Blackmagic Delivers Gotham Girls Roller Derby

The Gotham Girls Roller Derby League, New York City’s all-female, DIY, skater-operated roller derby league, has adopted Blackmagic Design’s ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher and ATEM 1 M/E Broadcast Panel for live production of their 2011 matches. The ability to provide high-quality live production and post-match re-broadcasting has become a cornerstone of the league’s success. Derby matches are shot in HD, and each match generates a live video Webcast on the Derby News Network portal, a rebroadcast on NYC life, and videos and DVDs for post-match distribution.

The ATEM 1 M/E Production Switcher is used at each match in conjunction with up to six cameras, capturing tight shots of players, wider area views following the “pack,” and announcer and crowd shots. The league also uses the ATEM switcher for in-match graphic overlays and effects, displaying statistics and combining different visual elements through upstream and downstream keyers for an effective in-person experience. Following matches, the combined HD line cut from the system is used as the base edit for rebroadcast and DVD development.

“League members and fans are passionate about the sport, and it is our dream to nurture derby’s growth via well produced content. In order for it to grow, we need to pull together high-quality live production and broadcasts that capture the fun of the game and educate viewers on rules and strategies. The ATEM is a huge part of helping us realize our dreams for the Gotham and the sport as a whole,” says Tammy Walters, executive producer of the Gotham Girls Roller Derby televised show on NYCTV.