Whisper Films turns to Gearhouse Broadcast to deliver F1 highlights to C4
April 30, 2019
Looking for the most efficient way to deliver consistently high quality highlights packages to Channel 4 from all 21 grand prix of the 2019 Formula 1 World Championship, Whisper Films has turned to Gearhouse Broadcast. In response, the Gravity Media-owned supplier of broadcast technical facilities, crew and services used to capture the world’s most watched content, has deployed a bespoke flyaway solution that is lightweight, easy to ship and quick to rig.
The flyaway system runs Sony PMW-X500 cameras, Canon broadcast lenses, Motorola digital radios, Audio Assist high power kits and backpacks, Wisycom radio mics and IEM’s and Wisycom RF-over-fibre for seamless and consistent broadcasting at each race. It’s been designed so that highlights can be remotely produced back in London. This is done by streaming all RF-over-fibre cameras and presentation microphones in real-time back to the UK. From here, the video and audio signals can be recorded and edited into highlights packages and transmitted via Channel 4.
Through careful planning, intelligent use of technology and invaluable experience when it comes to providing facilities for major motorsports events, Gearhouse Broadcast has delivered a powerful portable solution that weighs just 2.4 tonnes. The flyaway has been optimised for international shipping, using Gearhouse’s in-depth knowledge of transporting large quantities of equipment worldwide.
Discussing the decision to partner with Gearhouse, Sunil Patel, CEO of Whisper Films said: “Keeping transportation costs and the amount of time our crew have to be on-site to a minimum was a key objective for us. We were impressed by what Gearhouse proposed to meet our needs. Whether we’re in Monte Carlo, Montreal or Singapore, this solution allows us to work efficiently, effectively and consistently, delivering a quality output that keeps Formula One available for British fans to watch on free-to-air television.”
Ryan Campbell, Gearhouse’s Formula 1 unit manager, who has also worked as the technical consultant on the project, added: “This has really challenged us to ask the question; what do we need to make this work? From lightweight racks and flight cases, to deep analysis of rigging at each circuit, we’ve come up with a solution that makes the most of the resources available. Thanks to our heritage in this field, we knew – and had access to – the expertise, technology and crew that were needed to deliver Whisper’s precise requirements within a tight budget.”