Sky Production Services launches ‘Zero Client’ remote editing kit

Sky Production Services (SPS) has launched its brand-new ‘zero client’ remote editing kit for freelance editors.

The kit will be standardised and delivered to long-form freelance editors working on Sky content, or freelancers working on concurrent projects over a longer period.

Following on from the initial distribution of laptops during the first lockdown, the new uniform ‘kit of parts’ represents the next stage of SPS’ plan to enable freelance editors to continue working safely and remotely.

SPS’ remote editing kit aims to allow content makers to choose from a wider pool of talent and ensure that editing talent is chosen by skill and not by the equipment. Standardising the kit will also help the support team reduce the amount of time they spend on troubleshooting a wide variety of individual home kits and setups.

As standard, each ‘zero client’ remote editing kit will include: two iiyama ProLite monitors (1920×1080), an Avid keyboard, USB mouse, M-Audio AV42 speakers, Mack Big Knob Passive speaker controller, Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO mobile studio headphones, Amulet Hotkey Dual Screen Zero Client, plus all the required cables.

Utilising the kit will help freelance editors connect securely and directly into Sky through the corporate VPN, eliminating the need for password and verification processes, and achieve the same experience and consistency of work as working on-site in one of SPS’ edit suites.

Adam Downey, director of post-production & partnerships, SPS, commented: “Like everyone, we have been working remotely for a while and though this is a small step, it is an important one that recognises that remote working will be here beyond COVID-19. It is great to have this extra kit in our arsenal to support freelancers and producers who have been getting by with just a laptop, to make it a richer experience.”

Michael Logue, user support manager, SPS, added: “The standardisation of kit and the avoidance of the corporate network traffic have been our most recent targets to achieve in the evolution of working from home. So, we are delighted with this development and we will continue to work with our innovation and technical teams to continue enhancing the operator and client experience.”