Over the past year, Blue Label (EMG) has developed a Remote setup that connects to the 'SMART control room' in Hilversum. This technology is not only versatile for various projects but also serves as a central hub for young colleagues who can be deployed flexibly both in Hilversum and on location. "The technology is designed as a compact, easily transportable system, requiring our operational colleagues to connect only the minimal cabling and equipment. The monitoring of these setups on location is managed from Hilversum," says Justin de Bie, Blue Label manager and co-developer.

The SMART-Remote control room is ideal for recording smaller sporting events, talk shows, and event registrations. By monitoring the setup from Hilversum and utilizing flexible deployment, a new way of working emerges compared to larger productions. In addition to operating cameras, our colleagues set up microphones and connect the equipment on location. Through fiber optic or internet connections, the system links back to Hilversum. "We work together from both locations to make it all run smoothly," Justin explains.

Deployment Per Registration

Starting in January 2024, EMG will handle part of the registrations for the Keuken Kampioen Divisie and the Azerion Women’s Eredivisie for ESPN. With its twenty football clubs, the Keuken Kampioen Divisie attracts over a million fans to the stadiums. The EMG crew travels to the location with no more than three people: two camera operators, and if a commentator is present at the match, a Technical Assistant joins them. Justin explains: “From the SMART control room at the Livecentre in Hilversum, our AV Technician (AVT’er) oversees all the SMART locations we have running at that time. Their role is primarily to support the locations and resolve any technical issues. Together with a director, a vision engineer, and the colleagues on-site, we collaboratively manage the entire production.”

Advantages of Remote Work

“The strength of our SMART control room lies in the flexibility of the technology and the accessibility it provides to facilitate multiple projects in a single day. This offers significant advantages for our clients,” Justin continues.

For Southfields and Team NL, during the Paralympics, we set up a SMART system in Paris for the medal ceremonies at Holland House. While these ceremonies took place in the evenings, we were able to continue during the day from the same control room in Hilversum with the Women’s Eredivisie and Hockey. This capability allows us to link three different productions to the same control room in one weekend.