Evolutions waltzes through HD post for Twenty Twenty’s Ballroom High

27th May 2009

Evolutions, Soho's largest independent post production facility, announced today that it recently completed full post production on Ballroom High for Twenty Twenty Television, part of the Shed Media Group. The two part documentary follows celebrity dancers Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag as they select a team of dance rookies aged 14-16 and teach them to perform a dynamic dance routine at the prestigious Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The programmes aired on Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD on 12th and 19th May 2009. 

The documentary was the first ever HD project made by Twenty Twenty, and was shot in HDCAM at 1080i with some additional DVCAM material. Twenty Twenty usually completes its own post production, but does not have HD-capable equipment. Instead, the production company turned to Evolutions which has extensive experience working with HD and 5.1 Dolby surround sound.

Nick Griffiths and Nick King completed the online and grade on Avid Symphony DS Nitris HD, while Robin Saunders completed the audio. The master was delivered on HDCam SR.

Robin Saunders, Dubbing Mixer, Evolutions, commented, "It is fairly unusual for this type of programme to be delivered in 5.1. The challenge was to treat the audio in a manner that used the surround to enhance the show. Luckily most scenes were shot in school gyms, rehearsal rooms and ballrooms so I was able to add the correct room reverbs and ambiences to spread the natural sound around the listener, giving a life-like and exciting listening experience."

Katy McLachlan, Production Manager, Twenty Twenty, said, "We had a great experience working with Evolutions on this project. We were aware of the technicalities that come with HD and the issues that can come up in post, but the Evolutions team handled everything without a problem, and they were able to deliver the project on time and on budget. We're very pleased with the results."