BBC to install permanent facility at Barbican

The Barbican Centre in London is this year celebrating 20 years not only as a leading venue for live contemporary and classical music, but also a wide range of performing arts.
So high is the quality and quantity of notable programmes, BBC camera crews rigging and de-rigging are a constant presence. At a time when financial constraints are increasing, the Barbican management and the BBC have been working together to implement a versatile, permanent programme-making facility. Using the latest technology, the project centres around a custom-built control studio and fixed-location remote-controlled camera positions within several of the Centre’s auditoria.
The use of remote cameras has increased dramatically over recent years due to cost-cutting, the constant search for innovative camera shots and mechanical and electronic advances, the impact of reality television, the Olympics and rock concerts has been transformed by strategically placed remote cameras.
To fine tune the requirements for the Barbican, Production Development (part of the BBC’s Production Modernisation) served as consultancy to look at the current and future possibilities. Mike Philpott, currently on attachment to Production Development from BBC Resources Ltd., designed much of the system, together with colleagues from Outside Broadcasts. Production Development had already co-funded a number of pilot programmes with Resources and Classical Music to refine the production possibilities and technical infrastructure.
At the Barbican the structure of an air-conditioned, soundproof control room was built and the BBC Consulting and Projects Group and BBC OB’s produced a technical specification for Rotronics Systems, who were awarded the contract for installation.
BBC, www.bbc.co.uk
(GB)