United provides technical support network for MTV European Music Awards

Rotterdam Ahoy hosts the 2016 MTV European Music Awards (EMA), one of the world’s biggest music spectacles, this weekend. Service provider United, based at Media Park in Hilversum, is responsible for the overall technical infrastructure of this show. It is the fourth time for United to supply MTV EMA with a full array of facilities for recording all elements that together will culminate in the live show on Sunday evening.

Hilversum-based United facilitated the EMA three times before, in Glasgow, Amsterdam and Milan. “Thanks to our advanced network equipment everyone can access every piece of content,” Burnaby Lautier, Manager Special Projects, explains. “Using special servers, all elements are linked through a fibre network. This is how we create a complete network where everyone can go and pick content. Whether you direct the show in the US, or need videos for social media, everyone can access all files 24/7. No matter what edit or clip you need. Are you looking for some red carpet shots of the stars? No problem.”

To make it all possible a United crew of more than 100 people has pitched camp in Rotterdam, bringing with them an impressive arsenal of technical equipment, including 13 vehicles. There are five big broadcast vehicles, a complete digital audio unit, a DDP truck, 14 mobile editing units, 100 monitors and screens, 38 cameras and countless kilometres of cable. A full state-of-the-art intercom system has been set up allowing hundreds of people to stay in touch constantly.

At the EMA various awards will be presented to (European) musicians and artists. The line-up includes Bruno Mars, Zara Larsson, Lukas Graham, Shawn Mendes, DNCE and Dutch DJ’s Martin Garrix and Afrojack. Every year the show attracts 40 million viewers across more than 60 stations worldwide. Online views are close to 200 million.