CUSTOMER: BBC
LOCATION: Elstree Film Studios
SECTOR: Events
APPLICATION: BBC Flagship live TV Series
The Challenge

Deliver power and temperature control for primetime TV show

The BBC Television Centre was closed in 2014, with Elstree Studios chosen as the ideal location to deliver one of its flagship shows. As this was a larger space it was an opportunity to increase the size of the set and studio audience.

With any new location, it was essential to have an infrastructure that would ensure that the production continued to be a success for both the BBC and Elstree Studios – having a major show produced at the studios on a long term basis would be a major win for both parties.

The show was growing – but could the BBC find a partner who could meet their rising demand for power and temperature control?

Project Fact File
1
Rank of show on national channel
700 +
Audience members
11 Million
Average audience tuning in
1.4 MVA
Power provided
600 kW
Of temperature control
The Solution

Modular power, heating and cooling setting the stage

Working with the studio and production teams allowed us to identify the following requirements:

Power for lighting and technical facilities (galleries/broadcast)
Heating/ Cooling for stage, audience and show rehearsals
Heating / Cooling for talent area
Distribution and Cable for workshops
Heating/ Cooling for VIP / audience marquee

We specified power generation for lighting and technical areas such as galleries and broadcast, with generators in sync for redundancy, load share and economy. We also engaged the studios and identified an ideal laydown area, which would make installation easier.

We used both heating and cooling for the Stage. This gave us the adaptability to meet the unique demands of the area. The heat would be necessary in the morning so dancers could warm up and perform to their maximum. The chillers would then kick in as evening approached, in advance for the 700+ audience.

We took a different approach for the audience marquee and production offices. These are cooled with portable evaporative units that we purchased solely for this job, for areas with no windows or access to hot air.

We also provided our experts on site for rehearsals and live shows as a contingency, for help and support with our equipment – and our own remote monitoring and fuel management services gave our customer a comprehensive solution that ticked all boxes and allowed our customer to concentrate on producing a hit show for millions.

The Aggreko Difference
Our expertise sets the scene for your success
The Impact

TV show now has platform for growth with perfect solution

Working with the customer and actively collaborating with all facets of their business allowed us to formulate a solution that met all demands for the studio and the production team.

As a result, the TV show, the talent and the audience could enjoy the spectacle, with our equipment and expertise providing the foundation for success.

We worked so closely with the associated teams of the show that we are now regarded as part of β€˜The Strictly Family,’ a sentiment that shows our people and our work have delivered true value to the entire Strictly Come Dancing team.