VERVE
Enhancing Reality Show Production with SKAARHOJ Solutions at Verve Film
About Verve Film
Verve Film is a dynamic video production company specializing in crafting visually stunning and emotionally compelling films. From promotional and corporate videos to artistic projects, Verve Film collaborates with businesses and organizations to deliver storytelling-driven content that resonates with audiences. With a seamless blend of creativity and technical expertise, their work reflects an unwavering commitment to high-quality production.
Overview of the Project: Locked In
Locked In is a highly successful YouTube reality series produced by Verve Film for Footasylum. Running annually for the past five years, the series features 10–12 influencers living together in a secluded house without phones or entertainment for two weeks. The project is a logistical and creative feat: with footage captured by 42 cameras, episodes are filmed, edited, and released daily—just three days after filming. The series has consistently attracted millions of views per episode, becoming a flagship production for Footasylum.
The project utilizes a diverse range of cameras, including Panasonic UE70s, UE150s, HE40s, Sony FX9s, and Z-Cams, all strategically placed throughout a house in Cambridge.
Initial Challenges
The Locked In series presents unique production challenges due to its unconventional filming environment: a private house rather than a controlled sound stage or studio. The team must overcome several hurdles:
Lighting: Despite professional lighting setups, natural light fluctuations throughout the day create inconsistencies in footage quality.
Control: Managing a large number of cameras and ensuring smooth integration with other devices demands highly customizable and efficient control solutions.
Time Constraints: The rapid production schedule requires seamless workflows and tools that minimize operational complexity.
Why SKAARHOJ?
To address these challenges, Verve Film turned to SKAARHOJ’s PTZ Extreme controllers and Blue Pill. Unlike standard Panasonic controllers, SKAARHOJ’s solutions offered advanced customization features that significantly enhanced the efficiency and adaptability of the production team.
“The PTZ Extreme adds the level of customization our operators love, with the ability to create multiple custom preset buttons and control pages for quick access to favorite settings. On original panels, this would take considerable time navigating menus,” says Will Ford, Systems Engineer at Verve Film.
SKAARHOJ Solutions in Action
For Locked In, Verve Film deployed the following SKAARHOJ products:
2x PTZ Extreme Controllers: Used to manage a mix of cameras across the house, enabling precise adjustments and rapid response to environmental changes.
1x Blue Pill: Functioned as a custom Streamdeck control panel, providing operators with tools to create preset camera and lighting positions. Additionally, the Blue Pill served as a routing panel controller for the AJA Kumo 64x64 matrix.
The PTZ Extreme controllers also communicated seamlessly with the Blackmagic Atem Constellation 4K switcher, allowing operators to preview and switch feeds efficiently.
Key Benefits of SKAARHOJ Products
Customizability: The ability to design tailored control workflows directly on the panels or through the Blue Pill saved time and reduced the complexity of operations.
Integration: SKAARHOJ’s Blue Pill eliminated the need for additional bridging tools like Bitfocus Companion, streamlining the production pipeline.
Reliability: Built-in system logs facilitated quick troubleshooting, minimizing downtime during the fast-paced production schedule.
“The Blue Pill built into the controllers solved all my issues. Unlike external tools, it supports the wide range of equipment we use, including Arri Cameras. It’s one less point of failure in the workflow,” notes Ford.
Results
SKAARHOJ’s solutions have become indispensable for Verve Film, transforming the way they approach large-scale productions like Locked In. The advanced features of the PTZ Extreme and Blue Pill enhanced operational efficiency, allowing the team to focus on creativity and storytelling without being hindered by technical limitations.
By partnering with SKAARHOJ, Verve Film has elevated the quality and efficiency of its video production capabilities. Tools like the PTZ Extreme and Blue Pill have empowered the team to overcome environmental challenges, maintain tight schedules, and deliver high-quality content that captivates millions of viewers. SKAARHOJ’s innovative solutions are now a cornerstone of Verve Film’s success in crafting impactful visual narratives.