Click to play video Two women sat on yellow chairs talking to each other in an interview style

Now Playing

Collaboration was at the heart of this project, working with the Saatchi gallery, Broadsword created a showcase exploring the what, how and why of virtual and hybrid events, producing and directing a short film on the new post-Covid challenges organisers and suppliers are facing. 
I’m so proud to be a part of the UK events industry. The way the community has responded to Covid-19, everyone collaborating and supporting each other has been what’s kept us all going. The switch to virtual has been pretty radical, it’s had to be, but we are definitely working on a model that will enable the events of the future, for the audiences of the future, which is exciting. 
Anna Green, Broadsword MD

Now Playing’ was created and designed to show the possibilities of a broadcast style format, with interviews and presentations filmed alongside a professional host from multiple locations within the gallery and some interviewees joining via video link, illustrating the effectiveness of this format for digital events.

Room full of camera and filming equipment
Man looking at two screens, editing a video

What was the starting point for this project? 

Well of course, it was the script, which told the story and was the blueprint for the broadcast. Setting the parameters and creating a seamless production process, the script served as a guide for everyone involved. A professional host was engaged to guide the show, narrating, interviewing, moderating and acting as the audience’s tour guide”. It was important that the host was confident and natural, had a general ease talking to the camera and could read from the autocue. 

Those participating included Anthony Coleridge, Head of Events at Saatchi, who hosted the event and Suzanne Costello, Head of Events at the Advertising Association who spoke about the challenges of taking live events online. Strikingly, the tone was overwhelmingly positive – with most of the focus on the opportunities for innovation using event technology. 

Now Playing’ clearly illustrated the value of professional film production and a studio set up. Show production and contingency planning were addressed by Creative Director, Martin Walton, alongside a behind the scenes view of Broadsword’s Master Control Room (MCR) which can facilitate a wide range of virtual and hybrid events. 

Broadsword’s mix of creativity and technical expertise, alongside extensive broadcasting experience enabled the team to make sense of what’s on offer, what’s possible, what the options are so that they could translate and steer clients and design virtual events that are fit for purpose.