Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, Texas, has integrated four Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pros into its live production setup to stream music performances on Antones.com. The historic blues club, known as “Austin’s Home of the Blues,” has been a landmark venue since 1975 and has hosted legendary artists such as Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, and Ray Charles.
Expanding Access to Entertainment
In 2022, Antone’s began offering livestreamed performances to broaden audience access and enhance viewer engagement. The club partnered with media agency 3rd + Lamar to design a workflow that would deliver high-end cinematic experiences in the intimate space of the nightclub.
The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pros were chosen for their compact form factor, which minimizes visual disruption during performances. “We needed something that could give us the biggest bang for our buck in terms of cinematic image quality and design,” said Tony Stolfa, co-founder and head of production at 3rd + Lamar.
Performance in Low Light
The cameras’ exceptional low light performance was crucial for Antone’s, as many performances take place in dimly lit settings. “We can always achieve vibrant, clear shots even though the majority of our performances happen in dark settings,” Stolfa noted.
Streamlined Production
The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pros’ built-in tally and camera control features simplify live production by eliminating the need for a separate communication system. This setup allows the technical director to manage all aspects of the production from one location, reducing the number of personnel required.
By recording in-camera and making color corrections on-the-fly, Antone’s can convey specific moods during performances. The integration of an ATEM Television Studio HD switcher further streamlines operations, enabling seamless transitions between camera angles.
“The Blackmagic Design cameras have played a crucial role in delivering a high-end, multi-camera experience that truly showcases the artists on stage,” Stolfa concluded. “We’re proud of the final product: a power over Ethernet system that requires only one operator.”