Meet Carlos Camina Antúnez
Community Spotlight
Live Events
As a video programmer and full stack software developer, Carlos “Charly” Camina Antunez has a unique perspective on video needs for live shows. Passionate about both hardware and software, Charly has developed several software tools to help him control video shows—allowing him to create some of the world’s most immersive live events. We met with Charly to discuss his inspirations, experience using Disguise, proudest moments and advice for new starters.
What inspired you to pursue a career in live events?
The constant innovation that is applied daily in the industry, the challenge of managing and solving problems in a short period of time, and helping create incredible fan experiences is what attracted me to the industry. I love being at the forefront of innovation, creating immersive experiences, working in virtual production and learning something new everyday.
When did you first hear about Disguise?
Back in 2018, when I used to work as Chief of Research & Development at PowerAV, I was asked to test new solutions as they were keen to switch to a different media server. That’s when I discovered d3 [Disguise], and it was like love at first sight. Coming from the video game industry, seeing software that displayed everything in 3D with so many possibilities opened my mind to new challenges. I also love the way Disguise constantly innovates, and applies improvements to the software in ways never seen before.
I first started using Disguise for corporate events like Premios Marca. I think the custom solution and balance between hardware and software is a perfect combination to create state-of-the-art shows. Since then, I’ve done a lot of work as a Video Director, and I always insist on using Disguise media servers.
How has Disguise supported you and your team?
Disguise has been a game-changer for my team and I. Its powerful 3D visualisation and seamless integration with other systems have allowed us to plan, simulate, and execute complex live shows with precision. The ability to preview everything in real-time has significantly reduced errors and made it easier to communicate ideas to clients and collaborators.
The constant updates and new features that Disguise introduces have helped us stay at the forefront of innovation, enabling us to create more immersive and technically advanced experiences. Disguise’s support team has also been invaluable, providing prompt assistance and expertise whenever we face challenges.
What was a highlight project for you using Disguise?
Definitely working on Shakira’s performance at the 2019 Davis Cup, where she later performed the same show for the Super Bowl the following year. I was responsible for programming and operating the entire show, combining LED visuals with video mapping, which was a pivotal moment in my career.
Another significant milestone was programming the first-ever Latin residency in Las Vegas for the group Los Bukis. I managed the entire pre production show remotely from Spain, using three VX4 servers and a grandMA3 full size console. I was in charge of not only the show’s programming but also the technical decisions regarding all the necessary video hardware. Both projects showcased Disguise’s ability to handle complex, large-scale productions efficiently and allowed me to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live events technology.
What have been some of your proudest moments working in the industry?
Working on the first show using LED screens at the Bernabéu without any delay and achieving pixel-perfect accuracy is one of my proudest moments. We applied the same formula to the next shows with Luis Miguel and Karol G, where I was responsible for programming and using Disguise to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Another proud moment was when I started to work with virtual production in 2020, exploring various techniques for recording in LED volumes. This allowed me to push the boundaries of what’s possible in Films, TV, and production environments, opening up new creative possibilities. Being part of such innovative projects has been incredibly rewarding and has shaped the way I approach every challenge in the industry.
What is the most important thing for you when working on a project?
Ensuring clear communication and collaboration with the entire team. A successful show relies on everyone being on the same page, from the creative vision to the technical execution. I always strive to understand the client’s needs and translate them into the technical language of the equipment and software.
Precision and attention to detail are also critical, especially when dealing with complex systems like media servers and LED processing. I also prioritise flexibility and problem-solving, as live events often come with last-minute changes or challenges that need to be addressed quickly and efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Always stay curious and never stop learning. This industry evolves rapidly, so it's essential to keep up with new technologies, tools, and techniques. Don’t be afraid to dive into different aspects of live production, whether it's hardware, software, or creative design, because having a broad understanding will make you a more versatile and valuable asset.
Also, don't hesitate to take on challenging projects, even if they seem out of your comfort zone. It's through those experiences that you’ll grow the most. Lastly, building strong relationships with your team and collaborators is crucial—this is a field where teamwork and communication are key to delivering successful shows.
What does the future hold for you?
The future for me is all about continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in live events and virtual production. I'm excited to keep exploring new technologies, especially in areas like immersive experiences and virtual production, where I see huge potential for growth.
I plan to keep developing software solutions that make the technical aspects of live shows more efficient and seamless. In particular, I intend to continue developing and improving my own programs to achieve greater integration with all video systems used in shows, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. I'm also looking forward to working on even larger and more complex projects, where I can continue to innovate and bring fresh ideas to the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to stay at the forefront of this ever-evolving field, contributing to the future of live entertainment.