Press Release from ZSPACE
ZSPACE has created nine sets for the London Olympics. The sets, seven for CCTV5 China and two for Foxtel Australia secure set design as a successful addition to ZSPACE's creative services stable. ZSPACE also collaborated with Nine on its Olympics opener for London 2012.
With Foxtel broadcasting eight channels, ZSPACE’s Jean- Christophe Danoy designed two co-joined sets with a view from one to the other through clear glass creating a sense of activity. The larger set features a curved wall of 6 x 3 frameless plasma screens. This versatile tool enables Foxtel to break up the screen into the eight channels, or use it as one or more screens. RGB lighting allows the sets to change dramatically according to the
sport being broadcast, and creating a look for all eight channels.
ZSPACE beat heavy competition from US and UK companies to win the contract for CCTV5's Olympic sets: three in Beijing, and four in London. Danoy's designs were inspired by his experience working in China, the CCTV building itself, the London Olympic graphic look, and by the city of London.
Seven sets were designed and created by the ZSPACE team including Mark Dyson of Pitch Design – all in a very tight timeframe. With the sets being designed in Australia, and then built in both China and the UK, an international co-operation was established over three continents.
The seven sets include, in Beijing: a multi-functioning sports hub that will continue to be used as a set after the Olympics, its design inspired by the dramatic architecture of the CCTV building; a slick, modern and versatile set based on the colours of the London Olympics; and a three/way set that will house three programs using a circular pod to shoot in any direction.
In London: a modern studio using the city of London as its hero; a casual interview set designed to create the cosy atmosphere of a London clubhouse; a studio designed especially for the Internet, and a small, chic set that overlooks the Olympic Stadium.
Jean-Christophe Danoy said, "The sets were very well received on an international stage. We had a lot of interest from other country’s networks, one even asking for us to send drawings on our return to Oz."
ZSPACE also collaborated on the design and production of Nine Network Australia’s Olympics opener, working closely with the in-house team. The look is based on the city of London, the look of London 2012 and Australian athletes.