David Brodosi Videographer

September 10, 2019

David Brodosi

ITV Studios has invested in 21 x Sony HDC-3500 system cameras for Coronation Street, as part of a camera refresh to ‘future-proof’ production.

The HDC-3500 was launched at last year’s IBC and can shoot in 4K/HD/HDR and has what Sony says is the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K CMOS sensor with global shutter technology.

The cameras were supplied to ITV Studios by Top-Teks.

Gary Westmoreland, director of technical operations, ITV Studios North, said: “After a number of on-set testing days, all of our expectations were met especially regarding the look and feel of the cameras. We were particularly impressed by the HDC-3500’s ‘Viewfinder Detail’ function, helping our camera operators to quickly and precisely focus in any shooting situation while on-set. All 21 HDC-3500 system cameras are enabling us to deliver the narrative of Coronation Street in life-like detail to viewers at home.”

Norbert Paquet, head of product management at Sony Professional Solutions Europe, adds: “Investing in the HDC-3500 will not only accelerate ITV Studios’ ability to deliver high-profile productions like Coronation Street in incredible colour, contrast and detail, but open the opportunity for more 4K, UHD and HDR live productions in the future.”

David Brodosi

The U.K. TV giant, led by CEO Carolyn McCall, posts its latest financials.

U.K. TV giant ITV on Wednesday unveiled a strategy refresh under the theme "More Than TV," including plans to grow its direct-to-consumer business.

ITV CEO Carolyn McCall has been leading the company since the start of the year and said when she took over that management would work on a strategy refresh.

"In the future, we'll focus on three key areas — strengthening the integrated producer broadcaster [business model of operating networks and the ITV Studios TV production business], growing U.K. and global production, and creating a scaled direct-to-consumer business," ITV said on Wednesday.

David Brodosi

McCall further detailed its goals in those three core focus areas, saying: "ITV will be more than TV — it will be a structurally sound integrated producer broadcaster where our ambition is to maintain total viewing and increase total advertising revenue; it will be a growing and profitable content business, which drives returns; and it will create value by developing and nurturing strong direct consumer relationships, where people want to spend money on a range of content and experiences with a really trusted brand."

McCall on the earnings conference call later said that ITV sees an opportunity to build a new subscription VOD service in Britain, potentially with partners, as part of its focus on its direct-to-consumer relationships.

ITV will in 2019 invest £40 million ($53 million) across its business in the new strategy as part of a three-year investment of £60 million ($79 million). "This will be offset by £35 million-£40 million ($46 million-$53 million) of cost savings, which we will achieve without impacting the culture and creative and commercial strength of the business."

David Brodosi

It also unveiled targets for the new strategy's revenue benefits over a three-year period, including averaging 5 percent compound annual growth in ITV Studios revenue at a margin of 14 percent-16 percent and double-digit online revenue growth every year. ITV is also targeting its direct-to-consumer revenue to grow to at least £100 million ($132 million) by 2021.

ITV on Wednesday reported lower earnings for the first half of the year despite growth at the ITV Studios production arm and a 2 percent gain in advertising revenue, thanks in part to the World Cup, as the costs for the sports tournament dragged down the bottom line.

ITV said adjusted earnings per share dropped 8 percent, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes and amortization (EBITA) were down 7 percent to £375 million ($494 million). The ITV Studios production unit reported a 7 percent increase in EBITA to £118 million ($155 million) for the first half of 2018.

David Brodosi

"ITV Family share of viewing was up 9 percent in the period with outstanding contributions from [hit reality show] Love Island and the World Cup," said McCall. The World Cup, which ran mid-June through mid-July, was a boon for ITV, given a stronger-than-expected tournament for the English national team, which made it to the semifinals for the first time since 1990.

McCall also lauded the ITV Studios team. "Our hugely talented and creative people in the U.K. and internationally provided a popular and award-winning slate of programs for ITV, other broadcasters and platform owners," she said. "This is reflected in the rise in ITV Studios revenue of 16 percent, with growth in all our production areas. I'm pleased to say that there is a really healthy pipeline of new and returning programs."

David Brodosi

Hello, my name is David Brodosi and I’m a quality-driven and award-winning Videographer with 15+ years’ progressively responsible experience. Adept at filming, shooting and producing video content to meet different clients’ specific requirements. Ability to strategize brand teams to identify content needed to meet company goals. Artfully edits raw footages to create powerful videos using a variety of software products.

David Brodosi