The Ashes: Terry Charlton of AE Live on graphics updates and the introduction of virtual advertising

Terry Charlton, AE Live project manager for Sky Sports Cricket, tells SVG Europe about what’s new in terms of graphics for this Ashes series and discusses the challenges and benefits of remote production.

What new things are you doing for Sky at the Ashes this year and why?

For this year’s Ashes, the Sky graphics package has received a branding update, promoting team colours on every graphic to drive the Ashes rivalry.

We are also introducing virtual advertising with Broadcast Virtual. Using its proprietary Multi Region Branding (MRB) technology we are delivering two broadcast feeds that provide regional-specific advertising into the Indian and Australian markets. With Broadcast Victual’s MRB solution the camera data is collected onsite and delivered to Sky HQ where the production happens. The virtual mats are inserted into each of the broadcast feeds before being delivered to Sky’s MCR and their final destinations. The team has worked closely with the ECB, Sky and their broadcast partners to deliver a seamless integration of the MRB product to produce the two unique feeds, with advertising relevant in the respective markets.

We’re also displaying four logos, two on the near stumps and two on the far stumps, and we have the capability for a mid-wicket/side view.

We’ve also migrated our Touchscreen equipment and GFX operators into the main OB truck, reducing our carbon footprint.

What are you doing that’s a continuation of last year?

We are continuing with our remote workflow driving Sky and AE’s wider goals. All graphics equipment is based in the cloud and at Osterley, with the match & presentation graphics operated remotely from AE’s Graphics Operation Centre in Hemel Hempstead.

Touchscreen services are delivered on-site with the AE system driving Sky’s touchscreen analysis on the Sky Cart and in the Ashes Zone, as well as in the commentary box.

What is the biggest challenge you’re facing this year?

The updates to the graphics package and implementation of team colours has actually been quite a lot of work, almost a full style rebuild, which always poses challenges around testing and roll out, particularly when there is a series with this many pairs of eyes on it.

The challenges around remote workflows can still be there, however it’s usually more with set-up and prep time these days. We connect to Sky’s Vizrt Engines remotely from Hemel Hempstead via control PCs that exist in the AWS Cloud. By the time TX comes around, everything is ready to go, and the benefits of the switch are clear for all to see.

We use our own Viz engines for the touchscreen delivery. These are installed in the main OB truck.

What are you most excited about?

We’ve worked with Sky Cricket since 1993 and it’s a privilege to continue our long-standing partnership, but ultimately, we are fans so getting to work on the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series since 2005 is quite special.

What technologies that you’re using do you see as being the most cutting edge, forward looking?

Obviously, the remote workflow is the most forward looking, but our Touchscreen workflow and how that integrates with Sky’s EVS and AE’s wider cricket platform for match data and stats is still quite cool. The challenges associated with one system driving multiple touchscreens (one of which is a mobile cart) can be testing, but our team have the workflow nailed down and it really helps make for some insightful analysis runs and player interviews.