Piripi Curtis' vision to come to reality at Rotorua's Lakeside

This year's Lakeside concert is all about doing things a bit differently - and that's where Rotorua television producer Piripi Curtis comes in.

Curtis has helped create a visual extravaganza for Saturday night's show that is different to anything Lakeside has seen before.

There will be big screens either side of the stage, allowing those sitting further back to see, but this year instead of a plain backdrop using lighting, there will be a 12m by 5m screen that will project high definition images created by Curtis and his team.

Curtis, who runs Hikoi Productions in Rotorua, is no stranger to the industry having produced shows for the past 14 years for TV3, Choice TV and Maori Television - including the popular Hunting Aotearoa.

However, what he's created for Lakeside 2018 - Whenua #itsabouthome - is a first.

What you'll see on a big screen behind the performers at Lakeside on Saturday has been created by Rotorua's Piripi Curtis. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Artistic and musical director Richard Anaru asked Curtis to be part of his team after seeing a similar visual show at a Dixie Chicks concert.

"Richard and I play in a band together, the Sunrise Rockers, and we are in Rotary together so he got me involved. He told me what he wanted and I came up with a pitch."

Each song on the show has its own video which fits the theme of the music, some involving humour.

"We have put a lot together ourselves in Rotorua, gone to colleagues and got stock footage that's loyalty free."

He's also used "green screening", which is a form of trick photography, and accessed historical footage for certain segments of the show.

Another task has been putting together the slide show remembering people who have died in Rotorua, something which had been challenging given the incredible response.

Curtis said he was beyond excited about the show.

"This is the first time I've done this in a live concert ... I'll be sitting out the front on the night because I really want to get a sense of how it will play out.

"I love Lakeside this year. It's amazing everyone is connected to Rotorua in some way."

Lakeside 2018 - Whenua #itsabouthome facts
Start time: 7pm, Saturday February 17
Fireworks: About 10.15pm
Line up including: Sons of Zion, Moana & the Tribe, Mai moa, Strangely Arousing, Turanga Merito, Modern Maori Quartet, Howard Morrison Trio
What to bring: Hamper/picnic, rugs/cushions, low level seating.
Note: Bags may be searched for excess alcohol (beer & wine only permitted).