Institut Pere Martell acquires URSA Broadcast

As part of a planned upgrade, the school has recently invested in a live production workflow for its Performing Audiovisual Projects and Shows diploma. The deployment includes multiple URSA Broadcast camera chains alongside the ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K, ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel and ATEM Camera Control Panel.

Head of the image and sound department, Josep Maria Grau Masot, begins: "The primary use of our new live production workflow begins in the second year of the diploma." 

For the most part, students produce multi-cam live broadcasts within a studio environment, using URSA Broadcast with Blackmagic Studio Viewfinders and the ATEM vision mixer. "Initially, we look to provide students with all the fundamentals that will then underpin their progress through the remainder of the course. That includes familiarizing them with the technical operation of the camera hardware," explains Josep Maria.

"The later practices increase in difficulty, demanding more of our students, both technically and creatively. That can include directing a news programme with three cameras or an interview with two video play out. Practices four and five see students move on to producing two magazine shows. 

“Here we begin introducing chroma keying as well as the use of cranes and mobile devices as a source. That includes using the students' smartphones as a subjective camera in the audience as part of the vision mix,” he says. 

“We also encourage students to develop an understanding and appreciation of general filmmaking practice and storytelling," Josep Maria continues. "The camera's ability to record onboard to CFast 2 means that students can experiment with raw based acquisition workflows where post-production is required. That flexibility was a key selling point for the school."

He concludes: "The experience of both faculty and students so far has been overwhelmingly positive. As more and more production companies invest in Blackmagic Design, it makes sense that we do too.  Teaching the broadcast professionals of tomorrow on the same class-leading live production workflows will ensure they are well prepared when they come out into the industry."