Version 2 meets challenges of I’m a Celebrity
- Details
The impact of COVID-19 resulted in a well-publicised relocation of the show, from the Australian jungle of New South Wales to the atmospheric setting of Gwrych Castle in Abergele, North Wales. The combination of a new venue plus the global pandemic presented a multitude of challenges, which the production team overcame to make this 20th season of the show one of the most successful runs yet.
As one of the first UK TV shows to make a full return to regular production, including nightly live broadcasts direct from the location, the IAC team implemented stringent operational guidelines across the board. Alongside this, Version 2 added their own set of carefully constructed working protocols to help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Commenting on preparing for the show, Version 2 managing director, Nick Edwards says: “Staging what has become an iconic TV event, in a new location with the additional challenges of the pandemic, required meticulous planning. Operating within strict guidelines, which included our own custom protocols, we worked closely with the production team to help protect the well-being of all concerned.”
V2 delivered illumination on a massive scale, deploying three articulated lorry loads of equipment to the show, for use throughout the entire location. The comprehensive lighting package, mixed traditional sources with a host of low energy solutions taken from the V2 LED inventory.
The lighting list was carefully curated to handle the show’s broad requirement, which included both live and recorded segments. Addressing factors such as fluctuating weather conditions and much of the action being filmed at night, the lighting design covered everything from grand facades to the claustrophobic surroundings of the dungeon used to house the challenges.
Lighting gaffer Adam Mitchel says: “The scale of I’m a Celebrity . . . Get Me Out of Here! at Gwrych Castle was vast with multiple areas to light including various exterior challenge locations”.
The crew used a large consignment of SGM Q7 and Par 64 cans to light up the vast exteriors. Meanwhile, within the castle walls, the design incorporated a wide selection of intelligent, LED and tungsten, including a number of the popular Litepanels Gemini 2 x 1 and 1 x1 as ‘workhorse’ heads.
Amongst the automated lights used were the new Robe T1s, which provided plenty of highly controllable texture and colour. Robe Spiider LED wash fixtures added smooth, bright highlights across the various elements featured within the medieval styled sets.
Further precision detailing was provided via an extensive package of set practicals and scenic LEDs, custom designed and built specifically for the show by the by the V2 Technical Team.
LD James Tinsley says, “The scope of the project required a variety of light sources to handle very specific, studio, set and exterior shots. We were able to pull in equipment from all areas of the V2 inventory to make sure we had exactly what was needed to get the job done. The lighting crew did a fantastic job in what was at times a fairly challenging environment, creating a stunning look that perfectly complemented the impressive backdrop of Gwrych Castle.”
Adam concludes: “This enormous task was made much easier with the constant support from Nick and Version 2. Nick’s positive attitude and work ethic coupled with the reliability of the high-quality kit made installing this job a total success.”
