New camera moves for Stockholm Eurovision Song Contest planned by NEP Sweden

NEP Sweden (formerly Mediatec Broadcast) and Rail & Tracking Systems (RTS) have purchased Newton camera heads from Intuitive Aerial. The gyro-stabilised heads will be used for the live broadcast of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. “The Newton gives us rock-steady images,” said Axel Engström, project manager at NEP Sweden. “We look forward to using the Newton for the Eurovision Song Contest in May.”

The Newton stabilises cameras to capture steady shots from compact rigs with box-type UHD cinema and TV cameras. The 15-lb unit can be mounted on 1D/2D/3D wire-cam systems, cranes, dollies, motorcycles, jet skis and other vehicles, and any compact moving rig where weight and visual footprint need to be minimized.

Powered by Intuitive Aerial’s gyro-stabilisation technology and the Dominion gimbal/camera controller, the Newton enables meticulous image capture with full lens and camera control and complete freedom of movement on wired or wireless operations.

“We’ve been searching for a lightweight functional head for a long time,” said Daniel Pfleger, supervisor at RTS, which is working with NEP Sweden on the live events. Based in Germany, RTS provides filmmakers and broadcasters with creative solutions to their needs for moving cameras. “The Newton is the first stabilised remote head that comes at an affordable price and with excellent support.”

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the biggest television events with 180 million viewers worldwide and will be hosted this year in Stockholm. NEP Sweden was tapped by the host broadcaster to provide broadcast equipment for the three live TV events: the semi-finals on May 10 and 12, and the final on May 14.

“The lightweight and compact Newton is perfect for the small TV cameras we rely on, such as the Sony P1 and Grass Valley’s LDX Compact,” said Engström. “Together with these cameras and wide-angled lenses, it’s a great setup.”

The two Newton heads will run along a set of rails 10 metres long at the front of the stage that includes a tower, meaning that the NEWTON can be moved up and down, as well as horizontally along the stage. “There will be a slight wobble in the tower because of the way it’s connected to the horizontal rails,” Engström explained. “This is where the gyro-stabilisation of the NEWTON will be really important to shoot all of the live action without distracting camera judder.”