Eurovision 2023. 37 countries, 160 million viewers, endless glitz and glam and 40 seconds between each song. In those 40 seconds, two things happen. A very quick off-camera set change, and a video introducing each act, known as a "Postcard." Fans around the globe anticipate these videos each year as they provide the first look at each performer and the creative concept that defines that year's contest. This year the BBC used Insta360 RS 1-Inch 360, co-engineered with Leica, to film the iconic Postcards.
Eurovision 2023 was due to be held in Ukraine, but with ongoing events, it was hosted in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The theme for the Postcards was "United by Music," reflecting the slogan for this year's song contest and demonstrating how we are all connected.
Dynamic Transitons
The BBC filmed 111 locations across the globe using Insta360's premium 6K 360 camera attached to a drone. The video intros, now a staple of Eurovision, showcased locations across the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and participating countries, seamlessly transitioning between the three with creative camera movements.
The audience heralded the Postcards as visually striking and thought-provoking, particularly the dynamic transitions between locations that reinforced the theme of the contest. RS 1-Inch 360 makes these technical transitions easily achievable in post-production with the Insta360 mobile app and Studio desktop software. With unlimited angles to play with, the BBC reframed and edited the 360 footage in a number of creative ways. Viewers visually fly out of one country and into another in just one shot, linking locations thousands of miles away.
Tiny Planet
The contest's bizarre but charming performances (the whole contest often being described as a "fever dream") are what makes it so beloved, so it seems fitting that the Postcards reflect this spirit with creative technology.
Each Postcard opened and closed with a fan favorite, Tiny Planet, which gives the illusion that the artists are standing on their own miniature planet. This fun effect is easy to achieve with 360 footage in the edit. The BBC used this unique effect to remind audiences that we all share one world.
Find out how to get the Tiny Planet effect here.
Connecting Countries Across the Globe
The audience described footage from RS 1-Inch 360 as crisp, and the creative effects made possible with 360 technology as a touching, imaginative way to celebrate each country. Lifted travel restrictions made this year extra special as camera crews were physically able to visit the 37 different countries. Combined with breathtaking footage from RS 1-Inch 360, this created a truly immersive and personal feel for each Postcard.
RS 1-Inch 360 captured dynamic aerial views of Ukraine and other participating countries for viewers. Eurovision 2023 served as a reminder that people can come together and find beauty amidst difficult situations. Insta360 RS 1-Inch 360 helped capture that beauty and showcase it to the world.
You can watch the Making of the Postcards on BBC iPlayer.
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