BBC to go digital with production

Broadcaster will use Apple and Avid desktop editing software

The BBC will start digitising its creative production process next month after awarding deals to vendors Apple and Avid to provide desktop editing software.

Over the next 12 months the broadcaster will install Apple Final Cut Pro and Avid Express Pro editing software on 500 PCs across the corporation, as part of plans to digitise its full TV, radio and internet production process by 2010.

The Creative Desktop project will allow staff to better share content across the BBC, and will speed up production by removing tape-based materials, which are difficult to access and to transport between locations.

By digitising the way that programmes are made, edited, transferred and archived, the BBC expects to cut production costs by about 10 per cent (Computing, 22 July 2004).

‘Sharing and accessing media in a timely manner is difficult at the moment. It’s very cumbersome, as there are trolleys of tape content all around the BBC,’ said Paul Cheesbrough, head of technology for BBC Production.

‘The new systems will help produce high-definition programmes for prime-time television slots through to creating content for the web.’

Technology partner Siemens Business Services will install and maintain the software, which has been tested over the past 12 months at the Cambridge newsroom and on programmes such as Full on Food.

Cost savings will also be made by installing the software on standard PCs instead of bespoke editing suites that need to be booked.

‘The first reason for doing this is creativity and making sure programme makers have access to the right tools. It will have a knock-on effect in terms of improving programme output, and using off-the-shelf software will bring cost benefits,’ said Cheesbrough.

Producers will also be able to access the software on laptops while filming on location, which will allow them to get a better understanding of how a final scene might look, and to make changes if required.

‘Traditionally people have viewed these tools as being for low-end programming, but Hollywood is now using them for major movie productions,’ said Cheesbrough.