News
BBC BROADCAST
& BBC POST PRODUCTION CARRY THE TORCH FOR THE OLYMPICS TITLE
SEQUENCE
BBC Broadcast and BBC Post Production have collaborated to produce
the title sequence for BBC Sport’s coverage of the 2004 Athens
Olympics. The sequence follows a torch bearer as he awakens the
Olympic spirit by reigniting the flame and traces his journey back
to the home of the Olympics. As he passes through the sites of Greece,
natural elements such as Wind, Earth, Water and Light are evoked
and within these we discover the power of the athletes in action
are formed. The title sequence, which will form the opening and
intermediary sections of BBC Sport’s broadcast of the Games,
airs from 14 August.
The sequence, created and directed by Paul Mitchell from BBC Broadcast,
opens with the same torch bearer that appeared in the broadcast
trails and traces his steps across the desert. As he runs through
the ancient landscapes, the wind picks up and out of the sandstorm
a sprinter forms. His strength and swiftness are characterized by
the wind as he races past the camera.
The torchbearer then continues his journey along a rocky coastline
and as water begins to twist and swirl into a whirlpool, a swimmer
made from the bubbles emerges. From there, the journey moves inland
and passes through rich landscapes filled with waterfalls, luscious
fields and olive groves. The torch bearer looks up to a beam of
light in the sky to see a majestic gymnast effortlessly glide and
spin through the air before disappearing within a glint of light.
The last phase of the journey follows the hero at the summit of
the mountain. As he holds his torch up a swirling tornado is generated
and from this a discus thrower forms from the particles displaying
raw strength. He launches his disc, which soars through the air
to the final location where the torch bearer ascends the steps of
a stadium to hold his torch proudly before the Olympic rings.
To create the sequence, the athletes were filmed both on location
in Greece and in action against green screen. The 3D and digital
effects team at BBC Post Production then 3D match moved the athletes
and attached custom particle effects using Maya to create the impression
of them emerging from out of the elements.
The swimmer and gymnast were primarily created in the Inferno with
extra 3D elements added for enhancement while the sprinter and discus
thrower were created through many layers of 3D imaging initially
composited in Shake before passing these sequences to Inferno for
final polishing.
Louise Braham, Producer, BBC Broadcast says of the sequence:
“We aimed to recreate a mythical story and show the God-like
power of these athletes in the true home of the Olympics and produce
something more akin to a mini film than a standard title sequence.
One of the main challenges was the logistics of organising the shoot
in Greece but it was fantastic to have the opportunity to film in
archaeological sites which are normally out of bounds to film crews.”
Ian Simpson, Digital Effects Supervisor, BBC Post Production adds:
“The project has really drawn on a whole range of digital
effects techniques and the team has been able to play to its strengths
combining 2D and 3D work with elements of Inferno work. The challenge
has been to recreate these dynamic photo-realistic images of the
larger than life athletes in action within an incredibly tight time-frame.”
In addition, to celebrate the return of The Olympic Games to Greece,
BBC Sport has selected a specially commissioned new piece of music
to accompany the programme, which reflects the history, spirit and
all that the Olympic Games stand for. The song entitle Olympia:
Eternal Flame is performed and recorded by the celebrated
'world's first opera band', Amici forever. The song was
written by the Greek musician/writer/producer John Themis, Rick
Blaskey who has previously been involved in the official music for
many of the world's major international sports events, and the Greek
poet, Avraam Demetriou.
-ENDS-
Credits
Title Producer: Louise Braham, BBC Broadcast
Director: Paul Mitchell, BBC Broadcast
Designer: Katy Jones, BBC Broadcast
Post Producer: Ashleigh Lane, BBC Post Production
Bookings Manager: Karen Winning, BBC Post Production
Digital Effects Supervisor: Ian Simpson, BBC Post Production
Compositor: James Adamson and Paul Dixon, BBC Post Production
Editor: David Moyes, BBC Post Production
Senior Animator: Andy McNamara, BBC Post Production
Animators: Peakash Patel, Serena Cacciato, BBC Post Production
Audio: Chris Graver and Kian Wong
About BBC Broadcast Limited
BBC Broadcast, one of the commercial companies of the BBC, offers
a comprehensive range of services to play-out, publish, promote
and provide media access for content across all media platforms.
Key services include: new channel launches, play-out and channel
management; channel branding & promotion; and subtitling &
other media access services. BBC Broadcast currently provides services
for 37 public service and commercial television channels, 5 national
radio networks, 39 local radio stations and BBCi. BBC Broadcast
works closely with its customers to understand their broadcasting
needs and to determine the right combination of editorial, technical
and creative skills required to deliver innovative and cost-effective
solutions.
For more information access: www.bbcbroadcast.com
About BBC Post Production
BBC Post Production, a division of BBC Resources, offers award-winning
creative solutions using the latest graphics technology. BBC Post
Production facilities are the largest of their kind in the UK. Located
in London, Bristol and Birmingham its extensive range of services
include 3D animation and digital effects through to editing, audio
and telecine. Using the most up-to-date technology in comfortable
and inspiring surroundings the team bring talent and experience
to a range of productions, trails and promos. Further information
can be found at: www.bbcresources.com/postproduction
For further information, please contact:
Georgie Hollett, PR & Comms Exec, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2350
Mobile: +44 (0)7834 845612 (Mobile)
Email: georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk
Clare Plaisted/Kate Groves
BBC Broadcast
Tel: +44 (0)20 0728 0042
Email: clare.plaisted@bbc.co.uk
For further information, please contact:
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