VERVE
SKAARHOJ in the Wild: Full Control on a Live Reality Show
March 25, 2026
About Verve Film
Verve Film is a UK video production company specialising in branded reality content, corporate films, and high-volume live productions for major brands including Footasylum.
Project: Locked In
Locked In is a YouTube reality series produced by Verve Film for Footasylum. Ten to twelve influencers, one house, no phones, two weeks — filmed and released daily to millions of viewers.
The production runs a mixed camera fleet throughout the house: Panasonic UE70s, UE150s, HE40s, Sony FX9s, and Z-Cams.
The Challenge
Filming in a private house rather than a studio creates production challenges. Running 42 cameras across multiple brands, no permanent rigging and a 24 hour turnaround demands instant access to presets, custom control pages and full cross-brand integration on every operator position.
Why Skaarhoj
OUR SOLUTION:
The PTZ Extremes gave each operator fully customisable control pages across all camera brands — Panasonic, Sony, Z-Cam, and Arri — from a single panel.
The Blue Pill replaced Bitfocus Companion entirely, routing cameras, lighting, and the AJA Kumo 64×64 matrix over the network.
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.
- Will Ford, Systems Engineer, Verve Film.
Solutions in Action
For Locked In, Verve Film deployed the following SKAARHOJ products:
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2x PTZ Extreme Controllers: Used to manage a mix of cameras across the house, enabling precise adjustments and rapid response to environmental changes.
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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.”
- Will Ford, Systems Engineer, Verve Film.
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.