The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 309 event showcased not only world-class athleticism but also cutting-edge technological innovation in sports photography. At this event at Madison Square Garden in NY, the UFC Photo Team employed Advanced Image Robotics (AIR) systems flying Sony Alpha 1 cameras with Sony 70-200mm and 12-24mm lenses to capture stunning still photos during the live event. This seamless integration of hardware and software marked a significant evolution in remote photography, enabling real-time content production and delivery. 

The Setup: Precision in Placement 

Two AIR One robotic camera systems were mounted strategically on the lighting truss above the iconic Octagon. One system was placed at the center of the truss, offering a direct overhead view of the action, while the second was positioned in a corner, delivering dynamic angles that highlighted the intensity and energy of the fights. These placements allowed the photography team to capture both dramatic and candid moments with unparalleled precision. 

When asked about the decision to integrate Sony Alpha 1 cameras with the Advanced Image Robotics remote production systems Josh Hedges, UFC Photo Team said “It’s not often that photographers get to use something new that allows us to push our creativity. When I saw the AIR systems I was excited to be able to follow the action in the Octagon to get more creative.”  

Remote Operation and Workflow 

The AIR systems were operated remotely from a backstage production area using an intuitive iPad interface. This system offered full control over camera angles, zoom, focus, and exposure, allowing photographers to adapt to the fast-paced action of the fights in real time. 

Once the photos were captured, the team processed them instantly through an optimized workflow. The images were edited and uploaded directly to ufc.com moments after key events occurred, such as knockouts, submissions, and walkouts. This real-time capability enabled the UFC to engage fans across the globe with near-instant updates, driving online engagement and enhancing the overall viewing experience. 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I was invited by AIR to view the event live and document the use of their production system. I had an opportunity to play with the AIR App backstage and acted as the photographer for one of the prelim bouts. I am happy to say that the system is so foolproof that one of MY photos was used online despite my lack of professional photography experience. 

Challenges and Successes 

Challenges 

1. Installation: Setting up these events is a highly coordinated effort which means every team must complete their work in the time allowed. The AIR systems had to be mounted, connected, tested and configured before the grid is lifted for the Octagon build which means these systems must be quick and easy to install. 

2. Fast Action: Capturing crisp, high-quality stills of rapid movements demanded precise camera control and robust autofocus capabilities.

Successes

1. Image Quality: The Sony A1’s high-resolution sensors delivered crystal-clear images that showcased the intensity of UFC 309. 

2. Efficiency: The AIR system's remote operation and seamless workflow drastically reduced the time between capturing and publishing images. 

3. Fan Engagement: The immediacy of posting event highlights online enhanced fan interaction, solidifying UFC's status as a leader in sports media innovation. 

Impact on Sports Photography 

The success of the AIR systems and Sony Alpha 1 cameras at UFC 309 highlights a shift in how professional sports photography can be conducted. By eliminating the need for photographers to be physically present in challenging or restrictive environments, this setup ensures safety, efficiency, and adaptability. 

For the UFC, this breakthrough represents not only a technical advancement but also a strategic edge in digital content delivery. The implementation of these systems opens the door for broader applications in other live events, from concerts to endurance events to large-scale sports tournaments. 

Conclusion 

The combination of Advanced Image Robotics remote production system and the Sony Alpha 1 cameras at UFC 309 exemplifies the transformative power of technology in live event coverage. By combining the precision of robotic systems with the artistic potential of high-quality cameras, the UFC has set a new standard for real-time content creation, delivering an experience that fans won’t forget. 

As innovations like these continue to shape the future of sports media, UFC's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology ensures it remains at the forefront of fan engagement and storytelling. 

Broadfield is your source for the Advanced Image Robotics Camera Kit and REMI Production Bundles. The complete VIDEO production with the Z Cam E2-M4 4K camera is in stock and available now and the phot bundle mentioned in this article is available for quotes and large opportunities... like the UFC. Call your Broadfield Sales Rep at 800-634-5178 to learn more.

Tulsa, OK - Allied Broadcast Group is pleased to announce the celebration of their 10th anniversary in business as a dealer and reseller of professional video equipment. 

Allied was founded in February of 2011 by Mark Chapman. With many years of experience in the industry, he felt he could take his personal approach and create a dealer and reseller that could help customers in the same way that helped him gain the reputation he has in the industry as a reliable, honest professional. In just 10 short years, what started as a dream fueled by ambition and a desire to do thing a notch above the rest, Allied Broadcast Group has grown to be a powerhouse in the professional video industry as one of the leading providers of new and used professional video gear. As a dealer and reseller of new and used video equipment, Allied's clients include schools, houses of worship, mobile production companies, live event producers, and more. Through strategic partnerships with companies like Broadfield Distributing, Allied is equipped now more than ever to help customers fill their need.  

