When VG Direkte (VGTV), a Web-based television station in Oslo, Norway, decided to challenge the world record for longest interview, the live five-camera production was anchored by the station’s Broadcast Pix™ Granite™ 1000 integrated production system. The record-breaking interview of historian and political enthusiast Hans Olav Lahlum by Mads A. Andersen began at 11 a.m. on May 22 and ended 30 hours, 1 minute, and 44 seconds later.
According to Pål Hansen, VGTV’s chief technology officer, two cameras provided static shots throughout the production, including a two-shot of Lahlum and Anderson. Two camera operators provided close-ups of the discussion, while another operator handled a crane-mounted camera, which provided dynamic moving shots throughout the interview.
A backup production was produced simultaneously using a Broadcast Pix Mica™, along with a static camera. The main production used wireless microphones along with a redundant set of cabled backup mics, while the backup production had a separate set of mics as well.
Produced at VGTV’s media house in the center of Oslo, the interview was conducted in a street-level studio with large windows, so pedestrians could look in and watch the action. A studio audience was invited as well. Hansen said VGTV attempted to break the record to build publicity for the network, which is owned by one of Norway’s largest print newspapers, and its regular interview programming.
VGTV has been using its Granite 1000 since 2011, and the station added a Broadcast Pix Mica™ system last year. The built-in Fluent™ workflow tools were major selling points, particularly the Inscriber CG and Fluent Clip Store. “For the interview we didn’t use clips, of course. That was all live,” Hansen said. “We used CG and the animation player for lower-thirds.”
During the production, there was only one major technical issue. Power in the studio shut down once due to a rain leak that short circuited a power connection on the wall. As a result, the production lost light for a few minutes and the backup mics had to be used. Otherwise, the show went smoothly. “There were no problems with the Broadcast Pix whatsoever,” Hansen added.
About Broadcast Pix
The leader in live video production systems with end-to-end integration, Broadcast Pix was founded in 2002 and has customers in more than 110 countries. Its systems combine an integrated switcher, clip server, CG, and external control software with patented control panels, unique touch-screens, and exceptional displays. Systems range from compact systems controlled by touch-screen or voice automation to large sophisticated control panels. Customers include leading streaming, broadcast, sports, corporate, education, religious, and government studios.
