Frontlines & Faultlines: Streamlining Filming & Editing
- beau2985
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
When the National Security Institute at the University of Canberra launched its new vodcast 'Frontlines & Faultlines', their mission was clear. Bring complex conversations about geopolitics, defence, domestic policy, and misinformation to the public in a dynamic and digestible format.
The challenge? Producing a large volume of high-quality vodcasts (essentially podcasts with video) without the traditional costs and long turnaround of post-production editing. Sidestage was pleased to offer a live-switched workflow that delivered exactly that.
Across eight full days of filming, spaced throughout the year, we supported Dr Mike Kelly and his team to create and capture a content-rich series designed to inform, challenge, and elevate public discourse. His team then disseminates the content across mainstream platforms such as Youtube & Spotify.
While this scale of recording is typically the domain of a dedicated video production house, the client’s use case aligned perfectly with our in-house streaming and hybrid production skillset. Offering a fast, cost-efficient alternative without compromising quality.
Filming took place at the University of Canberra’s TV Studio space, where we deployed our Video Switching & Streaming Fly Kit, enabling real-time editing and switching. The core of the system centred around a Blackmagic ATEM Television Studio HD8 ISO, combined with Blackmagic Web Presenters, HyperDeck recorders, and Mac Mini M2 chip workstations for simultaneous multi-format capture.
Three Blackmagic 4K G2 Pro Studio Cameras covered the room, paired with our Fusion Wash's for flattering face light and Astera FP1 Titan Tubes for rich, adjustable backlighting.
Audio was captured with RODE NT2-A microphones running through a Soundcraft Si Performer digital console, with Sennheiser EW IEM G4 units used for talkback and panelist audio monitoring.
To enhance the depth of discussion, many episodes included remote panelists brought in live via video link. Using a supersource we composited both the in room presenter and online guest side-by-side for seamless, real-time dialogue. This allowed the presenter to stay engaged while hearing the panelist clearly through the in ear system, ensuring a natural flow without delay or disruption.
What made this project stand out wasn’t just the gear, it was the approach. Because we live switched each episode during recording, editing time was drastically reduced. Only minor touch-ups were handled back at our Hume office.
The result? Over 60 individual episodes created from just eight production days, with only minimal post-production costs.
This type of AV driven production setup proves that smart systems and fast workflows can achieve big outcomes and cost effective outcomes.
So whether it’s a live event, vodcast series, or hybrid studio broadcast, Sidestage thrives at the intersection of technical capability and creative delivery.
Every effort for every event, and when called upon, every episode too.
