The starting point of the project 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.