Our challenge was to create a broadcast environment in Sydney for challenging conversations, designed from Brooklyn and on-air in less than one month.

The design drew inspiration from historic government and community built architectural forums.

We transformed the client’s approach to presentation. Previously, the audience sat behind the cameras, facing a stage with scenery behind. Our solution placed the audience at the center of the conversation, on camera, allowing viewers at home to fell like part of the room.

This approach unlocked new innovations for scenic placement and camera blocking. Scenic elements were arranged in a radius, with gaps that allowed cameras to shoot in the round. The result was a more immersive and flexible production environment, built for fast turnarounds.

The set reused existing light boxes and LED walls with a new graphic system. Three round platforms were sourced, connected, and clad to create a custom raised presentation area.

Project: ABC National Forum

Client: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Agency: Primate Studio

Designer: Paul Benson

Design Assistance: Yash Pawar

Scenic Fabricator: Wild Sets

Lighting: In-House