This summer, Red Bull Slack Warrior moved to the heart of Tallinn for the first time – Noblessner Port, where 16 of the world's best slackliners competed in a 1 vs 1 format.
Unlike the usual slackline trick competitions, this time the focus was not on complex jumps and spins, but on speed and dexterity. Two athletes were released onto the course at the same time, and to win, they had to complete the entire obstacle-filled paired course as quickly as possible – and without falling into the water.
The first rounds were timed, based on which the finals table was determined. There it became point-for-point – whoever crossed the finish line first was the winner; then the sides were swapped, and two wins meant progression.
The hustle and bustle of the city centre and the audience within reachs
Slack Warrior departed from the typical sports broadcast right from the start. The competition took place in the heart of Tallinn, at the Noblessner port, and spectators were brought very close to the competitors – as if they were part of the course themselves. A large crowd turned up, and the entire format was designed to be as enjoyable as possible for the audience and viewers: short, easy to follow, and full of the characteristic showmanship of Red Bull.
Graphics that breathed along
For us, this production meant a very dynamic and extensive graphics solution. Nothing appeared static – everything moved and lived. Even photos were not used for introducing the contestants; instead, specially created video clips were used. Such visual quality is rarely seen, and here the designers and videographers deserve special recognition.
Our task was to create a complete automation system that ensured the correct graphics elements functioned at the right time and exactly as needed.
Compact yet
The visual production this time was quite compact – a steadicam, shoulder rig, two tripod operators, an action cam, and a drone were in use. The area itself was small but beautiful from every angle. The athletes moved linearly – from start to finish, right before the eyes of the audience.
However, the installation team had more work to do – we usually run cables through areas where the public does not go. Here, it was first necessary to lay over a quarter of a kilometre of cable protection so that the signal cables could remain safely under the public’s feet.
Team and staff
The entire operation was carried out with the support of our good old “Big Blue” transmission station. All the prerequisites for comfortable work have been created there – but let’s be honest, the key is not only in the technology, but primarily in the people.
Direction and Staff
- Random – team leader and verbal orchestrator
- Mattias – graphics and repetitions
- Erik – timing and competition information in the graphics
- Card – coordination of operators and image selection
- Anne (Organising Team) – managing the schedule and reorganising the content on an ongoing basis
Field operators:
- Hugo steadicam
- Joonas – camera on a tripod
- Mick - as well as a tripod camera
- Joseph shoulder camera
- Kalle drone
- Raivo – mobile technology and support
A moment to remember
One of the most powerful moments of the entire day was when the world's top slackliner and course designer Jaan Roose decided to go the whole way himself – microphone in hand, rousing the crowds to cheer him on. When water cannons awaited him on the finishing straight, there was a brief pause – the microphone wouldn't have survived that “shower”. But luckily, on the finishing platform Kristel Aaslaid The substitute microphone with which the commentary/cheering was taken over for the final segment, sending the audience into a complete frenzy – that emotion will likely be remembered for years to come.
Taking a moment... and creating leaderboards
After the event, we realised we had done more than just broadcast live – we were also responsible for the official timing of the competition and managing the ranking tables. This role has organically grown for us through our long-term collaboration with Red Bull.
Over the years, we have made them Car Park Drift, Arc Arcade‘transfers, padel tournament management systems, and much more. We were particularly pleased that Slack Warrior approached us unusually early – and asked to pencil in a time. Such trust means a lot and inspires the whole team to go the extra mile.
On-site and online
The broadcast ran on three large LED screens in Noblessner, and Delfi TV across Estonia. The client's aim – to give viewers a proper emotional experience – was fulfilled both on the pitch and behind the screens. If you missed the whole show, the finals are available to watch on demand. Dolphins.
A day that ended in Rakvere… and continued across Estonia
When the last cable was wound, we turned the bus around Rakvere Poole, where the next live broadcast started just 12 hours later. At the same time, our other team was streaming a drift competition. Dwelling. Tripod cameras helped bring them to fans Indiaca MM-i A small seaside town As if that wasn't enough, our technology also extended to To the Opinion Festival Paidst.
That's just the way of life in television production – here today, there tomorrow… and sometimes in four places at once.
All our work tried to get on camera in turn Risto Kosk. Thank you for this pleasant reminder, and happy viewing to the reader.
