It looks like they've gone for a very functional studio, and are just utilising the view to add interest to the picture. But with the windows that visible, they could have some very "interesting" problems with sunlight (dark mornings aren't the problem - it's the bright sunny mornings that are), the vision engineers are going to have fun with that!
It's worth remembering that that studio was originally in use live throughout the day from 6am to the late evening every day of the week. They didn't seem to have many problems with lighting back then. The windows are mostly North facing, with the St Paul's facing bit being North Easterly so it doesn't get direct sunlight.
It looks like they've gone for a very functional studio, and are just utilising the view to add interest to the picture. But with the windows that visible, they could have some very "interesting" problems with sunlight (dark mornings aren't the problem - it's the bright sunny mornings that are), the vision engineers are going to have fun with that!
Are they utilising a polarsing filter like Rosco View?
Requires a polarising sheet on the window, as well as on each camera; but can at least be set and reset, (perhaps during commercials), depending on the changeable weather.
I hear rumblings that they are using a polarising system on the windows and cameras - though this may just be rumbling rather than fact.
The BBC used the system effectively in their Olympic studio in Beijing (which was on-air in bright sunshine during the day, and also in the dead of night) and it is in use in the BBC Farsi studios in W1.
Whilst it is great at darkening the views through windows on-camera - it is not a perfect cure-all - as it only cuts direct light coming through the window reaching the camera sensor. It doesn't make the studio hugely darker if you're in it - and if the light streaming through the windows bounces off sofa fabric, hair etc. that alters the polarisation of some of the light, meaning it doesn't get reduced reaching the camera. Hence presenters with blonde hair can look VERY backlight in heavy sunshine, and sofa fabric can look more lit than you'd expect.
Also - you can't rotate the cameras axially (so no dutched shots unless they are static, and no rolls on a handheld) - and have to be VERY careful with in-vision displays (LCD monitors can appear completely black!)
It can also be a slight hindrance in very dark environments - as the polarising filters will cut down the light levels seen through the windows a bit - so you may need to throw more light onto buildings (if you can) and/or reduce your studio lighting levels (and increase camera gain) to compensate.
The worst situation will be during the months when you go from night to day within a show - but the studio is in a very good position view-wise.
Last edited by noggin on 31 August 2010 6:28pm - 2 times in total
I hear rumblings that they are using a polarising system on the windows and cameras - though this may just be rumbling rather than fact.
If I were lighting the show I'd insist on it. If you spend all that cash on the hosts, it would be jolly nice to see them.
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Whilst it is great at darkening windows - it is not a perfect cure-all - as it only cuts direct light reaching the camera sensor. It doesn't make the studio hugely darker if you're in it - and if the light streaming through the windows bounces off sofa fabric, hair etc. that alters the polarisation of some of the light, meaning it doesn't get reduced reaching the camera. Hence presenters with blonde hair can look VERY backlight in heavy sunshine, and sofa fabric can look more lit than you'd expect.
I've known of installations where no back light is used (partly due to the close proximity of the talent to the windows), so it looks pretty balanced. That said, that was in the sunnier parts of the US - where mid day sunshine is guaranteed.
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Also - you can't rotate the cameras axially (so no dutched shots unless they are static, and no rolls on a handheld) - and have to be VERY careful with in-vision displays (LCD monitors can appear completely black!)
I have a piece of the filter here, and quite enjoy showing pals how my screen disappears as I turn the filter 90 degrees.
I would love to think that there aren't any dutch tilts and rolls in the show. My head can't cope with that before coffee and croissant.
Last edited by Gavin Scott on 31 August 2010 6:36pm - 2 times in total
So far so good. Looking forward to seeing it on screen. It really is a fantastic studio and I hope they make use of the balcony - maybe for the weather on sunny days?
I'm assuming LK and Loose Women are sharing a set? Yes?
As I said earlier I'm quite looking forward to Daybreak and I'm quite impressed by the set on the group picture released. It'll be nice to see a live view and something that little bit different than what we've had for the best part of quarter of a century now...
So far so good. Looking forward to seeing it on screen. It really is a fantastic studio and I hope they make use of the balcony - maybe for the weather on sunny days?
I'm assuming LK and Loose Women are sharing a set? Yes?
Sharing a studio but the sets will be 'turned around' after Lorraine's show. By that, I mean literally turned around.
Hmm. The table as first looked very 'Jago'ish in appearance, but the more I look at it now, is the studio design the work of Paul Sudlow?
Also, those frosted oblong things to the side of the sofa - could that be a reference point for the cameras to project/overlay live images for two ways interviews, instead of having the presenters gazing into a HD monitor I wonder? Nice idea if it is.
JD
jdav
I really don't see all this fuss about the studios windows and lighting, LNN used it for years, through day and night, and the presenters lighting always looked good, so if an operation like that can manage it, even on low staff during GMTV bulletins and weekends, then I am sure a national breakfast programme can sort it out.
Most of these complaints just seem to be for an excuse to not use the studio, which I find strange considering its views and location.
So far so good. Looking forward to seeing it on screen. It really is a fantastic studio and I hope they make use of the balcony - maybe for the weather on sunny days?