Picture Canning provide production facilities for 'Coach Trip'

Broadcast facilities specialists Picture Canning provided the production facilities of the second series of Channel 4's ‘Coach Trip’, which went to air the week beginning April 24.
The programme is a travel-meets-reality show where a coach load of Brits set off on a five week trip around Europe.
Stopping off at a wealth of destinations on their way, tensions run high when people are forced to spend too much time together. But this is a 'Coach Trip' with a difference, because couples that become just too annoying will be voted off by their fellow coach trippers – dropped off at the nearest station and sent home.
PCC Director Leslie Zunz took charge of the design and build of the technically challenging installation onboard the coach. In one week, the rear half was transformed into a technical control and production area. The onboard facility consists of 4 robotic hothead cameras, 3 fixed cameras, 7 VTRs, and comms around the coach. The greatest challenge was to ensure the hothead cameras were vibration free to guarantee stable images while the coach was travelling thousands of miles around Europe. Via a 24 channel audio desk, 16 iso tracks and a mixed feed are recorded on the bank of VTR’s. There are also 3 PSC crews and 2 PD150 crews on board to follow the contestants on their trips away from the coach.
It’s a tough job too for professional tour guide Brendon, whose patience is tested daily as he herds 14 people around. There are arguments, parties and travel sickness to contend with – all mixed up with some of the most amazing sights in Europe. (CD/CL)