Pixel Artworks Makes A Splash With The International Swimming League posted: 22/11/2019
Modular LED set and live show production has become a focal part of every global ISL event
Pixel Artworks, the award-winning specialists in light and pixel technology, today announced the company was behind the creation of the dynamic set and show experience for the recent first world tour of The International Swimming League (ISL), a new start up swimming competition that is changing the world of competitive swimming.
Swimming is a hugely popular sport during global events including the Olympics and World Championships, and The International Swimming League aims to re-envisioning the sport, bringing it to a new social audience to increase engagement and promote public health. The matches' feature fast-paced, electrifying short-course swimming sessions with the world's most elite swimmers competing, including Olympic and World Champions from over 10 different countries.
The ISL approached Pixel Artworks in October 2018 to create a unique audio visual sporting experience to fit with the leagues vision of reinventing swimming and spectating for a new generation.
Pixel Artworks created the huge modular set with a 67sqm of 2.6mm pixel pitch LED that radically changes the shape and angles of each of the venues. To create a fanfare and an engaging atmosphere throughout each event, Pixel Artworks produced a graphical video that acts as the narrative for each ISL match'. The accompanying sound design was digitally composed to build a soundscape that heightens the senses and intensified the audience and viewer experience, designed to emphasise the narrative of the celestial origins of swimming.
Natalie Harvey, Senior Producer at Pixel Artworks explains the complexities and creative thought process behind the showstopping production and set: ISL had a strong vision for the production, and already had a recognisable logo and character figure that we brought to life through the creative content. The 90-second opening animation is abstract and draws inspiration from illustrative animation like manga.
Working on a show that is being broadcast globally for the first time hasn't come without its challenges, explains Harvey: Broadcast times and run programmes are not produced until much nearer showtime. Not only this, but due to the nature of sport, there can be changes in teams up to the event starting. We had to create content which could be swapped quickly as each team also has its own animations.
The unmissable set piece has now become a vital part of The ISL experience and travelled to every stop of the tour. Teams walk out to the cheering crowds through the set, take photos in front it, and a DJ booth has also been built in. Our knowledge in spacial design was really pushed, as every venue was very different, explains Daniel Postlethwaite, Production Director at Pixel Artworks. We had to consider audience flow, athlete entry and welcome, and pool position, whilst still providing an engaging audio visual experience. We also had to consider the audience, both in the stands and viewing at home, so we chose a very high-resolution LED product that looks fantastic both in person and on camera.
Our production team really have been at the core of making this a reality, continued Postlethwaite. We had to design and build a modular design to fit all venues, where every rigging and lighting point is different and complex in its own right. The set had to be transportable and relatively flexible to fit various spaces. We had to consider audiences, swimmers jump blocks, and accommodate for unpredictable sized gaps between the LED set and the swimming pool. The new concept meant we had to do onsite testing, and as with any live broadcast, there can be changes. Using disguise servers, combined with real-time workflow Notch, we've created a bespoke adaptable system that fits the brief.
This weekend, in the sixth match of the series, The ISL arrives at the London Aquatic Centre for a sold-out two-day spectacular with four European teams doing battle in the derby match. The biggest names in international swimming will be competing, including Great Britains Adam Peaty, Hungarys Hossz Katinka and Australias Cate Campbell.
As The ISL reaches an exciting climax, the final in Las Vegas is billed to be an even bigger achievement for the Pixel Artworks team. To celebrate the success of this extraordinary new competition, we have proposed an even more extravagant set, featuring extended LED and a more visual experience, all designed to engage and excite spectators around the world, added Kelly Eagle, Business Director at Pixel Artworks.
About Pixel Artworks
Pixel Artworks is the leading specialist in light and pixel technology, designing and delivering immersive experiences globally across media campaigns, events and installations. They work with the world's most prestigious brands, businesses and venues to produce brand impact, powerful storytelling and technical innovation. The company's uniquely integrated creative, technical and production teams makes it the recognised leader in its field.
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
04/07/2026
April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...
10/06/2026
Get Hands-On with Interfaces & Mic Preamp Brands
If youre after a new interface or preamp, then GearExpo UK is the place to be! Well have a whole host of au...
10/06/2026
November 13-14 2026, The Midway, San Francisco
Following their recent rebranding, MONO Music Conference (formerly Music Expo) have officially announced thei...
10/06/2026
Debut instrument free for limited time
deFORM is the debut release from newly founded developer ebbandflow, and it's being offered as a free download fo...
10/06/2026
Rohde & Schwarz and TRUMPF advance laser-based drone defense with THORIS LCS Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing THORIS at ILA 2026: A sovereign, end to end counter...
10/06/2026
MAHLE and Rohde & Schwarz develop application for sensor testing of modern drive...
10/06/2026
10 Jun 2026
VEON's Banglalink Brings Every World Cup 2026 Match to Football...
10/06/2026
Wednesday 10 June 2026
How to watch every ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 match live on Sky Sports
Where is the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 availabl...
10/06/2026
Wednesday 10 June 2026
P RLA brings first-ever Beautifully Clean Oral Care'...
10/06/2026
Wednesday 10 June 2026
Sky reveals pulse-pounding first teaser trailer for upco...
