Transforming BCoT’s Media Production Capabilities

Introduction 

CJP Broadcast Service Solutions has successfully delivered a cutting-edge media production studio for Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT). Marking an investment by the college of half a million pounds, this state-of-the-art facility will transform the college’s media, broadcast, art and games development courses by offering students hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. 

Background

BCoT, located in Basingstoke, UK, sought to elevate its curriculum by developing a cutting-edge production suite to enhance its new and existing courses.

The college turned to CJP for its expertise in building media production facilities that utilise the latest technologies used by industry professionals. The new studio will be launched for the start of the academic year in September, aligning perfectly with the commencement of the new courses.

Vision and Impact 

The vision behind this project was to create a learning environment that mirrors the professional settings students will encounter in their careers. By integrating industry-standard technology, BCoT aims to provide hands-on experience that will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive media and entertainment industries. 

Kieran Phillips, Director of Sales and Marketing at CJP, highlighted the importance of this project: “This studio features the same tools that leading professionals rely on, from top TV productions to blockbuster films. Our goal is to prepare students for the real world by giving them access to the best technology available.” 

Peter Gordon, Course Director at BCoT, emphasised the collaborative nature of the new studio, explaining “students will work together on projects, each bringing their own expertise and ideas to the table. This cross-curricular approach is designed to foster teamwork and real-world production skills.” 

The Solution 

CJP, a vendor-agnostic independent systems integrator, ensured that the new studio was equipped with the latest and most advanced technology, providing the best fit for BCoT’s needs: 

• Professional Low-Energy Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting was installed to provide high-quality illumination while maintaining a sustainable and eco-conscious production environment. 

• Advanced Camera Tracking: Integrated advanced camera tracking with a real-time graphics engine, enabling seamless interaction between live-action footage and virtual environments, supporting immersive content creation for various media applications. 

• Ultra-High-Resolution Cameras: High-resolution cameras were chosen to deliver detailed, professional-quality visuals, ensuring high standards across all media production activities. 

• Motion Capture System: A motion capture system was implemented to allow real-time character animation, enhancing the studio’s ability to support complex productions involving computer-generated content. 

• High-Powered Workstations: Custom-built workstations were provided to handle demanding production and post-production workflows, ensuring smooth and efficient processes throughout content creation. 

• Post-Production Facilities: Editing and colour grading suites were developed to provide a comprehensive production pipeline, supporting all stages from concept to final delivery. 

Each component was carefully selected and integrated by CJP to create a modern, flexible production environment that supports a wide range of media projects, ensuring professional output that aligns with industry standards. 

Conclusion 

The successful completion of the VP studio at BCoT is a further testament to CJP’s expertise and commitment to advancing educational facilities and closing the skills gap. This project not only enhances BCoT’s curriculum but also ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in the media and entertainment industries. The collaboration between CJP and BCoT marks a significant milestone in creating future-ready educational environments that foster creativity, collaboration, and technical excellence.