SONIC 3: LASER SECURITY GRID FOR JIM CARREY’S COMEDY DANCE ROUTINE
Project Context
When Paramount Pictures set out to make Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Jim Carrey envisioned a scene audiences had never seen before – the Robotniks would dance through a maze of deadly red beams. To bring that idea to life, PRECISION designed and programmed a live laser security grid at its Los Angeles studio and then shipped the entire laser system to London for rehearsals and filming. The goal was to build a dynamic, real‑world laser environment that could sync perfectly with the choreography, music, and camera moves.
Designing the Laser Grid
The creative brief called for lasers to function as both obstacle and stage. Dozens of high‑power beams were arranged in a glowing red lattice that the actors could see, feel, and dance inside. Instead of actors pretending to interact with invisible lasers that would be added in post-production, they interacted with tangible beams: performing through the grid while the lasers pulsed in time with The Chemical Brothers’ “Galvanize.” The system was precisely programmed so that each beam’s timing, position, and intensity complemented the choreography, turning a high‑tech trap into an immersive dance floor.
Live Lasers on Set
What made the sequence truly unique was the decision to use real lasers instead of relying solely on CGI. Laser designer Adam LaBay and the PRECISION team created an elaborate laser show that ran live on set, allowing dancers to perform in the beams in real time. Director of Photography Brandon Trost noted that as impressive as the final film looked, it was “even cooler on set” to see lasers spinning around the performers. Because the lasers were practical, they cast genuine red glows and moving patterns on the actors and set, giving the scene a tactile quality that would be challenging to create in post‑production. Visual effects artists enhanced the scene, but the foundation of the sequence was the practical laser choreography. This approach grounded a fantastical scenario in reality and allowed the cast and crew to experience the full energy of the scene while filming.
Performance & Interaction
Sonic 3’s laser dance flipped the familiar heist trope on its head. Instead of tiptoeing through security beams, the Robotniks embraced them, breaking into an exuberant dance amid the red beams. The lasers created a luminous stage and interactive partner for Carrey’s performance. Choreography and beam programming were developed together; rehearsals became a “living storyboard” where dancers and lasers were blocked simultaneously to find the best shots. The result was a sequence where lasers and performers moved in perfect concert, delivering a kinetic visual rhythm that matched the music and amplified the comedy.
Audience Response and Cultural Buzz
When early snippets of the scene were released online, the “laser dance” became an instant sensation. A one‑minute teaser spread quickly across social media, racking up millions of views and prompting comments from viewers who were amazed by Carrey’s energetic performance and the wild concept. Reviews and features highlighted the scene as one of the film’s stand‑out moments. Audiences loved how the real lasers gave the dance a thrilling, live quality, making the fantasy feel authentic and turning an absurd idea into pure cinematic joy. For many, the contrast between the dangerous laser grid and the goofy dancing Robotniks was comedy gold.
Reflections & Future Possibilities
The Sonic 3 laser dance scene shows what’s possible when lasers are treated as active collaborators in storytelling. By building a real laser maze that performers could inhabit, PRECISION delivered a sequence that feels both fantastical and grounded – a visceral laser performance that amplified Jim Carrey’s energy and became one of the film’s highlight moments. The success of this scene generated buzz across social media and industry circles, proving that practical laser choreography can create truly memorable cinematic moments. It also underscores our ability to synchronize lasers with music, dance, and camera work to create new kinds of film magic. As studios and directors look for fresh ways to surprise audiences, PRECISION stands ready to design and program signature laser experiences that turn bold ideas into reality.
Invitation
Are you envisioning a performance or narrative that needs an unforgettable laser element? PRECISION invites filmmakers, choreographers, and producers to collaborate on creating immersive laser environments that elevate your story. From designing intricate laser grids for dance sequences to crafting beam shows for concert stages, our team brings technical expertise and an artistic approach to every project. Contact us to explore how we can transform your next scene into a vibrant moment that audiences will never forget.