Gravity Media Columbus delivers coverage of Wilder vs Fury 2 for BT Sport

Gravity Media provided BT Sport’s exclusive PPV coverage of the Deontay Wilder vs Tyson Fury 2 heavyweight title fight last weekend. Columbus, Gravity Media’s Los Angeles-based 4K multi-purpose mobile unit, was deployed at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand venue alongside its operational B Unit for the rematch on 22 February.

The two Gravity Media mobile units joined three additional OB trucks and six SNG vehicles within the TV compound at MGM. They were used to produce BT Sport’s on-site presentation studio as well as coverage from ringside. In addition, Gravity Media also supplied commentary and comms to the UK rights holder.

BT Sport boxing presenter Paul Dempsey with analysts (L/R) Lennox Lewis, David Haye and Richie Woodhall

The flexibility offered by its 60ft single expanding Columbus unit, which carries and deploys UK-friendly production kit, was a key attraction for BT Sport. Tools such as Glensound commentary equipment and Coles lip mics combined with an engineering team that’s experienced in UK production workflows were important considerations.

Marc Genin, Gravity Media’s executive vice president, added: “Although Columbus was built to serve the North American production market, it can be reconfigured with elements that are preferred in British productions. This means that we can meet the specific requirements of UK content creators such as BT Sport which are covering major events over here without having to compromise on ambition or quality to achieve a familiar feel.”

Columbus is the flagship of Gravity Media’s North American fleet and was the first mobile unit to feature a full 4K monitor wall, one-button hydraulic deployment and integrated RF. It has been used for a range of high-end 4K HDR and UHD sports and entertainment productions in the US.