AVT Group Ltd
AVT specialise in the production of conferences, live events, video, multimedia, video streaming and webcasting. Services are provided on a whole production, or facilities basis from offices in Brighton, London and Truro.
01273 299 001
Case Studies - Miscellaneous Events
Case Studies / Clients
Satellite broadcast unites same sex ceremonies
The Challenge
In November 2005, the PR firm Priory Partnership approached AVT to organise a webcast at the Hilton Brighton Metropole from the Same-Sex Civil Partnership Ceremonies, being launched in England & Wales on 21st December at Brighton Town Hall. The objective of the day was to make the couples’ friends and family part of the experience, given that lack of space in the marriage room was preventing them physically being present. Each of the three couples had a room of guests numbering between 50 and 200 people at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, all of whom needed to experience a special day.
The AVT Solution
At an early stage in the planning, discussions with the Council meant that the webcast option had to be ruled out. Instead, AVT opted for a satellite broadcast. The company organised and co-ordinated this and provided a DV camera and operator at the Town Hall to capture the event for the broadcast. Projectors, screens, audio facilities and technicians offering full technical support for each of the three rooms at the Hilton Brighton Metropole were part of the sophisticated production and logistics package.
Factors that AVT had to deal with on the day included lack of space and competition for premium position with other broadcasters. The early start and tight schedule to co-ordinate activities between three ceremonies also called for demanding time management. Becky Geoghegan, AVT’s Hire & Events Co-ordinator said: “This job was a challenge and I am delighted with the way we responded to changing requirements. What began as a simple equipment hire job became much more complex. We were able to draw on the wealth of experience and expertise that our facilities and multimedia department have, the whole team pulled together and it was a great day!”
AVT was also asked by Brighton & Hove Council to convert the DV tape of the whole day to DVD with a basic ‘top and tail’ edit carried out within one of the AVT edit suits. This was then made available to couples and guests.
The Results
The day was a historic one for everyone involved. AVT was glad to be able to play a part in the first ceremony to provide legal recognition for same-sex couples. The celebrations and sharing of this amazing day with family, friends and the British public, through the satellite and national broadcast, will long be remembered.
