FOR ELEKSYON 2019: GMA Network debuts P63-M news set and technology

MANILA – Home to the country’s most credible broadcast news organization—GMA News and Public Affairs—media giant GMA Network debuts a P63-million news set in time for its Eleksyon 2019 coverage.

The Network’s multi-million investment covers the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology that promises more engaging and compelling content for today’s viewers.

GMA News’ 360-degree set, which is designed to provide zero overshoots, features two Barco video walls, LED floor, LED video wall, and nine LFD monitors. In addition, augmented reality executions enable GMA News to effectively illustrate content for better consumption. Further setting the stage for innovation, the new set also sees a fully functional second floor.

“In this age where viewing habits continue to shift, we are committed to make our news delivery relevant to the ever-changing world of media consumption,” shares GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. “We wanted a world-class set, with functionalities that will help us tell our stories better, and what better way to launch it than during our Eleksyon 2019 coverage,” she adds.

The new set and lighting are designed by U.S. based company FX Design Group who is known for their use of cutting-edge technology in projects for many of the world’s top broadcasters such as CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, CCTV, The Golf Channel, and CNBC. FX has won numerous Emmy awards for both their set and lighting designs; several Promax BDA awards for broadcast design; and four Newscast Studio Set of the Year awards.

“It’s a breakthrough, kind of worldwide, not just Southeast Asia,” FX Design Group CEO & Creative Director Mack McLaughlin says about his firm being tapped by GMA Network for this innovation. “I think it’s going to be amazing… to launch a project of this size especially leading into the elections,” he adds.

GMA Network will also utilize the Oscar-award winning Mad About Technology (MAT) Towercam Twin Peek camera in the new set. The robotic overhead camera has been used in films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Casino Royale, Harry Potter, and The Help.  “With this camera system [MAT-Towercam], you can reach angles that you could not reach before,” says Andreas Schuler, managing engineer for Mad About Technology.

At the same time, the Network will use stYpe’s RedSpy, an optical camera tracking system that will allow immersive graphics executions not just inside the studios but outdoors as well.

stYpe is a recipient of an Emmy award in 2016 for Best Technical Studio as well as the IBC 2017 Innovation Award for Content Creation and Judge’s Prize. It won the Product of the Year for its new product “Follower” at the NAB 2019.

In tandem with the leading GFX solutions provider Vizrt, the RedSpy will take viewing experience to another level.

“We provide the best storytelling tools for the media industry. That’s what we do best. That’s what we do for GMA,” shares Nicholas Chan, regional manager of Vizrt Malaysia.

Worldwide, Vizrt caters to more than 5,000 clients and over the years has earned numerous recognitions including the IABM Game Changer Awards for Viz Story, IBC Awards VRT EBU Live IP for Viz Engine, and MediaBrand 2014 Award for RT/Viz Engine.

Last year, GMA Network invested P154 million on a Newsroom Automation System (NAS) through a MOA signing with Vizrt. The NAS enables GMA News to have an integrated workflow by allowing its news teams to produce reports faster and with more details and background information matched with precise video materials and sound bites. GMA was the first channel in the Philippines to go with Vizrt.

Discover more about these state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology as GMA News unveils its new set during the Eleksyon 2019 coverage on May 13. (30)