Broadcast set-up used by Infront Productions and Euro Media Group offers leaner production options for sports organisations
Zug, Switzerland/Oberstdorf, Germany – Infront Productions will use a full network-based set-up, coupled with a remote production concept to deliver the coverage of the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) Nordic World Ski Championship taking place in Oberstdorf, Germany, starting on 23 February.
The set-up, implemented in collaboration with Euro Media Group (EMG), allows for a streamlined event organisation, with the ski jumping production team operating from the “Ried” cross country skiing arena. The ski jumping arena, some three kilometres away, will only host the camera operators covering the competition on site. This set-up differs from previous events where the complete production team and an entire technical set-up would be located at each venue.
Infront Productions is also responsible for the host broadcast of the Championship, overseeing the production of content for broadcast and social media, whether live coverage or additional non-live programming.
Peer Seitz, Head of Infront Productions, said: “Being able to leverage the benefits of IP-based infrastructure to implement remote production on a large scale is a testament to the strength of our long-term partnership with FIS and the adaptability of the Local Organising Committee. In a context where COVID-19-related restrictions create significant challenges, initiatives such as this, which allow us to ensure the safety of our crew while maintaining high production standards, are more relevant than ever.”
Bevan Gibson, CTO at EMG, said : "We are delighted to be working with Infront for the first use of diPloy, our new IP flypack, which is specially designed to address the challenges of distributed production, and is particularly well suited for use in more challenging environments like Oberstdorf. This new system is not only more sustainable, it also allows us to address Infront's concerns about keeping the crew safe by having less people on-site."
Full IP-based workflows and remote production are the latest example of Infront Productions being at the forefront of broadcast innovations, with an IP-based MCR having been used already at the 2019 FIS Alpine Ski World Championship in Seefeld, Austria. Infront Productions also led the first 5G-connected-camera live test in continental Europe at the 2019 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
This latest innovation will offer sports federations and sports event organisers more opportunities to optimise the on-site resources necessary to deliver the broadcast coverage of their event; it also promises a more sustainable approach to broadcast operations.
The FIS Nordic World Ski Championship will be covered in over 180 countries after Infront, the event’s exclusive media and marketing partner, secured agreements with 34 broadcasters.
Stora Enso is once again the Presenting Sponsor and the 2021 edition marks the fourth time in a row that the Finnish renewable materials company supports the event. They are joined by Intersport, Viessman, Liqui Moly, Manner, Coop, Würth and Helvetia as Main Sponsors.
About Euro Media Group
Euro Media Group (EMG) is a leading global provider of broadcast facilities and services, active in 10 countries: France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Italy, Australia, the USA and Luxembourg. New-media driven, EMG is a valued partner for major international events, including sport (Tour de France, Football World Cup and Formula One...) live shows (Eurovision, Royal Weddings, Concerts...) and entertainment (The Voice, Masterchef, the X-Factor...)
