Behind the scenes at the DressagePower Horse Show – together with StudioS19
When you follow the rules during the DressagePower Horse Show, it’s easy to focus on what’s visible on camera – the rules, the experience, and the sport. But behind every live broadcast is extensive technical work where every detail must function perfectly in real time. Something that our main partner StudioS19 is responsible for and implements!
As the main partner, StudioS19 is responsible for the production behind the broadcasts – from camera setup and sound mixing to LED screens, highlight material and the technical aspects of the live broadcast.
“It’s about the rig and the sinker”
One of the biggest challenges in producing a live event like the DressagePower Horse Show is getting all the parts to work seamlessly together.
– In short, it’s about rigging and syncing, explains the team behind StudioS19.
The production encompasses several different camera positions: manned cameras for the actual competition, moving cameras for interviews and prize presentations, as well as dedicated angles for commentators, the arena areas, and the much-anticipated “kiss & cry” area where coaches and family members follow the rules.
At the same time, several parallel audio streams are handled. One for the broadcast itself – and another for the arena.
– We make separate mixes for the broadcast and for the audience at the venue. It needs to be adapted to two completely different experiences, they explain.
Communication between the production team and the commentators also takes place live throughout the weekend via a talkback system, where everything must be timed exactly to avoid any clashes between the speaker, the interviews, and the commentary during the broadcast.
A production that must never stop
Behind the scenes, work begins long before the first team of riders takes to the track.
The preparations begin with planning meetings where the team goes through the entire setup, identifies risks, and builds contingency plans for various scenarios.
– The goal is that any problems should never be noticed by viewers or the audience.
During the competition days, StudioS19 works closely with technology and supplier partners to quickly handle deviations and ensure that the broadcast maintains the highest quality from start to finish.
A tight team behind the broadcast
To carry out the production, a cohesive team is required, where each role has a clear responsibility.
The production includes, among other things:
- Camera photographers for competitions and moving images
- Image producer who controls the pace of the broadcast and camera shifts
- Sound engineering for arena and broadcast sound
- Technical Operations Manager (TOM) for technical operations and troubleshooting
- Production managers who coordinate logistics, schedules, and communication
In parallel, highlight clips and footage for the DressagePowers aftermovie are also being produced throughout the weekend.
“We want the viewers to feel like they are sitting in the stands”
What drives the team is the pace, the presence and the ability to create an experience that feels close to the sport.
– We have deliberately chosen a more focused TV production where the competition itself is the focus. The ambition is for viewers at home to experience the races almost as if they were in the stands.
And maybe that's where the magic happens – in all the things the audience never sees.
Behind every seamless broadcast are hours of planning, technology, communication, and precision.
– It’s far from “you’re just filming”. It’s all the invisible preparation that makes the broadcast feel easy when it comes down to it.
Thanks StudioS19 for being the main partner of the DressagePower Horse Show!
