Nissan 2023 Z launch

George P. Johnson | Brooklyn, New York | 2021

The launch of the 7th-generation 2022 Nissan Z took place in August 2021 before a press and influencer audience after the auto show was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The event included the “Z Vault,” an area where collector vehicles were showcased, going back through the rich history of the Nissan Z, as well as a reveal theater where two models of the new vehicle were unveiled.

WHAT IT WAS

Originally scheduled to coincide with the 2021 New York International Auto Show, the launch of the 7th-generation 2022 Nissan Z took place in August 2021 before a press and influencer audience after the auto show was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. The event included the “Z Vault,” an area where collector vehicles were showcased, going back through the rich history of the Nissan Z, as well as a reveal theater where two models of the new vehicle were unveiled.

WHAT WE DID

Lightswitch designed lighting for the entire event, working alongside the creative team from George P. Johnson Experience Marketing. The event, which was designed for both a live audience as well as a global webcast, required us to use a good deal of ingenuity. Our goal was to create the excitement and energy of a live show for broadcast audiences, while also maintaining a grounded design for the in-person attendees. Strong minimalist looks have always been a part of Nissan’s signature visual style, and lighting played a big role in conveying this, not only in person but on camera as well.

WHY IT WORKED

Working with the George P. Johnson team, we were able to translate the scope and intensity of the live show to a broadcast audience as well. Lightswitch made sure to stay true to the Nissan brand’s bold production design while still grounding the event with lighting that felt genuine. This balance of design for live and broadcast audiences meant that the show stood out from both traditional studio events as well as popular newer XR techniques. Our minimal but powerful design set the right tone — confident and strong, but not extravagant or distracting — which kept the focus on Nissan’s message and products.

Photography by Kathryn Rapier Photography