Working closely with the BBC executive producer Paul Davies, Imagination was able to create a visually arresting space for the awards, which not only hosted the live television programme but also a pre and post transmission party for over 600 VIP guests.
This year's environmental set included multiple interview staging areas, graphic treatments on the stage and floor as well as lighting and projection design. Imagination has a long-standing relationship with the BBC having worked with them on environmental sets for such programmes as Newsnight and Sports series On-Side. This was the second year running that Imagination has designed the set for the highly prestigious BBC Sports Personality Awards.
The LED visual reinforcement was again provided by Creative Technology, which has a long history of supplying screen solutions for the show. This year two Barco iLite 6 high-brightness, indoor displays were flown - stage left and right - in 9 x 5 landscape formation, taking feeds from the BBC.
Sally Crabb, executive creative director for Imagination, said of the project: "Imagination was once again delighted to be asked to design the environmental set for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. The fantastic collaboration we once again had with Paul Davies really helped create a new and exciting look for the Awards."
(Sarah Rushton-Read)