10/06/2026
Wuppertal June 10, 2026
Riedel Artist at the Heart of the 14th World Live Neurovascular ConferenceAt the 14th World Live Neurovascular Conference (WLNC) in Li...
09/06/2026
Last month, Spotify hosted PURE FLOWERS LIVE, a special event celebrating the re...
09/06/2026
Last month, RADAR U.K. artist Skye Newman took the stage in East London for a sp...
09/06/2026
Company to cease operating on 30 June 2026
Australian loudspeaker and amplifier manufacturer Wayne Jones Audio have announced that after much consideration,...
09/06/2026
Increases low-end weight and character
The latest plug-in release from Sheffield-based fedDSP aims to offer an all-in-one solution for users in search of mo...
09/06/2026
Introduces AI Studio Assistant, Moises Studio integration & more
Fender Studio have just announced the launch a significant update that brings an array of n...
09/06/2026
The BBC has found its Hercule Poirot.
After Deadline revealed last month that t...
09/06/2026
Filming to take place in Holmfirth
9th June 2026, London: U&GOLD is heading bac...
09/06/2026
X-Rite Pantone Launches Offset360 to Modernize Color Control Across Existing Pre...
09/06/2026
09 Jun 2026
VEON Appoints Serkan Ozturk as Chief of Staff & Strategy Officer Dubai and New York, June 9, 2026 - VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON), a global digital oper...
09/06/2026
Tuesday 9 June 2026
Katie Price: Nothing to Hide, a candid and unfiltered accou...
09/06/2026
Enni Continues to Rely on Arvato Systems - And Will Be Using AEP.EnerS4 Billing Solution
Arvato Systems to implement transformation project for SAP S/4HANA Ut...
09/06/2026
These special programmes will highlight RT 's connection with the Irish diaspora
This year, RT is marking 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland with...
08/06/2026
At Spotify, our commitment to the LGBTQIA community is year-round. Through GLOW, our global music program, we celebrate and amplify the contributions of queer ...
08/06/2026
Get Hands-on With Keyboard & Synth Brands
GearExpo UK wouldn't be complete without some synth action, and we've got some of the industry's most ...
08/06/2026
50 popular in-ear monitoring system profiles added
The latest update for IK Multimedia's headphone-correction system has just arrived, and introduces ca...
08/06/2026
Manny Marroquin signature cans upgraded with SLAM Technology
The flagship model in Audeze's Manny Marroquin Signature Series has just been treated to an...
08/06/2026
Air domain supremacy redefined - New counter UAS, space solutions and directiona...
08/06/2026
he BBC and BritBox have announced that Edward Bluemel (We Might Regret This, My ...
08/06/2026
Plus, 20% off TVs ahead of kick-offMonday 8 June 2026
Sky introduces Real Time...
08/06/2026
FOX Secures Live NFL Game Package in Mexico Starting in Fall 2026 Agreement Features Thursday Night Football, Sunday Games Package, Thanksgiving Day Games, al...
08/06/2026
FOX One, FOX Sports and Indeed Name Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto as FOX One C...
08/06/2026
Meet us on the show floor
Stand #286310 Discover Nara, the media management tool used by major facilities including Harbor and Molinare.
Nara v2 introduces re...
08/06/2026
L'art de l'Image dans Reflet dans un diamant mort' Une conversation avec le directeur de la photographie Manuel Dacosse, SBC et l' talonneur Pe...
08/06/2026
Embracing today's modern media workflows: FilmLight presents Nara 2.0, with FilmLight API Designed to support the growing demands of today's production ...
08/06/2026
Moderated by Andy Minuth, FilmLight's Colour Workflow Specialist
Wednesday 18 February
6:00pm / Doors open
7:00pm / Presentation in German
8:00pm / Drin...
08/06/2026
Join us on April 14 at 10:00am for a technical roundtable with the Filmlight dev...
08/06/2026
You're invited to FLAPI Classroom The fundamentals of coding and machine-assisted development
These sessions will help you build the skills needed to cre...
08/06/2026
With Sylvain Canaux (St Louis, Paris) and J r me Cloutier (MELS, Montreal)
Wednesday 6 May
Pick your time: 1:00PM / 5:00PM
Note: The presentation will be hel...
08/06/2026
FilmLight, 1107 N El Centro Ave, Los Angeles
Doors open at 3:30pm
Join the FilmLight team on June 9th at 4pm to learn how FilmLight products and APIs can stre...
08/06/2026
The Creators List launched to Help Brands Connect With Top Creators In CannesThe curated directory launched by Tubefilter, Comscore, Whalar Group and Gospel Sta...
08/06/2026
Irish YouTube star DavidMC joins Aisling O'Reilly to tackle all things socce...
07/06/2026
Company introduce 21 new protective covers
Decksaver have just announced their Sping 2026 Drop, which sees a total of 21 new models added to their ever-grow...
07/06/2026
Sunday 7 June 2026
Dynamo Vs Houdini comes to Sky later this year
The last time the world saw Dynamo, he buried himself alive. This weekend, he returned.
Mom...
06/06/2026
Check Out Leading Monitor Brands
We'll have monitors of all shapes and sizes at GearExpo UK, so whether you're looking to upgrade or expand your set...
Pixel Artworks Makes A Splash With The International Swimming League posted: 22/11/2019 