“With thousands of satisfied customers, hundreds of five-star Google reviews, and sales to every continent of the world (except Antarctica) we are poised for our next phase of growth,” says Mark, the president of Allied Broadcast Group. “I wish to thank everyone! Especially our associates but also our vendors and customers who have helped us to get to this point. It is truly a milestone. We are looking forward to future growth and success.” 

As of 2021, in addition to being a dealer for new broadcast equipment and a reseller of certified used broadcast equipment, Allied Broadcast Group is offering production rentals, broadcast equipment appraisals including liquidation services, and flexible creative solutions through financing and creating hybrid systems with new and used professional video equipment.  

Allied Broadcast Group is a premier dealer of new and used professional video equipment with a long history of success in the live production and broadcast market. Learn more about the product offerings and see for yourself why we have been able to create such a loyal customer base by visiting our website at www.AlliedBroadcastGroup.com or by giving them a call at 918-250-5353

While the site is ready to go there may be brief outages as we wait for the DNS to propagate and while we run other site maintenance scripts. We expect the new site to be completely available at www.broadfield.com by the time we re-open on Tuesday, October 27th.

If you experience any rendering issues on the new site please do a hard refresh by hitting Ctrl + R in your browser or by clearing cache or opening in a new Incognito window.

If you experience any issues at all please contact jim@broadfield.com or reach out directly to your Broadfield salesperson at 800-634-5178.

• New Dante Bridge software for bridging Dante and NDI, the World’s Premier IP formats
• New Dante support planned for all BirdDog hardware including Converters and PTZ cameras
• New Dante support for BirdDog Comms Pro, the revolutionary visual audio intercom system

BirdDog (www.bird-dog.tv) today announces a three-pillar strategy to bring Dante, the world’s premier audio over IP format, into its product line-up;

• Dante will be supported in all existing hardware, including hardware already shipped by way of a $69 software update. This is expected to be available in Q2, 2020.
• Dante will be coming soon in BirdDog’s groundbreaking Audio Intercom software, Comms Pro via a $129 update.
• A new Dante Bridge software application, coming soon, will allow audio channels from NDI streams to be output to Dante and also for inputting Dante audio into the NDI world bridging the two worlds.

“We are super excited to be partnering so closely with Audinate to bring Dante support to our customers,” said Dan Miall, BirdDog Co-Founder and CEO. “Dante is the world’s leading audio over IP format and support into our hardware has easily been our number one feature request.”

Dante is available in over 2000 products from more than 400 manufacturers, covering a diverse range of installations and applications across industries, including Houses of Worship, Arenas and Stadiums, Recording Studios, Conference Centres, Universities, Broadcaster Studios, Corporate Studios, Amusement Parks, Zoos, and Theatres.

"We’re really excited to welcome fellow Australian’s, BirdDog into the Dante family,” said Aidan Williams, CEO of Audinate. “Dante is used in thousands of devices offering our customers uncompromising audio quality and performance over IP networks. By enabling Dante in BirdDog hardware and software, users can now seamlessly interact with the entire Dante ecosystem. We look forward to seeing innovative IP based broadcast and live production workflows enabled through this partnership.”

Over the past 18 months Broadfield has been actively migrating to a cloud-based infrastructure. We migrated to NetSuite for our ERP, CRM and warehouse management system. We use the Mitel Connect IP telephone system. We are in the process of implementing Office 365 file sharing and collaboration. None of this was done to prepare for an epidemic. We did it to streamline our operations and to serve our customers even better.

Broadfield Distributing’s offices and warehouse will remain open. Over the next few weeks our sales team and many others will be working remotely from home with full access to all the systems and technology they need.

Processing, fulfilling and processing your orders is our top priority. Our commitment to making it easy for you to do business with Broadfield has never been stronger. At the same time, we are implementing and taking all CDC recommended precautions.

One of my personal mantras is “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Never has this been truer. I am extremely confident that this crisis will drive demand for live streaming products and solutions. Every house of worship will now be looking to stream their services. Schools across the country will be investing in distance and remote learning. Corporations will look to use video conferencing and webinars to replace travel and trade shows. The long-term picture is very positive for Broadfield and our customers. If you aren’t already selling live streaming solutions, call us now to get started!

