The Challenge
AZ, a Dutch professional football club based in the city of Alkmaar and playing in the Eredivisie, the top-tier football league in the Netherlands, faced a significant challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic: With stadiums closed to fans, AZ needed a way to maintain fan engagement and keep their connection with supporters strong. They recognized the necessity of enhancing their digital presence and decided to build their own OTT (Over-The-Top) channel to reach their global fan base. To achieve this, AZ required a professional studio setup that could facilitate pre-match and post-match analysis programs, integrate external video feeds from smartphones within the stadium, and live stream events such as the team’s arrival at the stadium. The solution needed to be highly automated to reduce the need for onsite staff while still delivering high-quality, professional content.
The Solution
AZ chose the Vislink vPilot system to be the core of their studio operations. vPilot studio is an automated AI-driven solution that allows for the creation of professional-grade studio productions without the need for camera operators or an onsite director. The system uses AI to control PTZ cameras and can automatically create shots, clips, and direct cameras, all based on pre-configured instructions from a virtual director. This technology enables AZ to produce engaging content efficiently, even with limited personnel on-site.
The studio setup was designed and implemented by Buckdesign, a Netherlands-based company with global expertise in studio installations. Buckdesign managed the entire studio build, including the installation of the vPilot system, lighting, backdrops, furniture, and additional screens necessary to create a professional production environment.
The Result
The implementation of the vPilot system successfully transformed AZ’s ability to engage with their fan base during the pandemic. The club weas able to live stream pre-match and post-match analysis, keeping their fans connected and engaged despite the absence of in-person attendance. The automated nature of the system allowed AZ to be both flexible and cost-effective, enabling quick reactions to live events while maintaining a high standard of production quality. The studio also opens up future possibilities for AZ, including use by broadcasters, external communications, and as a platform for a new university and academy course the club plans to establish.
“The power of AI to operate the studio without the need of a camera team allows us to be both flexible and quick to react, but also keeps our costs and media footprint down. The professional studio built by Buck is the professional appearance we want to give. We look forward to increasing our professional video output.”
Michael Koster, Commercial Director, AZ
