network Rail

Behind the Scenes of Rail Wellbeing Live: How We Pulled Off a Remote Production at Waterloo Station

Creating a live production in the middle of one of the busiest train stations in the UK is no small feat. When Rail Wellbeing Live chose Waterloo Station as the backdrop for their event, it presented unique challenges—from logistical limitations to ensuring seamless delivery in a bustling environment. Here’s how we tackled it.

The Challenge: No Room to Breathe

Waterloo Station is a high-traffic hub with thousands of commuters passing through daily. Setting up an on-site production in such a busy space came with significant restrictions:

• Limited space: No room for a dedicated production area or extensive equipment.

• No parking: Accessibility for large production vehicles was virtually non-existent.

• Health and safety: Navigating a crowded station meant operating under strict guidelines.

Given these constraints, the only viable solution was a nimble, remote production setup.

The Solution: Lightweight, Remote Production

We opted for a remote production model using LiveU technology. Here’s how it worked:

1. On-site Setup:

   • We deployed three cameras on-site, connected via LiveU units to minimize cabling and maximize efficiency.

   • Equipment was pre-rigged the day before. Once tested and marked out with tape, it was dismantled and stored securely overnight in a station manager’s office.

   • On the day of the event, we rebuilt the setup in just an hour, sticking closely to the pre-planned layout.

2. Audio Configuration:

   • Location sound was distributed to all three cameras as a backup in case of failure.

   • Each unit was configured to ensure redundancy and reliability.

The Remote Workflow

All video and audio feeds were transmitted back to the central production hub, where the magic happened:

• Processing & Mixing:
  The feeds were decoded and mixed live using SDI hard cuts, ensuring a backup was always available. Graphics, video inserts (VTs), and wipes were added in real time.

• Latency-Free Communication:
  A less-than-one-second delay between on-site cameras and the production hub ensured smooth, real-time direction. Reverse vision was fed back to the team on location to provide instant feedback.

• Streaming to the World:
  The final output was distributed via SRT to Quadrant, who handled the delivery to Network Rail’s chosen platforms.

Coordinating Communications

Given the complexity of the operation, we set up two distinct comms configurations:

1. Individual talkback channels for the presenter, cameras, and quadrant teams.

2. Configurable talkback for seamless coordination between on-site and remote teams.

This tailored communication system ensured everyone was in sync, despite being spread across multiple locations.

The Result: A Seamless Live Broadcast

Thanks to meticulous planning, efficient use of technology, and the dedication of the team, Rail Wellbeing Live was a resounding success. By leveraging a remote production approach, we navigated the challenges of a busy station while delivering high-quality content for Network Rail’s audience.

This project not only showcased the potential of lightweight, remote setups but also served as a valuable case study for future productions in challenging environments.

Stay tuned as we continue refining our workflows to push the boundaries of live event production!