The Fellas Studios, known for hit podcasts like “Saving Grace” and “The Fellas,” has shifted its Formula 1 podcast “The Last Lap” to a live format. The move is part of an effort to boost audience engagement, particularly during the racing season.
New Live Production Setup
Managing director Elliot Hackney recognized the potential for increased interaction through live broadcasts. To achieve this, The Fellas Studios collaborated with livestream consultant Alex Pettitt from Alex.Live, opting for a multi-camera workflow centered around five Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K Pro units.
The setup includes four single cameras for guests and one wide-angle camera. Video feeds are transmitted via fiber optic HDMI to an ATEM Mini Extreme ISO switcher, enabling seamless communication and control without the need for dedicated camera operators.
Streamlined Workflow
Pettitt emphasized the importance of simplicity and ease of use in the new studio. “While it is typically a case of set and forget, the ability to jump into the ATEM Software Control while live to adjust a camera's focus was crucial,” he said.
The cameras are versatile, being used across various shows with custom LUTs applied for different looks. The compact setup can be easily packed up and moved for external shoots, managed via network control from a mouse, keyboard, and control deck.
Integrated Production
At the heart of the production is a broadcast rack containing an Ethernet switch, WiFi router, Behringer audio mixer, and ATEM Mini Extreme ISO. The switcher handles live streaming through Restream while simultaneously recording to an SSD for repurposing clips on social media.
The HyperDeck Studio HD Plus serves as a playback source, and UltraStudio HD Mini captures and plays key graphics from a Mac Mini using Singular.live software. This integration allows the production team to incorporate data-driven visuals into the stream.
Enhanced Audience Engagement
Hackney highlighted the significant increase in audience engagement since switching to live broadcasts. “We're now seeing a generation that uses second screens similarly, only with more interactivity,” he noted. This format aligns well with modern viewing habits, where audiences often engage with content in real-time.