HeavyM, bring projection to another level

Projection mapping, an innovative technique from the artistic fields

Used since the early 2000s, projection mapping is a technique consisting in projecting visual animations on volumes. Popularized by projection on monuments, this technique is now frequently used for shows, conferences, product launches,… Still, it remains today a field reserved to experts because of its cost and complexity.


HeavyM, software developed by Digital Essence

Founded by three IT engineers - Étienne Mathé, Arnaud Berthonneau and Romain Da Costa - in March 2014, Digital Essence is a start-up which specialises in developing software programs. Its field of action also includes providing its services to companies looking forward to making projection mapping part of their events.

On an artistic level, Digital Essence is currently working hand in hand with several artists, in the context of their live shows, allowing them to include projection mapping to their stage performances. Digital Essence is based at the 104factory in le CENTQUATRE-Paris, which has a drive for supporting start-ups from the creative industry.

Digital Essence’s main goal is to make projection mapping more accessible to fields which have up until now given up on it because of its complexity and the costs linked to the unfolding of this technique. Today, our company targets businesses as well as artists, but also a broader public through a specific version of the HeavyM software.

First step: 2014, the free beta version

HeavyM is a software currently available on the web for downloading in its beta version since the 30th of September 2014 and it is free of charge.

No particular technical skills are required, a videoprojector is all you need to animate your live show, create an artistic installation, or bring your living room to life, thanks to our software.


From now on, its users will be able to simply and quickly set a interactive projection mapping, that means it can react to the sound of music.


Users community

HeavyM is much more than a tool : it’s also a worldwide community that brings together users from very diverse backgrounds. Not only will you find musicians, DJs, VJs, dancers, actors, performers, visual artists, geeks, DIYer there but also private individuals who have developed a taste for new technologies. Basically, this community embraces two different types of profiles : users and contributors.

The contributors actively participate in making the community thrive. They share their experience with other users, create data that can be used coupled with HeavyM, or create video tutorials in several languages thereby taking some active action in distributing the software throughout the world.

Second step: 2015, HeavyM on Kickstarter

Since the beta version was launched, we counted more than 12 000 downloads in over 40 countries. We built a community, made of loyal users that follow and support us. They always ask for more!

That is why we headed towards crowdfunding, in order to boost our development. And Kickstarter was the ideal platform, based on the project's international dimension.

This Kickstarter campaign will allow us to greatly enhance HeavyM, we are coming with a new version that will include :

- A whole new interface, that will facilitate the creation of mappings thanks to its ergonomics
- The curve drawing: HeavyM does not limit itself to polygons anymore, the possibilities are now multiplied
- Connectivity with MIDI controllers, in order to generate visuals in line with the music playing
- The possibility to control the software remotely, thanks to a smartphone or a tablet
- An excellent compatibility with digital creation programs: DJ & VJ software, Ableton, After Effects,…
- A modular set design kit, that you can assemble in various ways. It was specially made for being projected on and was designed in collaboration with Büro23.

To view the Kickstarter campaign : click here

Key facts

Number of unique users : 7 000
Worldwide distribution: USA, Europe, Japan, Brasil, Australie, Canada, India, ..
Number of fans on Facebook : 2 500
Number of projects realised by users : 170
Kickstarter funds already raised: 47 000€ - 235%
Backers : 400

Awards : Microsoft Imagine Cup France 2015, Digiprize 2015 par l’ESSCA, Osons la France 2014 par IMM, Lauréat concours du Ministère de la Recherche en 2013.


More informations : www.heavym.net