In the first season of the newly revamped World Rugby SVNS tournament, featuring the top 12 men’s and women’s teams, host broadcaster Sunset+Vine and Ignite (AE Live NZ) collaborated with World Rugby to deliver a fresh and engaging production.
Production Collaboration
Steve Jamieson, World Rugby’s executive producer and director of live events, praised Sunset+Vine’s role since 2019. He highlighted their understanding of World Rugby’s goals, budgets, and the close working relationship. AE Live was primarily responsible for graphics and statistics gathering.
Ultra Motion Fan Cam
A notable addition this season was the ultra motion fan cam. This camera captured close-ups of fans throughout the game, enhancing the broadcast with slow-motion replays of their reactions. This innovation aimed to convey the stadium atmosphere to viewers at home.
Innovative Replay Techniques
World Rugby experimented with different replay techniques to enhance viewer experience. One example is the use of box replays, showing fans’ or coaches’ reactions alongside the live action. Jamieson emphasized the trial-and-error approach, aiming for impactful viewer experiences.
Enhanced Graphics
In partnership with AE Live NZ, World Rugby reimagined the graphics for the new production. Ignite developed graphics that integrated live statistics and analytics, enhancing the fan experience. The SVNS Sundial Clock, unique to each tournament location, highlighted the tension of each minute in the seven-minute halves.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Jamieson expressed a desire for Spidercam at every event, citing its effectiveness in capturing the expansive nature of sevens rugby. The use of Spidercam at the 2020 Olympics received mixed reactions, but it was particularly favored by younger audiences familiar with video game perspectives.
The first season of the revamped World Rugby SVNS has set a new standard in sports broadcasting, aiming to balance the interests of diverse audience demographics while pushing the boundaries of broadcast technology.
About Sunset+Vine
Sunset+Vine, established in 1983, is a leading British sports TV production company. Known for delivering high-quality live sports programming, the company has a strong portfolio that includes Premier League football, ICC cricket events, and major multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships. They have also been recognized for their innovative coverage of the Paralympic Games.
About AE Live
AE Live is a prominent provider of television graphics and data solutions, established in 1992. The company is known for its innovative approach to broadcast graphics, including the design and delivery of graphics, remote production, virtual studios, and augmented reality solutions. AE Live has a strong global presence with subsidiaries in South Africa, India, Australia, USA, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
News source: https://ae.live/what-we-do/broadcast
