THE PROJECT
Produced by BBC, Top Gear is filmed in a hangar at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey, England, where the official Top Gear track is located. Being a fully operational airfield throws up several logistical challenges for the production team to overcome. For example, in order to use the runway as part of the track, they need to close the airfield it to incoming aircraft during filming. And because the hangar that the set is housed in is used to store aircraft, the production team can’t run cables as freely as they would on a normal project.
THE APPROACH
Ahead of the 24th series in 2017, BBC turned to Gravity Media – then branded Gearhouse Broadcast – to supply the technical facilities required to be able to record the show to the highest standards inside the working hangar. Gravity Media’s skilled team laid fibre under the road across the entrance to the track to allow connectivity from the production offices to the master control room (MCR). The permanent installation of the fibre at the site has since sped up the production setup for future productions at the airfield.
With the fibre in place and the road re-surfaced, Gravity Media then set up the media control room with four racks, and an audio supervisor room with a Calrec desk. Six cameras were also provided for the production, including Sony HDC-4300s, Sony MVS-6530s and a flyaway portable production gallery.
Each car used in the filming of the series was fitted with a wireless transmitter, so as they lap the track, the footage from the on-board cameras is sent to the production team in the main control room.
THE OUTCOME
This permanent set up meant that BBC didn’t need to waste time reprogramming any kit or on unnecessary and costly rig days. Unlike OB facilities providers that are only onsite during shoots, the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome became a proper studio facility. All the kit could be left in overnight except for cameras – saving time and money.
THE CUSTOMER
The New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) is the governing body for rugby league in New South Wales, Australia, and is a member of the Australian Rugby League Commission.
State of Origin is the pinnacle of Australian rugby league; it’s the annual best-of-three match series between two state representative sides: the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons.
THE PROJECT
NSWRL engaged Input Media to produce a one-hour documentary special that followed Brad Fittler in his first year as NSW Origin coach, as well as exclusive coverage of the team’s preparations for the 2018 series.
NSW were determined to break the Queensland dominance and reclaim the trophy they last won in 2014.
THE APPROACH
As the official ‘behind the scenes’ film crew, our crew enjoyed unprecedented access to the team, and witnessed some amazing moments and unique scenes normally reserved for players and support staff.
From selection process to team announcement, onto the training field and back in the locker room, our crew was immersed with the team, capturing the action as it happened and gaining on-the-spot thoughts and insights from players and coaching staff alike.
Filming started before the 2018 series began, and we were there as the team prepared for Game 1 at the iconic MCG in Melbourne on 6 June, then to Sydney for Game 2, where NSW sealed the series victory, and finally to Brisbane on 11 July.
THE OUTCOME
With the series now complete, we’re currently in stage two of the production. This will include filming of post-series interviews with players, coaches and other support staff as we move into the post-production phase and delivery.
THE CUSTOMER
Various customers, including international federations such as The FA, FFT and ITF, and UK broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and BT Sport.
THE PROJECT
On behalf of The FA, we produce preview and review programming before and after each round of The FA Cup for their rights-holders around the world. At the French Open, we deliver a daily highlights programme – with a guide track in English – distributed minutes after the end of play every day. For the ITF, we produce Davis Cup and Fed Cup highlights after each competition weekend.
Our bespoke documentary programming for BT Sport has included A Life of Two Halves – the story of former Spurs star Fabrice Muamba who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. And we’ve also covered former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba’s charity work in the Ivory Coast for ITV’s Sport’s Life Stories series.
THE APPROACH
Post-produced programming brings its own set of challenges, and every project is different. All require a great deal of planning, attention to detail, patience and real creativity to capture the right shots that best tell the story. The editing process is just as important, building sequences that bring the story to life and ensuring we deliver a high-quality finished product.
THE OUTCOME
Gravity Media – then branded Input Media – has a proven record of delivering first-class post-produced preview and highlights shows, as well as bespoke documentary programming. Our producers and editors have the right balance of editorial judgement and creative flair to bring stories to life.
