Pay-per-view PlatformZA launches in Pretoria
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Ballot and Blond Productions would usually be working together extensively during the arts festival season which has effectively been canned this year like almost every other ‘live’ event as the country fights the pandemic.
Like so many new COVID-era inspired projects, PlatformZA started with a series of Zoom chats between connected industry people and influencers, during which, explains Christiaan, “It became very apparent that there was the need for a mechanism other than streaming to which artists and producers could bring their content.”
With the whole industry being affected, the pair wanted to proactively offer artists like comedians, singer-songwriters and bands plus other performers and presenters working in all genres of visual entertainment - from vlogs to games shows to cooking demos - “the chance to produce high-quality new material cost-effectively with full and professional technical production facilities and crew,” stated Christiaan, in addition to be able to host quality content that is made elsewhere.
To facilitate the former, they have transformed the Blond Productions warehouse in Midrand near Pretoria into a fully functional high production value pop-up recording studio, and to stimulate the latter he and Kappie energised their enormous and diverse client and contacts base.
With a large inventory of Robe moving lights in stock, the studios feature plenty of Robe products on the lighting rig.
The studio’s goal is to be as adaptable and widely accessible for those wanting to use it. Flexible staging and a lighting design by Ryan Lombard - with 12 Robe Esprites providing all the front and key lighting - are included in the package together with audio, LED screens and video / media servers.
The six-camera system and PPU is supplied by Alfacam SA.
Additional Robe lighting includes LEDWash 300s for back washes, 12 miniPointes for beams and effects and 24 LEDBeam 100s which kick in for side light. Other specials can be added as required.
The Robe PATT 2013s are also a big hit, particularly with artists and singers wanting some scenic style back-of-camera props, while the raw warehouse backdrop brings a signature dash of edgy-industrial DIY style.
In addition to the studio shoots, the house team also works on location, with full technical packages to suit.
The platform is designed to work on a revenue share basis, so everyone involved can benefit from more people viewing and enjoying the content.
“Quality is absolutely the key,” emphasises Christiaan, adding that artists are now starting to approach them to re-shoot homegrown content in the studio and have access to improved facilities. The aim is to grow the range of artists and dynamics of the material on offer in the process encouraging all involved to hit the ‘quality bar’ every time.
