Pro Moviemaker July/August 2025 - Web

AWARDS MPB FILMMAKER OF THE YEAR LIVESTREAMED EVENT THE THEATRE OF THE UNSCRIPTED

At the Wembley round in London, director Graham Essenhigh oversaw a nine-camera set-up including fixed positions, a wireless roaming cam and a pole cam – all managed by a compact crew of eight. “Each lap of the track takes the racer just 20 seconds,” he comments. “Switching shots to keep up with the leaders is intense.” Inside the production truck, Blackmagic gear powers the entire pipeline – from Ursa Broadcast G2 and Micro Studio cameras to 8K Atem switchers. Two outputs are mixed simultaneously: one for the in-arena Jumbotron screen, and another for the pay-per-view live stream, with signals distributed via a bonded internet system for maximum reliability. “It’s a massive operation,” explains Essenhigh. “We’re live mixing the pundit segments, adverts and a constantly moving race – all under pressure. But our team is tight-knit. When something goes wrong, it’s our job to correct it fast and keep the illusion alive.”

Livestreamed video has exploded across sectors, but behind every slick production is a team working under pressure, with workflows more aligned to live TV. Yet great camerawork shines through in the winning entry from director Graham Essenhigh of Bubble Production, which specialises in multicam outside broadcasts. Operating across the UK and beyond, Bubble has carved out a reputation for delivering complex, multicamera live broadcasts. Whether it’s classical music concerts, pop gigs, conferences or BBC coverage of Remembrance Sunday from Whitehall, the Bubble crew are seasoned pros in fast-paced environments. Their latest high-octane challenge was what won them the award. It was livestreaming the adrenaline-fuelled Arenacross World Tour, an event that kicked off in Birmingham and wrapped up in Abu Dhabi. It’s off-road motorcycle racing meets arena spectacle – complete with pyrotechnics, dancers, presenters and a roaring crowd.

DOCUMENTARY COMPELLING TRUE STORIES

The documentary class is always one of the most popular, which makes it incredibly tough to win. We had plenty of great entries this year, but the winner is Pete Sheath, who used many cinematic techniques in his mini documentary Tethered . “I’ve been working on it for the past two years. The documentary is all about Eros, a blind runner from Cyprus who has found a partner in Sarah, his guide runner,” says Sheath. They’re both training to tackle the Copthorne Races – a 50km ultra-marathon trail run through the Surrey Hills in England – having tried and failed twice. “This race has become something of a demon that haunts Eros and fills him with dread when he attempts other trail events. But his incredible grit, determination and strength of character pushes him further than ever before,” Sheath adds. “Together, Eros and Sarah can take on anything and are completely united in the pursuit of this goal.” The film shows them in training, attempting the race and highlights the challenges they will have to overcome to finish the Copthorne Races. As if running completely blind isn’t hard enough, it also includes crossing stepping stones over a river. And it’s all beautifully captured in Sheath’s film with great action, amazing drone footage and incredible use of light.