explains Jack. “When I saw the ATEM range, that’s what did it for me. The fact you could control the entire production from one central point was game changing.” As Jack mentioned, the main caveat to the initial set-up was operating a production so large on his own. “The ATEM Mini has been a real life-saver. Because we are running so many cameras, things can go wrong. I filmed one with James Bay, and one of the cameras froze during the podcast. But because ATEM acts as a backup system, it managed to save that file. It’s a standout piece, providing high production value at minimal cost.” The Diary of a CEO is pivotal in the podcast arena, pioneering the idea that video-led audio content could be an exciting new chapter for the booming industry. y 4x URSA Broadcast 4.6 G2 y 4x Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro y ATEM Mini Extreme ISO y 4x Micro Converter BiDirect SDI/ HDMI 3G y 2x Shure SM7B y 2x Pixar pro lights with softbox y 2x Neewer panel lights STUDIO BREAKDOWN
SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS To ensure this, Jack emphasises that in tandem with the podcast’s success, it became necessary to evolve its equipment. “The set-up now is very different. It started with a Canon C200, mixed in with Panasonic GH5s,” he describes. “It had its issues. For example, the Micro Four Thirds sensors aren’t the same as the full-frame sensors – throwing off the depth-of-field. The first step was to move out of the flat, and build a dedicated studio space for his media projects. And Jack had to oversee everything. “Now it is all Blackmagic, running with Sigmas. When we first ran it, the image was significantly crisper, which is exactly what we needed.” Central to the space was a live production built around the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO – with a mixed camera package featuring URSA Broadcast G2 and Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro. The accessible and conjunctive nature of Blackmagic’s studio set-up – paired with UHD quality – allows YouTubers, Twitchers and podcasters alike to deliver cinematic content from the comfort of their own homes. “I had never used Blackmagic in the past, but I think what sold it to me is that real kick of connectivity,”
road to success isn’t straight. The same applies to the podcast; and with a speedy spiral into YouTube stardom, some niggles naturally surfaced. “The biggest challenge was the creation of such a big production,” Jack explains. “We started off with seven cameras in Steven’s flat, so learning how to manage those, as well as produce the podcast and help Steven direct it along the way, was tough. “Learning to operate all that on my own was a challenge, but once I got to grips with it, the next hurdle was ensuring and maintaining that quality as the podcast continued to grow.” WHEN I SAW THE ATEM RANGE, THAT’S WHAT DID IT FOR ME
THE SWEET SPOT High connectivity and ease of control make Blackmagic a cut above the rest
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