BBC Studioworks has opened the doors to its new Kelvin Hall production hub in Glasgow, with STV confirmed as the first studio residency.
The company has invested in the latest technology for the hub, including HD facilities, and high-quality audio equipment.
The current technology installed at the Kelvin Hall includes:
Cameras, visions mixers and monitors
- Six Sony HDC-3200 studio cameras. The 3200 is Sony’s latest model which has a native UHD 4K image sensor and can easily be upgraded to UHD.
- Sony XVS7000 vision switcher, LMD and A9 OLED monitors for control room monitoring.
Hardwired and radio communications systems
- 32 Bolero radio beltpacks with the distributed Artist fibre-based intercom platform and for external comms, VOIP codecs.
- A SAM Sirius routing platform solution to support the most challenging applications in a live production environment and to ensure easy adoption of future technology innovations.
Audio
- Studer Vista X large-scale audio processing solution that provides pristine sound for broadcast.
- Calrec Type R grams mixing desk. A super-sized grams desk providing ample space for the operation of the Type R desk and associated devices, such as Spot On instant replay machines.
- A Reaper multi track recording server.
Lighting
- ETC Ion XE20 lighting desk and an ETC DMXLan lighting network.
- 108 lighting bars with a mix of 16A and 32A outlets (if tungsten is required).
- 48 Desisti F10 Vari-White Fresnels.
- 24 ETC Source 4 Series 3 Lustr X8 coming early 2023.
The site covers a footprint of 10,500 sq. ft and can accommodate both long-term residencies and spot bookings for a wide range of entertainment shows across multiple genres. The sound and lighting galleries are the largest that BBC Studioworks has built across its entire UK footprint.
Sustainability has been a key driver in the studio design, said the company. As well as repurposing a previously derelict section of the building, the studio has been designed without dimmers to support LED and low energy lighting technology.
The reduced heat generated by the low energy lighting has enabled the use of air-source heat pump technology for heating and cooling, and the ventilation plant has class-leading efficiency using heat recovery systems. The studio will reduce the carbon footprint of local TV production and fuel the growth of the sector by boosting local employment, said BBC Studioworks.
Speaking about the launch, Andrew Moultrie, CEO BBC Studioworks said: “This is a new and exciting chapter for BBC Studioworks as we expand our footprint across the UK. This is also a new chapter for this historic and much-loved building. Adding to its rich and varied history, Kelvin Hall now boasts a purpose-built studio facility which is futureproofed with cutting-edge and industry-leading technology.
“The fact that we have the production powerhouse, STV Studios as our first client is testament to the world class quality of the facilities and this unique space which now exists as part of Scotland’s rich creative landscape. We are proud to continue Kelvin Hall’s amazing legacy which has spanned many generations, complimenting the creative sector here in Glasgow and helping Scotland’s creative communities thrive.”
