Execution
Spearheaded by Creative Services Director Tony Welch, Beyond Pix Studios compartmentalized the pre-production of the show into four main components:
Creative Design: Using the Marriott Marquis jukebox building for inspiration, Beyond Pix Motion Graphic Artist Jim Darksi designed a style guide, which was used to create everything from the motion graphics and printed invitations, to the on-demand website and even the stage itself.
Digital Asset Management: Keeping everything organized and accurate was a daunting task with over 50 categories, each with its own set of nomination videos, motion graphics and font overlays. Beyond Pix Studios turned loose its robust Post-Production Department to produce and manage all the incoming/outgoing assets using database tools and the Adobe Production Suite.
Live Production Coordination: The Beyond Pix Production Department teamed up with the local IATSE union to bring the best Bay Area production crew to the show. They also partnered with KeyCode Media to bring the latest in digital switching technology, including a TriCaster to handle the significant amount of digital assets and multi-cam feeds. The TriCaster allowed long-time Emmy® show director, Wayne Philippo (CBS 5), to utilize pre-built show sequences and adjustable speed playback to control the pace and timing of the show. Coupled with other Beyond Pix live production equipment, the control room was capable of generating and receiving multiple independent live feeds.
Web Development: Beyond Pix founder and owner, Ray Santiago, wanted to make the Emmy® Awards Show experience available to a wider audience. So the Beyond Pix Interactive Deparment went into high gear to create a live/on-demand microsite for the show. On the site, the greater public could view nominated videos in each category and also watch a live feed of the show itself. Beyond Pix Studios then positioned a backstage crew to interview award winners coming off stage. All of this content was then categorized, meta-tagged and uploaded into a searchable on-demand library on the site. This enabled award nominees and winners to share their experience with friends and family around the world on both the night of the event and forever after.
The show was said to be the best looking NATAS production yet. The added live and on-demand elements were well received by the thousands of viewers who logged on to participate. The overall success of the show helped cement a new chapter in the Beyond Pix Studios/NATAS relationship that promises to bring continued success to future Northern California Area Emmy® Award productions. We have worked on the 2011 and 2012 Awards Shows and we're already preparing for 2013.
