BBC Outside Broadcasts Builds Blast Truck for UK Tour

Inspiring Creativity in the Next Generation

BBC Outside Broadcasts, part of BBC Resources Ltd, has fitted out a specialist expanding truck to support BBC Learning’s Blast project for young people. Touring for fifteen weeks this summer and travelling to fifteen locations across the UK, the mobile creative studio offers digital media and creative experiences to 13-19 year olds. It offers creative workshops, taster sessions, surgeries and showcase events in film, dance, music, art and writing and gives young people the opportunity to get hands-on experience and to show off and share their work.

Getting the show on the road means that BBC Learning can take the Blast brand to young people up and down the country and have a much wider reach, offering opportunities to and engaging with over 50,000 young people.

The truck is fitted with the latest audiovisual equipment available in the marketplace to help young people turn their creative ideas into a reality. BBC Outside Broadcasts sourced latest technology, including cameras, mixers, sound desks, monitors, plasma screens, lighting systems, PA systems and microphones. The truck is split into four areas –a bright and relaxing digital studio space to inspire creativity, which can be configured for small or large group work, a gallery, a diary room and an outside space for performance and workshops. A BBC Outside Broadcasts Technician is on hand to provide technical support. There are also BBC mentors and industry pros available for advice and support.

Concept to delivery took five months, with BBC Outside Broadcasts working with the production team right from the very start. It used its extensive project management experience to identify possible problem areas with the vehicle and equipment before producing innovative, sensible and cost-effective solutions.

Erin Barnes, Blast Project Manager says: “It’s great to have BBC Outside Broadcasts’ experience and depth of expertise behind the project. Their understanding of the project’s audio visual requirements and logistics combined with their excellent support facilities has helped us finalise the roadshow designs.”

About Blast

In addition to the UK Tour, the work created by teenagers will be showcased across BBC platforms – on digital channels and in real space and real time. These platforms will include national television as well as BBC local radio and regional TV, BBC Big Screens, Asian Network, live web casts on the Blast website and downloads to mobiles.

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/blast for more information.

About BBC Outside Broadcasts

BBC Outside Broadcasts, a division of BBC Resources, is the leading outside broadcast facilities provider in Europe, offering a complete range of solutions from scanners and VT units to design of bespoke OB production units. Combining creativity and flair with technical expertise, project management and customer service skills, BBC Outside Broadcasts caters for both small and large scale events across all genres. Key clients include BBC Sport and independents such as North One, TWI and MTV.

Further information can be found at: www.bbcresources.com/ob

For further information, please contact:
Georgie Hollett, PR and Communications Manager, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2250
Mobile : +44 (0) 783484 5612
Email : georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk