Broadcast Exchange

BBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics in Beijing utilized the latest in virtual studio technology to transport presenters and viewers to a snowy ski resort. Using the Unreal Engine paired with the latest technology from Vizrt, the project's designers digitally sculpted mountains for the broadcast environment while carefully thinking through how to keep the visuals dynamic with data and highlights. Jim Mann of Lightwell and Toby Kalitowski of BK Design Projects join the Broadcast Exchange to take us inside the virtual set design, the development in Epic Game's Unreal Engine and the larger impact of the technology on the future of storytelling. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. Explore the gear we use: https://nca.st/M5Y69 Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio.

While robotic cameras have been in broadcast facilities for decades, the Mark Roberts Motion Control team is pushing boundaries in storytelling. From volumetric capture for augmented reality production to precise camera moves for news, Mark Roberts Motion Control is bringing robotics technology once reserved for high-end special effects to broadcast television. Paddy Taylor, head of broadcast at Mark Roberts Motion Control, joins the Broadcast Exchange to talk about this merging of production toolsets, how Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are helping advance studio robotics and the shifted perspectives brought about by the pandemic. Plus, we look at recent studio installations including ZDF and Al Jazeera Arabic's digital studio. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. Explore the gear we use: https://nca.st/M5Y69 Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio.

Working through the pandemic, Sportsnet was able to transform former office space inside its corporate headquarters into a new broadcast facility for hockey coverage, complete with two studios, a control room and the latest in augmented reality. Jason Harding, VP, creative at Rogers Communications, joins the Broadcast Exchange to take us inside the new facility, the technology and how they're evolving hockey coverage with augmented reality and massive LED displays. Plus, we take a look at the new motion graphics package and on-air design of Sportsnet. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio.

From virtual fans in MLB ballparks for Fox Sports to the unique particle animation open at the Super Bowl and even Fox's digital avatars on "Alter Ego," Silver Spoon is at the forefront of live virtual production. Silver Spoon brings visual effects tools often found in film production, such as motion capture and real-time animation, to broadcast. Laura Herzing, executive producer at Silver Spoon, joins the Broadcast Exchange to talk about the merging of film and TV techniques, the rise of extended reality storytelling and the Unreal Engine. She also gives us an update on some recent projects. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter, LinkedIn or YouTube. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio.

Ross Video software and production hardware can be found in a who’s who of broadcasters across the country. With 29 years of consecutive growth and a variety of acquisitions, Ross has continued to innovate broadcast production while also committing to its 1000+ employees. In this week's Broadcast Exchange, we speak with David Ross, CEO of Ross Video, joins to reflect on the lessons learned in 2020, the ever-changing broadcast technology stack, how broadcasters are further exploring the cloud and wage inequality. Note that this episode was recorded earlier this year before Ross Video reaffirmed its commitment to the 2021 NAB Show in October. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter or LinkedIn. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio or email podcast@newscaststudio.com.

This spring, Nexstar Media Group went all-in on NewsNation, its national newscast first launched in September 2020, through a rebranding of cable network WGN America and retooling of its schedule. In this week's Broadcast Exchange, we speak with Blake Russell, Executive Vice President, Station Operations and Content Development, at Nexstar about the network, its broadcast technology stack and the metrics he's watching for success. We dive into building a newsroom and Nexstar's custom content sharing tool along with modernizing the now-former Tribune outlets. Plus, we look at Nexstar's continued investment in local journalism and how its 200 plus stations support and integrate with NewsNation. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter or LinkedIn. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio or email podcast@newscaststudio.com.

After 25 years under the Fox banner, 19 regional sports networks have rebranded as Bally Sports. This change is more than a new logo and name for the sports channels, which Sinclair Broadcast Group acquired in 2019. The updates span eight existing studios and two new build-outs with 500 new pieces of on-set artwork and 64 updated desks. In this week's Broadcast Exchange, we speak with Laura Mickelson, VP, production, Bally Sports Networks, about the rebranding effort, which spanned multiple teams of designers, fabricators and studio technicians. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter or LinkedIn. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio or email podcast@newscaststudio.com.

Whether broadcasters wanted it to or not, 2020 turned into a real-world test of cloud production. From it, new workflows and technology are emerging to allow for better creation and distribution of content. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Cross, president of research & development at Vizrt, joins the Broadcast Exchange to discuss how the pandemic has shaped broadcast storytelling and what changes in workflows and toolsets might remain as more organizations look to the cloud. Plus, we talk about the democratization of broadcasting and how the changing toolsets are allowing new creators to become broadcasters. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter or LinkedIn. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the Broadcast Exchange? Tweet at @NewscastStudio or email podcast@newscaststudio.com.

The Super Bowl gives broadcasters a unique stage to highlight the latest in design and technology. This year's game on CBS was no exception, featuring a unique look with local flavor and an impressive augmented reality opening sequence. JP LoMonaco, vice president of on-air graphics & design at CBS Sports, joins the Broadcast Exchange to discuss what went into creating the broadcast design for one of the year's biggest sporting events. Plus, we talk about the new branding of CBS and how sports coverage will utilize the new standards and a look ahead at changes coming to the NCAA Tournament. Transcript at broadcastexchange.show. Follow NewscastStudio on Twitter or LinkedIn.