shaped lighting structures for an upcoming concert tour. The lighting coffins were to be suspended above the stage by guy wires and moved via controls during the show. HEA was asked...

Challenge: Our client supplied us a design for an aluminum truss LED wall. The assembly was used for the 2009 Academy Awards outside of the Kodak Theater. Hopper Engineering was asked to provide a strength analysis and an overturning check of the structure to ensure...

Challenge: Test and analyze a new Dibond material for a local auto show exhibit. Determine if added reinforcement is necessary for the proposed loading of the exhibit. Resolution: Utilizing testing equipment at a local university, a compression test was conducted on a...

Challenge: The Black Eyed Peas show at Madison Square Garden in New York City featured a vertical winch system which lifts and rotates a single performer and a "motorbike" set piece above the stage and audience. The winch system was built by the client and required a...

Challenge: Hopper Engineering was asked to perform a structural analysis and risk assessment of an elevator gag for a high budget blockbuster movie. The scene involves the hero's car driving into and being lifted by an elevator on set then split in half by the facade...

Challenge: Our client requested we analyze the structural and mechanical components for a 60'-0" x 100'-0" cantilevered tilt table. The production sequence involved a building being knocked down and actors sliding down the floor and breaking through the windows. The...

Challenge: Hopper Engineering was requested to perform a roof analysis of the South Hall of the LA Convention Center covering approximately 350,000 sq. ft. The purpose was to determine the additional live load capacity of the roof structure for rigging loads during...

Challenge: A 15 ft 6 inch circular rotating "whirlygig" mechanism will be used for a production in California and New York. The mechanism suspends the performer over the stage via eight (8) winches which move the performer up and down. The performer stands on a...