'More glamour, more drama, and more rivalry than ever before' is how the broadcaster LIVING'S website sums up the latest series of its hugely popular reality TV series, Britain's Next Top Model, produced by Thumbs Up Productions and now in its sixth series.
With international modelling icon and businesswoman Elle Macpherson as its new host and Executive Producer, the show's production design was ramped up, too, and for the first time this year's final was broadcast live, in a 90-minute HD spectacular from BBC TV Centre's Studio 8 on October 4.
The 'battle of the beauties' saw the judges pass the deciding vote to the viewers to choose the top model, Tiffany, to pick up the prize of a modelling contract and more. It was staged on a specially designed stage set with a complete set, lighting and LED video screen production package from Stage Electrics, working with Thumbs Up on the show for the third year running.
The company had earlier built the studio stage set and lighting for the pre-recorded eliminations, filmed earlier in the year with Elle Macpherson. "This was the first time a live final was planned," says Stage Electrics account manager Russell Payne, "and we were asked to build a much more elaborate stage set incorporating a studio audience and large LED screens."
A two-day build for the one-day shoot saw the Stage Electrics team construct the glamorous set designed by Dominic Tolfts, complemented by a 20m catwalk and large seating blocks for the 300-strong studio audience on three sides of the catwalk.
The key visual elements in the production package comprised 150 lights, including the latest LED fixtures specified by Lighting Director Warren Hodge, and a pair of Stage Electrics' 6m x 4m LED screens - which have a very high resolution pixel pitch of 6mm, essential for a crisp look on an HD broadcast - and 36 metres of scenic LED panels.
Jonathan Barden, Studio Resources Manager at BBC Studios and Post Production, commented: "Working with Stage Electrics was a revelation. To have one point of contact for staging, lighting and video wall made for an unusually smooth operation, expertly run by account manager Russell Payne. Nothing was too much trouble and the joined-up approach to the technical delivery made everyone's life easier. As the man responsible for the technical delivery of the studio I look forward to working with them again soon and can't recommend them highly enough."
Director Gary Brooks said: "As a director, working with Stage Electrics is a dream. No matter how tight the schedule or budget, with their involvement you know the project will be finished to the highest standards. Most importantly, all their crew work with professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in abundance."