A sports profile VT on Louise Sugden, Paralympic powerlifter and Commonwealth Games competitor, commissioned by Sunset+Vine for broadcast use across the Commonwealth Games and its global network of broadcasters.
To keep this production lean, Charlie handled the entire production solo - producing, directing, shooting, and editing the piece from start to finish.
The gym near Maidenhead was small and the exterior unusable, which meant working creatively within the space available. Kit was kept deliberately lightweight using two cameras paired with zoom lenses and a 300D - a run-and-gun setup that kept things nimble without sacrificing quality. The approach was to shoot quickly and fluidly around the space, then bring a more considered, premium feel to the interview, giving the finished piece the feel of a proper broadcast feature rather than a quick-turnaround news package.
Louise was a natural, open, generous with her time, and completely at ease in front of the camera. When the talent is that good, it makes our job very much easier!
The finished VT was picked up by a number of broadcasters for use on their own channels, and played across digital platforms and the main screens at the event itself. A one-man operation that punched well above its weight.
Yes, when the brief calls for it. There are projects where a single experienced operator - producing, directing, shooting, and editing, is the right solution, whether that's driven by access, budget, or turnaround. Our team are capable of working that way without compromising the output. That said, most of what we do involves a full crew, and we'd always recommend the right setup for the job rather than defaulting to the lightest option.
Yes. Athlete profiles require a specific approach - getting a subject who may not be a natural presenter to open up on camera, often in an environment that isn't particularly conducive to filming. The best sports profile VTs feel like proper broadcast features rather than quick-turnaround packages. That's a creative and technical challenge, and one we've executed well time and time again.
Yes. Fast turnarounds are a reality of broadcast and live event production. The key is preparation - knowing exactly what you need before you walk through the door, and having the experience to adapt when things don't go to plan.