The screen split into three sections that tracked horizontally across stage (via a Kinesys Vector automation system) and into different positions and configurations to provide a variety of different looks for the 10 live artists performing, who also included Coldplay, Kanye West, KT Tunstall and Prince. XL also provided two 16 : 9 aspect ration Sony 15 mm pitch IMAG side screens, each measuring 7 x 4 metres. The screen element of the Brits was project managed for XL by Paul Wood, working for production company MJK.
XL's Chris Saunders (now a video veteran of 11 Brit Awards!) co-ordinated the playback material, software and control system feeding the onstage screens, working directly for broadcasters, Brits TV. This featured one of XL's Barco Folsom Encore systems, operated by Richard Turner, who came onboard to look after all playback material. Turner controlled sources stored on 2 Doremi high def hard drives and 4 standard definition Doremis, all run via Dataton, and sized to fit the hi def screen with the Encore.
Specially commissioned screen material including graphics and awards nominations 'packages' were produced by Lee Lodge from Hello Charlie, and some artists submitted their own footage.
XL also supplied its OB truck which was parked up backstage, and two additional cameras - positioned in the pit - for the side screen IMAG mix, which was cut by Chris Hilson. Hilson also had access to 6 of the event's broadcast camera feeds from CTV.
In addition to all this, XL Video's Des Fallon, the account manager for Gorillaz, was on hand to look after all the bands additional video needs for the show.
(Chris Henry)
