Bolt Races into a Third Dimension

Bolt appeared at the Bupa Great CityGames on Sunday (17 May), sprinting 150 meters around a specially built running track installed on the city's Deansgate. The race was filmed using five dual-camera 3D rigs including one mounted on a rail cam. Sky led the production which used equipment and facilities provided by outside broadcast company Telegenic, camera kit suppliers Arri Media and Aerial Camera Systems.

The broadcaster was working with FilmNova, a division of the company that organised the event, and 3D specialists Can Communicate and will distribute the content in Odeon cinemas later this year. Bolt's stay in Manchester, including a trip to Old Trafford to watch Manchester United, was also captured in 3D.

"It's great for Sky to be involved in capturing another compelling piece of content in 3D, to add to the catalogue of events we've recorded so far," said Sky head of product design and innovation Brian Lenz. "As part of our on-going research and development work, we're continuing to assess how 3D can work across a range of events and programming genres."

Sky has already completed 3D shoots featuring boxing, football, ballet and pop music.

Paul Foster, director of FilmNova said: "Capturing Usain Bolt's appearance in 3D is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our event, and athletics in general. Nova are committed to staging world class sporting events, and covering them in new and creative ways."

By Will Strauss, BroadcastNow