In these unprecedented times, when the majority of our television programmes, sports fixtures and major events have been cancelled or postponed, many of us are eagerly awaiting a return to some form of normality both at home and in our industry. However, it is likely that even when we do come out of lockdown, we will continue to be under strict social distancing rules for some time to come, and ultimately, we may very well end up with a new normal! New working protocols will have the effect of making, for example, the traditional OB or studio gallery a very difficult set-up to manage. Of course, responsible companies like CTVOB and others are installing Perspex screens in their trucks to protect workers, which is a superb practice and should be applauded.
Unfortunately another aspect of the lockdown has been severe damage to the economy not just of the UK, but of the whole world, which will result in broadcasters spending less and producers needing to come up with production ideas and techniques that meet this new challenging environment without compromising production values for the viewers. People who have worked with Inside Broadcast will know that for a few years now we have been advocating the use of iPhones in television production. Indeed, we have run several courses for a number of companies resulting in iPhone footage being used regularly on a weekly BBC programme and enabling BSLBT (British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust) to do a number of webcasts including a live cookery show and a series of regular, signed Covid-19 updates.
During this period of lockdown, we have been busy refining iPhone filming and have developed a system that addresses both social distancing and the financial restrictions that producers may be facing, all without compromising production values. Let me introduce:
A new and streamlined production solution which maintains the integrity of high production values at a fraction of the expense. Multitasking is the new norm and i-OBis the solution.
HOW IT WORKS
i-OB is a methodology based purely around the iOS operating system and taking advantage of its unique ability to handle video and audio in complete synchronization. i-OB represents a new way to achieve multi-camera shooting for TV. Whether it is live streamed (HD) or post-produced (HD or UHD), i-OB can be operated by a single person. Up to 8 cameras can be panned, tilted and zoomed from a single operating platform. Not only this; the operator can, apart from switching cameras, run in VTs, drop in name straps, bugs, lower thirds and even music beds.
The system uses iPhones, which are of course very small compared to traditional broadcast cameras, and thus opens up an array of possibilities for mounting cameras in normally inaccessible places. Using the latest X & 11Pro iPhones, the image quality is superb and with the addition of external “Moment” wide and x2 lenses the variety of shots is further increased. Currently the system has 4 x UHD capable cameras and 4 x HD-only mini cameras (iPod touch) which are extremely suitable as instrument cameras on music shoots, with a further 4 UHD cameras coming soon. Oh, and by the way, they can all be wireless!
All that is required on site is a 13a socket and a decent internet connection for live streaming. In the event that there is no internet, a LiveU bonded LTE system can be hired and i-OB has a “Jonathan Ross” solution (last resort) for emergencies: a single sim 5G/4G mobile router (although the nature of mobile networks does mean that this cannot be seen as a guaranteed solution).
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WHAT ARE THE BEST GENRES?
i-OB is ideally suited for any number of programme formats including cookery shows, chat shows and even stage productions, but where it really comes into its own is in stand-up comedy, music and intimate theatre. Due to the size of the component parts, cameras on stage are almost invisible, and with a gimbal any handheld camera operator will just disappear into the audience. PTZ cameras run on external batteries for up to 8 hours and fixed cameras can run on PoE (power over ethernet). i-OB is also the perfect solution for pilots, proof of concepts and casting sessions
For concerts and festivals, i-OB also offers a wirecam system and PTZ track system, although these do need their own operator. By mid-summer it will also be possible to power the system from solar panels or provide a UPS when on mains power.
i-OB carries a small amount of audio equipment but generally it is normal to take a feed from the PA or other mixing position. More complex audio solutions will require the addition of an Audio Engineer. Similarly, i-OB carries a small amount of LED lighting for simple 1 + 2 or 3s but anything more complex should involve a Lighting Technician.
It doesn’t end there though. What about documentary and drama? Well, i-OB can offer multicamera shooting in UHD and Log, so post-production grading can be achieved. But not only that; a choice of frame rates including 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 can all be utilized in UHD. Shooting each take with multiple cameras reduces the number of takes needed to cover all shots. Shoot dialogue and reaction at the same time; shoot a mid-shot and a wide at the same time. The Director can monitor at least 4 cameras whilst maintaining their position out of shot. And with a little notice all these can be shot anamorphic too!
Want to shoot single camera EFP? i-OB can offer full DCI 4K with interchangeable EF lenses using a DoF (depth of field) adapter: follow in the footsteps of Zack Snyder and Steven Soderbergh and make movies on an iPhone!
Whatever your needs and whatever your budget (within reason), i-OB can find a solution for your production. Having now partnered with Helion SPS, Inside Broadcast is currently working on several development ideas involving iPhone production and would be happy to discuss any project ideas you may have.
Stay healthy people, and see you on the other side!
