PhotoCineLive equips new live OB production vehicle with Sony switcher, VENICE cameras and 4K monitors

Film production services specialist gives OB staff familiar working environment with XVS-G1 live switcher, VENICE 2 full-frame cameras and PVM-X series high-grade 4K HDR picture monitors.

How we helped
The Challenge
  • Production services specialist wished to replicate familiarity of existing control room equipment in its compact new OB3 truck
The Solution
  • XVS-G1 4K UHD live production switcher
  • VENICE 2 full-frame digital cinema cameras
  • PVM-X2400 and PVM-X3200 4K HDR TRIMASTER high grade picture monitors
The Outcome
  • OB staff enjoy same operational experience as in fixed control room, for more efficient working and reduced need for cross-training

The XVS-G1 switcher perfectly met our requirements in terms of technical specifications and space requirements.

Lucien Peron, Equipment Manager, PhotoCineLive

Multi-camera production with cinematic quality

Paris-based PhotoCineLive is a leading provider of film production services, with a packed roster of projects spanning live concerts, theatre performances, fashion shows, corporate events and more. A particular speciality is high-end live multi-camera productions, using large-sensor cameras to capture cinematic images.

To enhance its production capabilities, PhotoCineLive has recently completed construction and commissioning of OB3 – its state-of-the-art new van that’s been custom designed by Danish integrator OBtechTV. Accommodating up to 20 cameras, the 12 metre truck offers 12 work stations for technicians and creative staff. The vehicle’s highly modular technical design is also readily adaptable.

The 12 metre OB3 broadcast vehicle.
Working place inside of broadcasr truck with PVM-X2400 and PVM-X3200 4K HDR TRIMASTER high grade picture monitors.

Familiarity and comfort for OB staff

PhotoCineLive has long operated mobile Outside Broadcast vehicles for live production. However its requirements have expanded with the need for a more compact OB solution for working in urban locations, without compromising technical capabilities and comfort for production staff.

“We needed the truck to be as compact as possible while still being spacious inside” notes PhotoCineLive owner Albrecht Gerlach. “We wanted a comfortable space, premium equipment and dedicated furniture to create the atmosphere of a fixed control room” adds Equipment Manager Lucien Peron. Inside, the new vehicle is equipped with latest production technologies from Sony, including the compact but power-packed XVS-G1 live switcher, VENICE 2 full-frame cameras and PVM-X2400 and PVM-X3200 4K HDR TRIMASTER high grade picture monitors.

The natural choice for live production

As Lucien explains, it was a natural move to equip the new vehicle with familiar equipment: “Sony’s VENICE and VENICE 2 cameras are our preferred working tools. Our mobile control rooms were already equipped with RCP-3500 RCPs and PVM-X1800, X2400 and X3200 monitors. So it was natural for us to choose the same equipment for our new OB van. We’ve added the XVS-G1 switcher, which perfectly met our requirements in terms of technical specifications and space requirements. It’s accompanied by two ICP-X1116 and 1224 control panels, giving us two production workstations.”

Mobile control room inside of the broadcast truck.

We’re delighted with the confidence that PhotoCineLive has shown in Sony and its products over the years. When Albrecht spoke to us about the design of this truck, we were able to offer him products adapted to his specific technical needs and meeting the requirements of high-end and cinematographic production. We're delighted that the expertise of the local Sony teams has helped us meet this challenge and that we've been able to support PhotoCineLive in this great adventure.

Pascal Kerloch, Sony Key Account Manager