Global Fútbol

Since the start of the current campaign, LaLiga and Movistar have been offering viewers access to the recently launched multi-camera option during match broadcasts. This product, which is provided by Mediapro, involves four different shots on a split screen, along with a bar featuring real-time statistics that are sourced from the Mediacoach match data analytics platform.

The aim of this innovation is to offer supporters alternative viewing options that enable them to enjoy the action from various angles and receive match statistics as a part of a new and more tailored match experience that is available for selected LaLiga Santander fixtures and seeks to make the most of the available technical and technology resources.

The multi-camera option features the main camera shot, which takes centre stage, along with the Mediacoach statistics and 3D graphics, as well as the footage captured by the special cameras. The action on the main screen is complemented by a further three windows: one of which offers a close-up shot of the ball and the player in possession and operates throughout the 90 minutes; another that catches the action from the goal area thanks to the mini-cameras attached to the goalposts and those situated in the upper tier of the stand, which offer a higher viewpoint; as well as a screen that catches all the action in the dugouts and switches between the home and away benches.

The multi-camera option is available via a second channel on the traditional linear channels, as well as through its OTT platforms with both Spanish and international broadcasters holding AV rights.

The main audio on this multi-screen option involves match commentary offered by casters/streamers. Offering this audio option aims to build on the LaLiga Casters project, which proved to be such a resounding success last term amongst young supporters. Of the three matches, one will feature the commentary of one of the regular LaLiga Casters commentators (Ibai Llanos, Ander Cortes, Ulises Prieto, etc.), whilst the regular eLaLiga Santander streamers will recount all the action in the other two games. Movistar+ viewers also have the option of enjoying the multi-screen option as they listen to the original match commentary via a second audio channel.

“LaLiga boasts the best audiovisual product in the world of sport and we’re constantly seeking the latest innovations to ensure that we remain at the forefront when it comes to sports broadcasting. The multi-screen option represents another step forward for us as we provide our followers with a new and exciting way of enjoying all the entertainment offered by LaLiga Santander,” commented Melcior Soler, director of LaLiga’s audiovisual department.

For his part, Ignacio Fernandez-Vega, director of sports at Movistar+, declared that: “Our aim is to improve the entertainment quality of the show. This is yet another step in the joint efforts led by Movistar+ and LaLiga to incorporate the latest innovations into the broadcasts and offer viewers new ways in which to enjoy every game to the full. On the one hand, we continue to improve the match broadcast on the main channel, whilst at the same time offering a second channel that features a broadcast with several shots for TV screens and multi-devices through which we seek to enhance the customer experience by offering several real-time camera angles of the same move along with data-based graphics. Our customers won’t miss out on a thing.”

“We at Mediapro have been working alongside LaLiga to innovate in terms of our audiovisual production by using the latest technology to give the spectator the best possible all-round experience. We’re the most technologically advanced production company in Europe and we offer LaLiga major innovations in a creative format. For example, we have the multi-screen option, the roll-out of the film camera in four games each matchday, the use of drones in the production of six matches and the virtual reality graphics that have established themselves as a major feature of LaLiga’s audiovisual offering and represent an unprecedented landmark in the audiovisual production of sporting events,” noted Oscar Lago, head of production at Grupo Mediapro.

What exactly will viewers see in each screen window?

The main window features coverage produced in a super feed format in which the special cameras take centre stage. The main broadcast involves the master camera shot, which is enhanced by replays captured by the rest of the cameras, drone shots and live statistic graphics, both those which feature in the match broadcast and those that, due to the nature of the on-field action, are not shown during the match.

The ball-tracking window follows the ball and the player in possession at all times and offers a close-up view that allows fans to follow the player’s every last move. The windows that show the action as it is seen from behind the goalposts and from the upper tier, captured via the mini-camera attached to the goal and the camera located in the upper tier, offer the best shots of each attacking move in and around the penalty areas, as well as all of the action from a high vantage point behind the goal.

As for the dugout camera, the footage switches between the home and away dugouts so as to allow viewers to catch the reactions of both coaches and sets of substitutes. Last but not least, the statistics bar located at the foot of the four images offers dynamic and visual graphics featuring live match statistics, which come from various sources, including Mediacoach, Tracab and Grafismo WTVision.

Cinematic camera & new FanCam offer authentic cinema experience

The FanCam, which was launched last season, takes its place pitchside and has been installed across all LaLiga SmartBank stadiums this season. The success enjoyed by the FanCam, rolled out in conjunction with Mediapro, which arrived on the scene in 2021 to compensate for the absence of fans in the stands and bring supporters closer to the players, has seen this camera become a cornerstone of LaLiga match broadcasts. Indeed, the majority of the goals scored last term were celebrated directly in front of the camera and this year it has once again been given a designated position in the stadiums. The camera will be placed behind the goals and in close proximity to the goalposts. A sign attached to the camera that reads “FanCam” means that there is no mistaking this particular camera.

Meanwhile, one camera that has returned for another taste of the action this season is the cinematic camera, a mirrorless camera with a large sensor that offers ultra-realistic image quality that is comparable to a video game or film. This sort of camera typically acts as a steadicam and during the course of a game can switch to a film camera with a blurred effect that is reminiscent of portrait mode photographs, whilst it is able to capture images of very shallow depth of field thanks to its 35mm sensor.

In addition to the above-mentioned audiovisual advances, LaLiga will continue to deploy the existing features that have served to virtually transform its broadcasts into blockbuster film productions in recent years. Amongst these innovations are the aerial cameras which will feature in 16 stadiums this season, 360º replays or the robotic cameras in the players’ tunnel, all of which have combined to take the viewing experience to a new level.