WEST HOLLYWOOD—Orange Barrel Media (OBM) is managing advertising for a video pylon at The Comedy Store along the iconic Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, a new sign structure developed in partnership with RIOS, YESCO and SNA Displays. It was designed by interdisciplinary design firm RIOS in collaboration with OBM’s in-house architecture team OBM Studio. The digital out-of-home project introduces a new visual landmark designed to enhance the historic venue’s visibility while complementing the identity and architectural character of one of comedy’s most recognizable stages.
OBM led the development of the project, forging a close collaboration among the Shore family, who founded and continue to operate The Comedy Store, the City of West Hollywood, and manufacturing and installation partners YESCO and SNA Displays. OBM carefully planned the installation to navigate complex staging, logistics, and construction requirements while minimizing disruption along one of the country’s busiest entertainment corridors.
“The Comedy Store is an institution on the Sunset Strip, and this sign needed to reflect that,” said Clay Collett, Vice President of West Coast development for Orange Barrel Media. “We were able to deliver something that honors the venue’s legacy while setting a new standard for what a sign on this corridor can be.”
The design for the new sign centers on a double-sided EMPIRE™ Exterior LED video system arranged in a distinctive V-shape and framed by illuminated decorative “scroll” elements inspired by classic marquee design. The LED components were manufactured by SNA Displays and each screen measures 30′ tall x 16’3″ wide (1,140 x 620 pixels), sporting an 8 mm pixel pitch. SNA Displays also provided on-site installation management and technical support to help ensure a smooth installation process.
“After a long relationship with YESCO and Orange Barrel Media, we’re delighted to be working with both again to improve such an iconic Hollywood staple,” added Pete Simon, director of out-of-home sales at SNA Displays.
The approximately 70-foot-tall structure, designed by RIOS and developed under OBM’s direction, also incorporates internally illuminated channel lettering, custom perforated metal cladding, and embossed metal detailing to create a dynamic visual presence day and night.
“The Comedy Store has long been a part of the visual and cultural fabric of the Sunset Strip, so we felt a true sense of responsibility to create something that felt both authentic and visually captivating,” said Jeff Young, executive vice president of YESCO.
As part of the project, OBM also oversaw site improvements and landscape enhancements intended to integrate the installation into the surrounding streetscape while preserving the visual identity of the famed comedy club. RIOS’ design concepts for the project emphasized a balance between contemporary digital display technology and the nostalgic character associated with the Sunset Strip’s entertainment legacy.
See also: The Comedy Store portfolio page.
About SNA Displays
SNA Displays is a leading LED video display manufacturer across several market sectors including sports and live-event venues, out-of-home (OOH), commercial real estate, retail environments, museums and commissioned digital art, workplaces, new construction, and many others. With a focus on quality, technological and construction expertise, and dependable service, SNA Displays has worked alongside technology partners to design and build some of the largest and most recognizable LED video installations in the world. Discover how SNA Displays builds big on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Vimeo, or visit us at snadisplays.com.
About Orange Barrel Media
Recognizing that the future of this country is in its cities, OBM’s pioneering work in Out of Home media has defined the company since its founding in 2004. Today, OBM is one of the largest independent Out of Home media companies and is nationally recognized by cities seeking to implement programs that add to the character of urban places. The company’s ongoing investment in new technologies has evolved its portfolio from wallscapes and unique large-format digital displays to freestanding digital spectaculars, and with the development of sister company IKE Smart City in 2015, interactive wayfinding kiosks. The company is headquartered in Columbus, OH, with additional offices in West Hollywood, CA, New York City, and Charlotte, NC. OBM currently operates in 30 top U.S. markets. Learn more at obm.com.
About YESCO
YESCO specializes in the manufacture of custom electric signs, sign maintenance and out-of-home advertising. In addition, YESCO operates sign and lighting service repair stores throughout North America as well as a sign financing business. Thomas Young founded the company in Ogden, Utah, in 1920 after borrowing $300 from his father. YESCO began by offering wall painted advertisements, gold-leaf window lettering and coffin plates. Today, helmed by the third and fourth generations of the founder’s family, YESCO creates, services and maintains award-winning displays for some of the most prestigious brands. For more information, go to YESCO.com.