BBC Studios and Post Production (BBC S&PP) has provided full studio services at Elstree for E4’s comedy panel quiz show Virtually Famous, which celebrates the weird and wonderful online sensations that have had the nation talking and sharing.
Virtually Famous pits two celebrity panels against each other as they battle for points in rounds covering the internet’s viral and social media superstars. Presented by Kevin McHale, better known as Artie from the hit TV phenomenon Glee, along with comedian team captains, Seann Walsh and Chris Stark, the programme made its debut on E4 in July 2014. It has since been commissioned for a second series, which returns this week.
Produced by Talkback and Hungry Bear Media for E4, Virtually Famous rolled into Stage 8 at Elstree Studios, filling the space with a dynamic panel set which could be easily adapted for the various games and challenges happening on the show. The 7,550sqft Stage 8 was chosen for its ability to accommodate this fast turnaround production, and meet the diverse productions schedule that BBC S&PP is turning around each day.
Complete production facilities and support were provided by BBC S&PP, including a full crew and sound and lighting galleries equipped with the latest HD technology. The camera set-up comprised seven cameras, including six pedestal cameras and one jib, which captured all of the laughs in front of a 350-strong audience. Panalux moving lights on trussing were used to allow for quick turnarounds during a full recording schedule. Other ancillary facilities included dressing rooms, costume and make-up, a production office, workshops A&B for props and an art department.
Meryl McLaren, commercial manager at BBC S&PP said: “Virtually Famous is another wonderful addition to our roster here at BBC Studios and Post Production. We’ve provided studios support to a wide range of comedy panel shows, including Sweat the Small Stuff and Celebrity Juice, and our resources and production know-how we are perfectly suited for delivering multiple, fast turnaround productions to our clients.”
