Intervision 2025: Stage, Lighting, and the Future of Show Design
- Irina Rosh
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
On 20 September 2025, the world witnessed the launch of Intervision, a new global music contest, live from Live Arena in Moscow (capacity ~11,000). The production was ambitious, technically disciplined, and culturally diverse — setting a strong foundation for a format that will only grow in scale.
The evening crowned Vietnam’s Đức Phúc as the inaugural winner with his folktale-inspired performance “Phù Đổng Thiên Vương”. Kyrgyzstan and Qatar followed in second and third place — a historic podium for the debut year. Equally significant was the announcement that Intervision 2026 will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, bringing the contest into the heart of the GCC.
Stage & Scenic Design: TV-First, Scalable, and Smart
The Live Arena stage was designed for broadcast clarity and operational efficiency.
LED architecture: Large, rectilinear canvases delivered versatility while avoiding the risks of complex moving scenery.
Symmetry & open sightlines: Camera operators had clean lanes for 30+ angles, essential for live editing and AR integration.
Minimal but effective kinetics: Rather than overloading the rig, the design leaned on video content and lighting shifts for variation.
For a debut show, this “simple but scalable” strategy was the right call. It allowed the cameras, content, and performers to carry the spectacle without over-complicating logistics.
Lighting Design: Restraint with Precision
Intervision’s lighting philosophy demonstrated discipline and broadcast awareness:
Face priority — Lighting ratios ensured complexion fidelity across a multinational lineup, avoiding the common pitfalls of LED spill.
Color blocking — Each act leaned on 1–2 dominant hues, making stages readable on wides and keeping harmony with AR overlays.
Beam economy — Narrow aerials were reserved for punctuation moments, not constant use. This gave the show rhythm and avoided visual fatigue.
This restraint created a premium broadcast aesthetic: every look felt purposeful, not generic.
AR & AI Graphics: Adding a New Layer of Storytelling
One of the most distinctive elements was the use of augmented reality and AI-driven graphics.
AR overlays introduced cultural motifs, contestant reveals, and dynamic effects that extended beyond physical screens.
AI-enhanced visuals supported national branding and stage identities, often syncing with lighting palettes to create unified looks.
Camera discipline was key: clean horizons and predictable geometry allowed AR elements to sit naturally within the frame.
For designers like us, this highlighted the importance of AR-friendly scenic design and shadow-aware lighting plots — ensuring virtual and real-world assets blend seamlessly.
GCC Participation: A Regional Milestone
The participation of Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia was a proud moment for the Gulf. Qatar’s third-place finish confirmed that the region is not just an audience but an active competitor in shaping global entertainment.
For the GCC’s fast-growing live events industry, this debut underlined:
Cultural representation on a global broadcast stage.
Validation of regional talent and creativity.
Momentum ahead of the 2026 Saudi edition, which will likely expand participation and production scale.
Looking Ahead: Intervision 2026 in Saudi Arabia
Hosting Intervision in Riyadh presents both opportunities and challenges:
New venue typologies: purpose-built arenas and stadiums with world-class rigging.
Regional vendor ecosystem: shorter supply lines, faster mobilization, deeper crew availability.
Cultural showcase potential: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda ensures strong integration of heritage and modern tech.
From a design standpoint, we expect:
Bolder kinetic architecture (flying LED ceilings, moving portals).
Advanced audience-lighting strategies (mapped seating, synchronized wristbands).
Standardized XR pre-visualization pipelines for delegations.
Early color/HDR management to unify content across countries.
Key Takeaways from Intervision 2025
Winner: Vietnam’s Đức Phúc (“Phù Đổng Thiên Vương”).
Podium: Kyrgyzstan (2nd), Qatar (3rd).
Venue: Live Arena, Moscow (~11,000).
Technology: 30+ camera plan, AR and AI graphics integrated with stage and lighting.
GCC presence: Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia.
Next edition: Saudi Arabia, 2026.
Final Word
Intervision 2025 proved that a new contest can launch at global scale if stage, lighting, and media design stay disciplined. The debut avoided gimmicks, leaned on clarity, and delivered cultural authenticity with technological sophistication.
As Intervision moves to the GCC, we see an exciting chance to merge regional identity with world-class showcraft — and to set a new standard for how entertainment from this region is seen worldwide.
Comments