HOME to the country’s most credible broadcast news organization, media giant GMA Network debuts a P63-million news set in time for GMA News and Public Affairs’ Eleksyon 2019 coverage on May 13.
The network’s multimillion investment covers the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest in media technology that promises more engaging and compelling content for today’s viewers.
GMA News’ 360-degree set, which is designed to provide zero overshoots, features two Barco video walls, LED floor, LED video wall and nine LFD monitors. In addition, augmented reality executions enable GMA News to effectively illustrate content for better consumption. Further setting the stage for innovation, the new set also sees a fully functional second floor.
“In this age where viewing habits continue to shift, we are committed to make our news delivery relevant to the ever-changing world of media consumption,” shares GMA Senior Vice President for News and Public Affairs Marissa L. Flores. “We wanted a world-class set, with functionalities that will help us tell our stories better, and what better way to launch it than during our Eleksyon 2019 coverage.”
The new set and lighting are designed by US based company FX Design Group, which is known for their use of cutting-edge technology in projects for many of the world’s top broadcasters, such as CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, ESPN, CCTV, The Golf Channel and CNBC. FX has won numerous awards including Emmys, Promax BDAs, and four Newscast Studio Set of the Year awards.
“It’s a breakthrough, kind of worldwide, not just Southeast Asia,” FX Design Group CEO and Creative Director Mack McLaughlin said about his firm being tapped by GMA for this innovation. “I think it’s going to be amazing—to launch a project of this size especially leading into the elections,” he adds. GMA Network will also utilize the Oscar-award winning Mad About Technology Towercam Twin Peek camera in the new set. The robotic overhead camera has been used in films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Casino Royale, the Harry Potter films and The Help. At the same time, the network will use stYpe’s RedSpy, an optical camera tracking system that will allow immersive graphics executions not just inside the studios but outdoors, as well. stYpe is a recipient of an Emmy award in 2016 for Best Technical Studio, as well as the IBC 2017 Innovation Award for Content Creation and the Judge’s Prize.
Last year, GMA invested P154 million on a Newsroom Automation System through a MOA signing with Vizrt. The NAS enables GMA News to have an integrated workflow by allowing its news teams to produce reports faster, and with more details and background information matched with precise video materials and sound bites. GMA is the first channel in the Philippines to go with Vizrt.