Australia’s Nine Network has returned to Olympic broadcasting after a 12-year hiatus, securing rights to broadcast the Summer and Winter Olympics until 2032. The network is leveraging its multi-platform capabilities to deliver coverage across free-to-air TV, streaming, digital publishing, radio, and print. The production of Nine’s Olympic coverage involves a collaborative effort spanning three continents with approximately 150 staff members on-site in Paris, while an additional 300 are working from Sydney. This hybrid production model balances the need for on-the-ground presence with cost-effective remote operations.
At the heart of Nine’s Olympic coverage is a unique studio setup in Paris that leverages a famous background with the latest in augmented reality technology. The International Olympic Committee provided official broadcasters with shoebox studios in the picturesque Trocadero area, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. These compact spaces created a challenge for traditional studio setups. To overcome this limitation, Nine’s team opted for a set design that mixes the view, a physical desk, and expansive virtual set extensions, creating an extended reality environment.
The set’s physical components are minimal, consisting of a desk, chairs, a window, camera equipment, and sidewalls about 10 feet deep. The rest of the studio, including the floor, ceiling elements, and augmented graphic overlays, is rendered using Unreal Engine. The goal was to create a seamless blend of physical and virtual elements indistinguishable to viewers. This decision allowed them to create the illusion of a much larger studio while maintaining the coveted Eiffel Tower backdrop.
Nine partnered with AE Live and scenic designer Jago Design to create the hybrid studio. One of the key features of the virtual set is its ability to adjust lighting automatically based on external conditions. This ensures a consistent look regardless of changes in natural light coming through the physical window.
Extensive Preparation and Collaboration
The implementation of this technology required extensive preparation. Eighteen months before the Olympics, Nine collaborated with AE Live and Jago Design to design, build, and test the hybrid studio in a warehouse in the UK. This process allowed the team to refine the technology and ensure its reliability for live broadcasting. AE Live’s involvement extends beyond the virtual studio. The company is providing broadcast graphics, including augmented reality (AR) elements, for the Olympics and Paralympics.
Nine’s North Sydney headquarters is home to a team of 20 graphics operators, technicians, designers, developers, and project managers, who are supporting the broadcast. Additionally, AE Live has deployed teams in Paris and the UK to support the operation. Virtual artists and AR operators from AE Live UK are assisting in Sydney with the delivery of the virtual studio in Paris and local virtual asset delivery.
The hybrid production model balances the need for on-the-ground presence with cost-effective remote operations. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the environmental impact of transporting large teams and equipment across continents.
Enhancing Viewer Experience
Nine’s innovative approach to Olympic coverage aims to enhance the viewer experience by combining stunning Paris views with cutting-edge XR technology. The use of augmented reality and virtual set extensions creates a visually immersive experience that brings the excitement of the Olympics to life. This technology allows viewers to feel as though they are part of the action, even if they are watching from the comfort of their homes.
The network’s multi-platform capabilities ensure that viewers can access Olympic coverage across various devices and platforms. Whether watching on free-to-air TV, streaming online, or following updates on digital publishing, radio, and print, viewers have multiple options to stay connected to the Olympic Games.
Nine’s commitment to delivering high-quality coverage is evident in its investment in advanced technology and collaborative efforts with industry experts. By leveraging the latest in augmented reality and virtual set design, Nine is setting a new standard for Olympic broadcasting and providing viewers with an unforgettable experience.
