France Télévisions integrates Fairlight (Blackmagic) consoles in its post-production studios

France 3 (France Télévisions) post-production facilities have been upgraded with digital audio stations based on Fairlight (Schwarze Magie) solutions.

With the support of Paris-based distributor Magic Hour, France Télévisions has installed 31 Fairlight consoles mit two-module systems in 24 regional newsrooms across the country to handle different types of work. Gregory Vital, head of engineering and technical services, elaborates:” Our requirements for the tender was to guarantee on air continuity for our 24 newsrooms with a solution that would ensure the production of our regional broadcast news in a fluid and rapid manner. The previous solution was no longer fit for purpose. Furthermore, the amount of time devoted to supporting it was considerable and as was the cost.”

Given the French broadcaster’s level of automation, the solution had to offer a future-proof set of audiovisual tools and also integrate seamlessly with the content production dynamics used by the broadcaster in its news bulletins. Vital emphasizes that the Blackmagic solution addresses both of these challenges: “Fairlight met all our immediate requirements while also supporting our need to expand in to 4K workflows in the future. Access to DaVinci Resolve’s API also ensured we could quickly interface Fairlight with our existing systems and workflow automation, ensuring a smooth transition for our operators.”

Workflow with Fairlight

France Télévisions has two import modes for news broadcasting, which are automated by sending iMedia API requests to DaVinci Resolve über Python scripts that generate and load working sessions from templates. “As for output workflows, we can deliver AAF, MXF or sound alone via the delivery presets,” explains Pascal Arnold, console operator.

Amandine Doucet, audiovisual project manager, was pleasantly surprised by the level and quality of the Fairlight control panels: “They afforded our operators more direct access to essential features and controls such as EQ, for example. This is crucial when working in a broadcast newsroom environment where speed to air is critical.” Antoine Flinois, one of the channel’s main engineers, adds: “The fact that the consoles are modular and can be integrated into custom furniture or the Blackmagic Design chassis is a real asset. It allowed us to make it work in various mixing environments.”

In addition, the ergonomics of the Fairlight Desktop Audio Editor module offer an added benefit, according to Kamel Founas, IP applications engineer: “The fact that the consoles are modular and can be integrated into custom furniture or the Blackmagic Design chassis is a real asset. It allowed us to make it work in various mixing environments.”

Training program

To ensure a smooth transition, it was decided to implement a special certified training program together with France Télévisions Université to train both existing staff and new employees: “With help from the manufacturer and reseller, we’ve created a group of certified Fairlight superusers. This effectively support internal training and ensures regional self reliance and speed,” explains Vital.

ital had less than 18 months to integrate Fairlight into France Télévisions’ work dynamics, train 190 users Und set up 24 centers across the country, in the midst of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. Despite the challenges, the solution is now fully integrated into France Télévisions’ workflow.

Tim Siddons, Vertriebsleiter bei Blackmagic Design, celebrates the success of the integration: “Critical in this project tender was our ability to deliver Fairlight consoles to a rapid roll out schedule across all 24 regions. Working closely with Magic Hour, our authorized Fairlight reseller in Paris, we have been able to achieve France Télévisions vision across all regions on time and within budget.”