Our Work

A Challenging Rig

Altered Images faced many challenges and responsibilities with this project; the least of which was how to install cameras to be both stable and completely harmless to the £1m hand-built craft’s structure and finish. The production team also tasked them with making the installed cameras very discreet so that the on-screen talent would forget they were being filmed. This resulted in a more natural engagement on screen for the production.

Altered Images specified eight IP67-rated cameras up on deck, with four Panasonic PTZ cameras below deck, all controlled and recorded in one of the aft cabins. “Helping the cameras blend in below deck – safely and without any screws, nails or sticky tape – was an extra challenge,” comments Tony Gill, Altered Images’ managing director and unit manager at the time of filming. “In the end, we decided to manufacture temporary replica upholstery that blended into the surroundings in order that we could fix the cameras to those, then we were able to swap back to the original furniture after the shoot.”

Isolated audio was captured from eight sources, including radio mics, with a live stereo feed also recorded during the shoot. The cameras and audio were synchronised via time-of-day timecode, as were any shoulder-mounted cameras that were used on the boat or shore, removing the need for cables to make boarding and disembarking safe for both the talent and crew.

The whole rig used just 400 Watts in energy – equivalent to just four tungsten light bulbs – which meant that Altered Images could use an intelligent Lithium Ion battery rig and achieve up to 40 hours’ recording time between charges. The rig’s health was monitored from shore by the following safety boat, with a road-based support crew to enable the production to keep the onboard headcount within maritime allowances.

“The task that we gave Altered Images was a complex one, since we needed them to rig a 50ft yacht with hot-head and waterproof static cameras, as well as a gallery suitable for small compact spaces and rocky seas,” explains Fi Maclay, Knickerbockerglory’s Production Manager on Britain By Boat. “As always, Tony and the team from Altered were wonderful to work with – no task was too small and we could rely on them even in the most difficult of circumstances.”

“This was a fantastic project to be involved in, which perfectly highlights how adaptable Altered Images is to its clients’ creative challenges,” adds Tony.

To watch the programme and find out about future episodes, please visit the Channel 5 website at www.channel5.com/show/britain-by-boat/

About Altered Images

Altered Images is a leading expert in workflow system design and a major technology reseller for the broadcast, television production, education and corporate communications industry. Its highly-skilled team understands visual communication technology, offering everything from a single product to a complete turnkey solution. From consultancy and system design, through to sales, installation and support, Altered Images offers a fully-specified service for production and broadcast professionals. For further information, please get in touch.

About Knickerbockerglory

Knickerbockerglory is an independent production company launched in 2011 by Jonathan Stadlen with the aim of making shows we love, sharing our profits and giving to charity. In 2017, we were proud to be voted the best place to work in TV by Broadcast Magazine, and also won Best Documentary at the Mind Media Awards for “Me and My Mental Illness”. For further information, please visit www.knickerbockerglory.tv