Bringing the Quantum Nicosia Marathon 2023 to Live Broadcast

Broadcasting a live marathon is no easy feat, especially when working against the clock in a high-pressure environment. Our task for the Quantum Nicosia Marathon 2023 was to deliver a seamless live broadcast to RIK1, capturing the energy, excitement, and endurance of the event in real-time. This was no ordinary setup—a multi-camera production spanning the city, mounted on custom-built rigs, and all managed from our on-site broadcast hub.

The Challenge: Setting Up in the Dark

One of the biggest challenges we faced was the overnight setup. Due to ongoing activities at the location where our OB (Outside Broadcast) van was to be stationed, we were unable to begin preparations until 8 PM the night before. With our live broadcast scheduled for 7 AM, this meant an intense overnight operation to get everything ready in time. No room for errors, no second chances—everything had to be perfect.

Working through the night, our team meticulously positioned cables, tested signal transmissions, and ensured that all cameras, audio feeds, and graphics systems were fully functional before the sun rose over Nicosia.

The Multi-Camera Setup: Covering Every Angle

For an event of this scale, we needed a comprehensive camera strategy to ensure no moment was missed. Our setup was built around:

• A Fully Equipped Studio: At the heart of the production was a three-camera studio for the presenters, providing a controlled space for interviews, analysis, and race updates.

• Two Cameras at the Starting Line: One fixed on a tripod for static shots, the other operated by a roaming camera operator, capturing close-ups of the athletes and pre-race energy.

• Quad Bike-Mounted Gimbal Systems: Two specially-built rigs mounted on quad bikes, featuring trussing and harnesses to accommodate our stabilized gimbals. One was remotely controlled, offering smooth, cinematic tracking shots, while the other was operated using steadicam technology for a more organic, dynamic feel.

• FPV Drone Coverage: Our FPV drone operator was paired with a dedicated bike driver, ensuring he could move swiftly to predetermined locations. This coordination allowed us to capture adrenaline-pumping aerial shots of the race, following the action in real-time.

• Inspire Drone Pilot: Positioned at the start/finish line, this drone provided breathtaking wide shots of the city, the race kick-off, and dramatic finishes as participants crossed the line.

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Inside the OB Van: The Nerve Center of the Broadcast

With all these feeds coming in live, the OB van became the central hub for managing the broadcast. Inside, we had:

• Director (myself) – Overseeing the entire production, calling shots, and ensuring the broadcast was smooth.

• Technical Director – Handling signal routing, camera switching, and ensuring all feeds remained stable.

• Floor Manager – Communicating between the studio and the field teams to ensure everything ran on schedule.

• Caption Generator Operator – Managing on-screen graphics, live race data, and other visual elements.

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A High-Stakes, High-Reward Production

Despite the intense setup and early morning challenges, the broadcast was executed flawlessly, delivering a high-energy, immersive viewing experience to audiences at home. The combination of studio analysis, on-the-ground action, and aerial cinematography resulted in a dynamic, engaging coverage of the Quantum Nicosia Marathon that truly captured the spirit of the event.

A Huge Thank You to the Team

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our entire crew. The overnight setup team, camera operators, drone pilots, OB van crew, quad bike drivers, FPV specialists, and production support staff—each played a crucial role in making this one of our most exciting and ambitious live broadcasts yet.

This experience proved once again that when it comes to high-impact, precision-driven live broadcasting, our team delivers.