MIXI, a prominent Japanese social media service known for hits like “Monster Strike,” has established an advanced in-house streaming studio equipped with a variety of Blackmagic Design solutions. The studio supports 4K streaming and virtual production, integrating seamlessly across two adjacent studios.
Studio Setup and Capabilities
The new MIXI studio workflow includes regular live streaming and Unreal Engine support, utilizing an extensive array of Blackmagic Design products such as digital film cameras, ATEM switchers, Smart Videohub routers, DeckLink capture cards, SmartView monitors, and Teranex converters.
Specifically, Studio One employs an ATEM Mini Pro ISO switcher alongside Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K models. Studio Two features an ATEM Television Studio 4K Pro switcher with two Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pros, enabling efficient switching and compositing from a single control room.
Employee Testimonials
“Our in-house video production began in 2014, coinciding with YouTube’s rise,” explained Junpei Ochi, general manager of the Video Creative Office at MIXI. “We started live streaming and building a studio from scratch, using Blackmagic Design products for everything from cameras to routers.”
Yuhei Nogami, editor team leader responsible for live streaming and post production, noted the versatility of ATEM switchers: “We use these switchers for green screen compositing during regular streams and handle Unreal Engine compositing separately. All video feeds are routed through a Smart Videohub 40x40 12G-SDI router before being assigned to DeckLinks on PCs.”
Virtual Production and Cost Efficiency
The studio incorporates virtual production capabilities, introduced by Kenji Tani, creative director with experience in Unreal Engine. “Blackmagic products offer the performance we need at affordable prices,” Tani said. “The DeckLink 8K Pros and Studio Camera 4K Pros allow us to work efficiently without compromising quality.”
Nogami highlighted the time-saving benefits of Blackmagic Design’s equipment: “Before, I had to adjust camera settings manually on-site. Now, using Blackmagic products from the control room makes this process much more efficient.”
Broader Applications
MIXI leverages its in-house production capabilities for various content types, including smartphone game streams and internal events. The company also produces videos for affiliated sports teams like Chiba Jets and FC Tokyo.
Ochi emphasized the strategic value of maintaining an in-house studio: “Not only does it reduce costs, but we can deeply understand our business needs and respond swiftly to requests, ensuring high-quality content production.”