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SMPTE Pre-Conference SymposiumHow Did They Do That? Innovations in Filmmaking and Live Event BroadcastA detailed review of innovative techniques used in coverage of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, and production of BBC's "Planet Earth" seriesMonday, October 27, 2008 • Hollywood, CA Cinematographers, engineers and producers are occasionally faced with the daunting challenge of capturing the images in extraordinary conditions. This Symposium will present some of the most interesting applications of new technology use to capture the dramatic images from two extremes of programming: live fast-action coverage of the Summer Olympic Games, and the methodical production of the landmark nature footage in the BBC’s award winning “Planet Earth” Series. We will hear directly from the engineers and producers that refined the production techniques, built the systems, and applied innovative fixes as unexpected challenges arose. Morning SessionCoverage of the Beijing OlympicsModerator: Dave Mazza, Senior Vice President, NBC Olympics EngineeringAnd others from the NBC Olympics Engineering team This session will start with a brief historical review of Olympics coverage, dating back to the 1936 Berlin Games. Mr. Mazza will then present an overview of the Beijing games; including the multi-year planning process leading up to the 2008 games, the new challenges faced and the development of the many systems deployed. The Broadcast Operations Center is required to support both 1080i/50 broadcast standard for HDTV and the 625/50 (PAL) standard for SDTV. Signal processing and conversation was used to support broadcasts in the US HD and SD standards. The sophisticated production systems at key venues will be reviewed, as well as the innovative “Highlight” factory used to quickly retrieve archive footage. Advances in MXF file formatting and server architecture supported the process. Mr. Mazza will also look forward in time to consider what new innovations should be prepared for future Games. Afternoon SessionMaking of “Planet Earth”Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Keeling, BBC Natural History UnitAnd other members of the production team This session will start with renowned filmmaker Jonny Keeling explaining the background on this remarkable natural history production. Dr. Keeling will explain how the series concept originated, review of some of the technical challenges anticipated, and tell us about actual field experiences. Besides the expected hurdles of difficult shooting conditions and limited budgets, the production team faced the threat of frostbite and attack by wild animals. Sessions will cover
This Symposium provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from some of the world’s most innovative engineers and producers advancing the techniques of television production, and to view never before seen behind-the-scene footage of these extraordinary productions. |