Thank you to all our customers and to our staff as we all work together to get thru this crisis. Together I know we will.

Gary Bettan

President
Broadfield Distributing Inc.

Mineola, NY – Brenda Wierzchucki has been doing business with Broadfield Distributing for the past decade in her roles with RED Digital Cinema, Incase and G-Technology. In her most recent role as Sr. Director of North America Sales at RED, Brenda was instrumental in Broadfield’s early success and helped dealers benefit from the relationship.

Brenda Wierzchucki’s experience in the industry will be a valuable resource to Broadfield. She will be working out of her home office in the Greater Los Angeles area and will be available to all Broadfield’s West Coast dealers to help expand and grow your business. She is already familiar with RED cameras, G-Technology, LaCie and Glyph storage solutions, Atomos Monitors/Recorders and will become familiar with all Broadfield product lines and the technical resources we have available.

“We are very excited to add Brenda to our team. She will be an asset to our West Coast dealers and our sales team.” said Gary Bettan the President of Broadfield Distributing Inc. “Brenda’s sales experience and product knowledge gives us the resources we need for growth. California is the epicenter of growth in the video and film production industries and Broadfield wants to make sure our dealers have the access they need to close the many sales opportunities available. Our motto is ‘You’ll like doing business with Broadfield because we make it easy to do business’ and now Brenda will help us live up to that promise across the country.”

Brenda is available at Broadfield Distributing at 516-252-3898 or 800-634-5178 x1156, at brenda@broadfield.com and via skype: bwierzchucki.

Barbara Guga & Elissa Oransky

They join these current employees who have also been here for 20+ years!

Jim Bask, Jon Oransky, Kim Serravalle & Sylvia Gilman

As a family business we take pride in the accomplishments of our employees and providing them opportunites to grow and excel along with the company.

Finding a proper work / life balance is an important part of this and we pride ourselves on giving our employees the flexibility and benefits they need to reach this balance.

Our corporate montra is “People do business with Broadfield because we make it easy to do business”.

This is not possible without having great people here, people who care about our customers and their satisfaction.

We try to expand this montra to include our employees as well. We want Broadfield Distributing to be a place that people enjoy coming to work and going the extra mile for our customers.

Barbara, Elissa, Jim, Jon, Km and Sylvia are shining examples of this. It takes great people to make a great company. So proud of our team and their dedication to not just the company, but our customers and vendors as well.

Thank you all!

Gary, Rich & Dan Bettan

How does filmmaker Cory Popp manage and secure his footage so it can “live forever?” Go behind the scenes with Popp in our video above to find out what steps are most important to him and why tools like his LaCie 6big RAID are invaluable.

With a great deal of success in the industry and a steady flow of projects always underway, Popp talks a bit about why he became a director, cinematographer and camera operator, and why he’s still passionate about it.

“I love telling stories,” he says. “I love capturing moments. I love beautiful images. Filmmaking combines all of those things together and allows me to do this passion.”

Popp shoots music videos, documentaries, television and commercials for record labels like Atlantic, Scion A/V and De Stijl; networks like HBO, Discovery, Travel Channel, National Geographic, TLC, MTV, Animal Planet, Fox Sports and PBS; and companies like Samsung, Vans, Finish Line, Reebok, Discover and Sargento.

His first feature film, Ellie Lumme, premiered at New York’s BAMcinemaFest in 2014 and went on to play Cucaloris, Unknown Pleasures and BFI London.

Popp’s passion for the work means he’s lining up projects and accepting assignments all the time.

“If I’m home for more than a week I start to get really antsy — I just need to get back out and shoot and work.”

Learn which storage tools work best for you

He says because he’s in the field a lot, he needs all his tools to be carefully selected, in place and ready to go.

“Within a given month I’ll go on 15 different shoots and I’ll use maybe seven different cameras on all those 15 different shoots. But I use the same hard drives every single time,” he says, pointing to a stack of LaCie Rugged drives.

“When it comes to this industry, time is money — so it’s super important to have reliability where you put your footage because you never want to have to go back out and shoot something over.”

The cinematographer’s craft is the complex art and science of using a motion picture camera to create the visual aesthetic that defines a film. It requires plenty of technical expertise, an eye for detail, knowledge of composition, lighting, color, and motion, a strong ability to relate with onscreen talent, and a quick inventive mind in the moment. And once having brought all those skills and talent to bear on the shoot, on set, on location — it’s those moments that cannot be replaced … it’s the end result of the cinematographer’s art that must be safeguarded.

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