At The Races, the dedicated racing channel available on Sky and Virgin, has produced a 3D documentary at Ascot, the first time British horseracing has been filmed in 3D, writes Adrian Pennington.
The 24-minute programme was shot at the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October and is a co-production between ATR, QIPCO and the British Champions Series.
ATR is also in talks with 3D distributors, service providers and hardware manufacturers worldwide about rights to use the feature.
CAN Communicate was hired as 3D specialist production partner, and used six 3D camera positions including one at race start, a tracking camera on an Aerial Camera Systems 3D tracking rig, two at the finish line and one covering the paddock on Steadicam. The just launched Sony PMW-TD300 shoulder mounted camcorder (pictured) was also tested.
“Horse racing does work peculiarly well in 3D and the tracking shots in particular were impressive,” said Duncan Humphreys, CAN Communicate’s Creative Director.
Matthew Imi, Chief Executive of At The Races said: “We believe that racing is ideally suited to 3D broadcast. We want to use the latest technology to capture the colour, impact and excitement of this exceptional day and really create something that can help promote QIPCO British Champions Day, Ascot Racecourse and British racing more generally around the world.
Rod Street, Chief Executive of the British Champions Series, added: “We are delighted ATR has taken this initiative and equally happy to support it. It’s a great way to help celebrate what’s already been a hugely successful first QIPCO British Champions Series and will launch us into next year with a showcase of what we’re sure will be a real spectacle on QIPCO British Champions Day itself.”
It is understood that the initial idea was to shoot a live programme but that rights to the live event in 3D proved a hurdle.
