Vizrt and Champion Data collaborated to create a visually enhanced pre-show experience for the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, featuring Katy Perry’s performance.
The integration of virtual reality (VR) graphics provided an elevated viewing experience for fans at home and on social media. The AFL Grand Final attracted a record-breaking 4 million viewers on Seven Network, who witnessed a unique blend of live performances and dynamic, galaxy-inspired graphics.
Effortless Production with Vizrt Technology
Champion Data utilized Vizrt’s Viz Virtual Studio and Viz Engine for the production, which allowed them to minimize adjustments during the live broadcast. Andrew Mott from Champion Data highlighted that Vizrt’s technology enabled a “set and forget” approach to production, maintaining performance quality for both Katy Perry’s show and standard game graphics without extensive reprogramming.
Seamless Integration of Unreal Engine Graphics
The production leveraged Viz Engine 5’s compatibility with Unreal Engine to incorporate high-resolution 4K graphics, developed by Silent Partners Studio, into Seven Network’s live broadcast. This setup allowed Champion Data to use its existing AFL Match Day infrastructure without the need for new systems, seamlessly transitioning between game graphics and Katy Perry’s AR performance.
Leveraging Advanced Tracking for Real-Time Graphics
For the performance, Champion Data utilized Tracking Hub and Studio Manager from the Viz Virtual Studio setup. Three cameras, including two with mechanical tracking, sent data to Studio Manager, which calibrated and processed it for rendering on Viz Engines. This enabled the display of Mushroom Graphics’ Unreal-based visuals on live feeds, expanding Champion Data’s standard graphics infrastructure to accommodate the concert experience.
Collaborative Effort by Industry Leaders
This hybrid AR production was made possible through the expertise of multiple partners, including Vizrt, Mushroom Events, Silent Partners Studio, NEP Group Inc, Seven Network, and Epic Games. The project demonstrated Champion Data’s ability to integrate advanced AR graphics into live broadcasts, bringing high-quality visuals to a broader range of events.
