Here are Grabyo’s favorite content production ideas from around the sports and broadcast industry over the past weeks.
With normality looming ever closer, sports and entertainment have continued to adapt to life behind closed doors.
In the absence of Formula E, the sporting body launched a very different series- Marbula E. IBM delved into their archives so fans could re-watch some of the most historic Wimbledon matches. Using AI, IBM was able to improve the quality ofvideos stretching back to 1990. The first international test cricket series began as England hosted West Indies after a three-month absence. Several virtual races have been launched in place of canceled events this summer from amateur to professional. Zwift are running a virtual Tour de France series and Bloomberg have created #RunForYourCity to raise vital funds in response to the pandemic.
Marbula E
To maintain a connection to its fans, Formula E partnered with YouTube channel Jelle’s Marble Runs to launch the light-hearted Marbula E concept. In the absence of live races, each Formula E team was represented in a marble race on a specially designed track. Tracks were to-scale to represent each of the Formula E races, and to enhance the viewer experience there were graphics, live commentary and a marble-filled grandstand. Thinking innovatively, the concept attracted a global audience and ensured that the fans weren’t without something competitive to keep them entertained.
IBM & Wimbledon
Archive content has been a popular method to keep fans with a variety of interests engaged. There has been Hamilton published on Disney+, the FA replaying historic games and the BBC reliving the best of Glastonbury. With no grass tennis in SW19 this year, Wimbledon did something similar. As fans are now accustomed to HD and 4K viewing experiences, a few grainy hours of historic tennis matches aren’t as appealing. Using IBM’s AI technology, its partnership with the AELTC resulted in a higher quality video experience, allowing fans a more engaging way to re-live classic matches.
Cricket is back!
As England host the West Indies cricket team, the social and content teams are hard at work keeping the fans connected to the play. Highlights, in-game clips, and fan polls are a combination of content available on social platforms. Fan involvement is crucial at the moment and interactive experiences enrich the overall experience.
An outrageous catch to seal the win @OPope32! 👐
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 20, 2020
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/XrEXxaebRK#ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/89ou9a9jRz
#RunForYourCity
Every year Bloomberg runs the Square Mile Relay, where companies compete against each other in a one-mile relay race. In 12 financial hubs across the world, the event aims to bring colleagues closer whilst raising money for local charities in each of the host cities. This year the event has been adapted using gamification. Companies will race against each other virtually to gain activity points for the chance to win additional money for their chosen charities.
WE’RE BACK! We’ve just launched our new Bloomberg Square Mile Relay Virtual Club. Find out more 👉 https://t.co/4yBjc6ecgH#RunForYourCity #VirtualClub pic.twitter.com/amm8nrXJv0
— Bloomberg Square Mile Relay (@SquareMileRelay) July 8, 2020
Tour de France Virtuel
The Tour de France has teamed up with Zwift to bring cycling fans and participants the opportunity to be involved in one of the biggest cycling events of the calendar year. Bringing in feeds from cyclists on zoom, as well as the technical information, viewers have an immersive viewing experience. Zwift has replicated the stages directly from the race, including the infamous finish on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The event is broadcast on local French TV channels.
🇬🇧 #TDFvirtual Stage 6 highlights 🎥
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 19, 2020
🇺🇸 @LollyIsLauren and 🇦🇺 @clarkeywilbur win the sprint on the Champs-Elysées.
🚴♀🚴♂ @teamTIBCO_SVB and @NTTProCycling win the #TDFvirtual.#GoZwift pic.twitter.com/BfbBsQd44c
To learn more about Grabyo and how we are helping global broadcasters, rights holders and media companies overcome these challenges with our cloud-based video production and editing platform – get in touch today.