BBC considers 3D Jubilee coverage

The broadcaster yesterday revealed plans to stage what it described as the biggest concert in its history as part of the four-day celebration of the Queen’s 60-year reign.

Executive editor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee for the BBC Ben Weston told Broadcast that showing the concert in 3D would present “a new layer of technical challenges”.

“The biggest question is whether it is possible to combine 2D and 3D,” he said.

“The BBC is making a substantial investment [in the Diamond Jubilee concert], and the vast majority of viewers will watch in 2D, so we can’t compromise the 2D offering.”

Weston said the BBC is investigating funding models to support any possible 3D production, which could include distribution to cinemas.

However, issues around rights could scupper plans to show the concert in cinemas.

Weston said artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Jessie J and Madness have agreed to perform at the concert for free.

“What we need to address is whether it is reasonable to ask artists to give away their rights when involving cinemas might require a commercial model.

“The artists have been very generous but there comes a tipping point, so we are doing some detailed work to see if [cinema screenings] might be viable.”

The concert is likely to be a 25 camera outside broadcast, let by director Geoff Posner, whose credits include Live 8 and the Eurovision Song Contest.

“We are working on the camera positions at the moment,” Weston said. 

“The stage is half in the round - it will not be like shooting a proscenium arch – so we need to cover that. We will also need aerial coverage from cranes, jibs and possibly a helicopter.”

The BBC is the host broadcaster for the event, which takes place on 4 June in the surroundings of the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace.

It will broadcast live on BBC1 and BBC Radio 2.