The Dressing Room from Al Arabiya: The Future of Podcasting

When Al Arabiya News set out to launch their flagship football podcast, The Dressing Room, they turned to Broadley Studios to create a cutting-edge production that matched the energy and ambition of the show. Hosted by football legends Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge, and Carlton Cole, this weekly series dives into global football stories, blending expert analysis with relatable charm and humour.

The Challenge

Al Arabiya envisioned a podcast that would stand out in a saturated market, offering a perfect mix of serious football insight and light-hearted banter.

With the Premier League alone reaching a global audience of 4.7 billion and Saudi Arabia recently confirmed as the host of the 2034 World Cup, the timing was ideal to tap into football’s universal appeal. The production required a Virtual Production setup that could deliver high-quality visuals while meeting the demands of a weekly schedule.

Our Solution

Studio 1 and it’s tech infrastructure became the foundation for The Dressing Room's Virtual Production workflow. UUsing five motion-tracked cameras and render engines running Brainstorm’s infinity Set, the show captured dynamic multiple angles with smooth-moving cameras.

Our green screen setup and advanced technology allowed for immersive virtual environments that enhanced the storytelling and aligned with Al Arabiya’s brand and aspirations for the show. We created 'The Dressing Room' set in UE 5.3, which was inspired by Wembley Stadium’s new dressing room

Camera Choice

We chose Sony FR7s and FX9 cameras equipped with Sony 28-135mm G Master Zoom lenses for their high-quality picture and flexibility. This allowed us to have precise movement in the virtual world using the FR7s FreeD protocol.

Virtual Set Design with Brainstorm InfinitySet and Unreal Engine 5.3

Using Unreal Engine 5.3 in combination with Brainstorm’s InfinitySet, we worked with a custom-designed virtual environment created specifically for the podcast.

This setup allowed us to adjust backgrounds and lighting in real time, creating an interactive setting that captures dynamic shots following the energy of the conversation. Unreal’s advanced rendering capabilities, combined with Brainstorm’s seamless integration tools, made it possible to create a realistic, immersive scene that would match the tone and aesthetic of the show.

MRMC and Robotic Sliders

One of our new pieces of tech used on the podcast is Mark Roberts Motion Control Rail Lift System (MRMC RLS). The RLS provides smooth slider and lift movements allowing one of our FR7s to be in different parts of the set. Using the FreeD protocol data provided by the RLS and FR7, this enables us to get a variety of different shots such as a dynamic drift, a jib like movement or engaging 2 and 3 shots from different angles, covering different parts of the set and conversation. It adds a real dynamic aesthetic to the production and gives viewers the much needed visual variety podcasts are demanding nowadays.

The Production Process

Filmed weekly in London,?The Dressing Room?leverages Broadley Studios’ expertise in Virtual Production to create a polished, professional look for every episode. We collaborated with Al Arabiya’s creative team to design virtual environments that reflect the show’s tone, a balance of in-depth football analysis and?light-hearted?banter, while remaining adaptable to the evolving narratives of the football world.

The dynamic trio of Joe Cole, Wayne Bridge, and Carlton Cole bring their unique perspectives to the table: Joe Cole’s insightful commentary as a three-time Premier League winner, Wayne Bridge’s candid analysis from his experience with clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, and Carlton Cole’s charismatic?humour?and passion as a West Ham legend. Together, they make each episode resonate with football enthusiasts worldwide.

The Results

The Dressing Room has launched across major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Al Arabiya News’ website, where it has quickly gained traction with football fans. Designed to foster online engagement and viral moments, the podcast seamlessly blends serious analysis with entertainment, striking a chord with its target audience. The visually striking Virtual Production has elevated the podcast, setting it apart in a competitive market.

By combining Broadley Studios’ technical expertise with Al Arabiya’s vision, The Dressing Room exemplifies how Virtual Production can redefine storytelling in modern media.

You can watch The Dressing Room Episode One on here on YouTube and Episode 2 on here on YouTube.

Client Testimonial

"Working with Broadley Studios has been a tremendous experience! The team are incredibly professional, and the facilities are top-notch. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel at home, ensuring everything ran smoothly and exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere is creative and welcoming, making it the perfect place for any production. Highly recommend Broadley Studios to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable studio for their next project.

- Micheal Prendergast, Deputy Editor-in-chief, Al Arabiya English

Virtual Production at Broadley Studios

Ready to take your next production to the next level? For more information about our Virtual Production capabilities, and to find out how we can help you and your production, please call us on: +442077255858; or email us at: [email protected] today.

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