BBC Studios has fused new studio technology with FightBox computer games software to allow people and virtual reality characters to interact for the first time in a new multi-platform entertainment format - a futuristic gladiatorial sport. Studio 1 at BBC Television Centre has been transformed in to an arena where audiences can watch the 3D virtual Warriors and their creators slug it out as action is recorded in real time.

Fightbox, a BBC THREE and BBC TWO co-commission, is a new concept, which aims to bring internet and computer gaming technology to the small screen. Since May 2003 members of the public have created their own customised virtual Warriors online at (www.bbc.co.uk/fightbox) by selecting components including shapes, colours and textures. Contestants have been able to hone their skills through downloadable training programmes designed to test strength and ability. Those with the highest score have been invited to compete at the FightBox finals at BBC Studios.

Combat takes the form of a battle between the four Warriors and the six Sentients, which have been tasked with guarding the traditions of the FightBox. From the control pods in the studio, the creators of the Warriors can use their skills and array of weapons in their quest to become the final victor, who will be awarded the gift of life and the place of the seventh Sentient.

For the studio based show Danny Popkin, Technical Development Manager at BBC Studios has been working with BBC Worldwide's games company to integrate BBC's own tracking system Free-D* and new depth-keying technology with the computer game. FightBox is the brainchild of Nick Southgate and Finbar Hawkins and they originally approached BBC Studios in May 2001 to see if their vision could really be created in a studio environment. Danny Popkin developed the specifications for technologies that would allow the show to be successfully taken through pilot and commission and ultimately broadcast on BBC THREE in October 2003, followed by a later transmission on BBC TWO in the Autumn.

For FightBox Free-D, a virtual studios tracking system, created specifically for large multi-camera events, has been refined and enhanced to allow the position of the 8ft virtual Warriors to be monitored both by fixed and handheld cameras anywhere in the studio arena. The system, built to Danny's specifications, uses bar-coded round targets both in the studio ceiling and suspended 40 ft above the action to accurately pin-point the movements of the 3D virtual characters and allow the cameras to follow them without losing their relation to the background.

In addition, a new depth-keying technology has been developed to work in 3D, which will allow presenters DJ Trevor Nelson and Lisa Snowdon to walk around the virtual warriors without the background or foreground being displaced. Based on strobed light, this technology will shortly be patented.

Nick Southgate, Executive Producer, FightBox comments on the programme "The idea of the format was to create a multi-media computer game experience that was as creative, technologically innovative and visually stunning as possible without drawing attention to the technology itself. We wanted the whole thing - from the creation of the warriors on the Web to the interaction of the 3D characters in the studios - to be seamless enough for non-techies and non-gamers to feel that there was something there for them. BBC Studios have been instrumental in ensuring that the concept worked in reality and have been able to transfer our visions to the large studio. "

Danny Popkin, Technical Development Manager, BBC Studios adds: "Fightbox has allowed us to push the boundaries in terms of virtual studio, 3D tracking and depth keying technologies. We have had to overcome some technical challenges by filming in the round with multiple cameras but with continuous refinements over the past 18 months, we have managed to allow people and 3D virtual characters to interact for the first time."

* a registered trademark

Senior Commissioning Executive: Celia Taylor (BBC TWO and BBC THREE)
Fightbox creators: Nick Southgate and Finbar Hawkins
Director: Paul Kirrage
Technical Development Manager: Danny Popkin, BBC Studios
Resource Manager: Andrew Breaks, BBC Studios

About BBC Studios
A sub-brand of BBC Resources, BBC Studios is located at Television Centre in London and Elstree. The 17 studios accommodate many of the UK's favourite TV programmes. The studios, which are famed for being at the forefront of technical innovation, are equipped to the highest standard and staffed by crews with extensive experience. From the latest cameras with widescreen capability to the provision of ample space for prop storage and scenery, BBC Studios has been designed to enable maximum flexibility and swift set turnaround. Each studio has its own wardrobe and make-up areas, with dressing rooms and production offices close at hand. Full facilities for audience handling are also available.

For further information, please contact:
Georgie Hollett, PR & Comms Exec, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2350 (Television Centre)
+44 (0)7834 845612 (Mobile)
Email: georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk

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