Building the Framework: LeGrow.Studio Completes Technical Overhaul of Belgian ePro League

Building the framework: LeGrow.Studio completes technical overhaul of Belgian ePro League By Jo Ruddock

Monday, June 2, 2025 - 14:32

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Brussels-based independent TV and live stream specialist LeGrow.Studio has completed an overhaul of the Belgian ePro League's technical capabilities, transforming the EA Sports FC 2025 tournament into a broadcast-ready event. Partnering with global sports streaming giant DAZN and drawing on the technical expertise of Mediapro, LeGrow.Studio has, for the second time, set the benchmark for competitive game productions in the Benelux region.

The ePro League is the premier EA Sports FC competition in Belgium, featuring teams affiliated to the Belgian Pro League. Following a 40% increase in viewership through the 2023/24 season, the organisers sought to match the growing stature of competitive esports and appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional gaming enthusiasts.

The development of esports demands broadcast standards on a par with traditional televised sports, says LeGrow.Studio's Pierre Martin, live director and administrator. Our first task was to build an environment capable of delivering professional broadcast quality while meeting the unique needs of competitive gaming - all within a specially created 1,000sqm space that includes 450sqm of shooting space.

ePro League broadcasting differs from traditional sports by focusing on digital elements such as game interfaces and real-time stats, targeting a young, global audience on platforms including Twitch and YouTube. It uses multi-camera setups, dynamic game views, and data overlays to enhance the viewer experience. Fast pacing and editing highlight exciting moments, keeping audiences engaged throughout.

Adaptive production space

LeGrow.Studio's strategy centred around creating an adaptive production environment in its Brussels premises to support the 16-day ePro League schedule with its series of weekly tournaments.

The competitive space contains an expansive set with eight player stations in a semicircular setup. There are advanced audio and visual facilities at every station to capture each player's responses during a contest. A large beMatrix structure holds custom-branded sheet layers with the identity of the production stands at the back of set, allowing integration of sponsor visuals.

The space was designed to be used for many different applications, including hybrid events, broadcast production, and audience interaction, Martin adds. The curved LED backdrop creates an immersive environment that is ideal for broadcast. It also offers plenty of flexibility for in-programme imagery and sponsor partnerships.

Adjacent to the arena, a two-person commentator booth provides the casters with an uninterrupted view of the players and access to a series of confidence monitors, allowing them to react and maintain the high energy necessary for engaging esports coverage.

At the heart of the studio workflow sits an ATEM 4 M/E Constellation HD live production switcher, with all signals managed and routed using a VideoHub 40 40 12G. It is controlled with an ATEM Advanced Panel 2 M/E 20 and three Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio HD Pro plus three Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio HD Mini to record the content.

The technical complexity lies in managing multiple video sources effectively, explains Martin. Basically, they created 16 different feeds, not playing at the same time - eight player views and eight additional camera angles - all of which need to be instantly accessible to the director.

The studio's video signal workflow is built around a streamlined system: two to three video feeds are sent from the competition area to the control room via a StageBox, then distributed signals throughout the facility over NDI, allowing for flexible monitoring across different rooms.

For competitive events, key outputs include the main program feed and a real-time multiview display, enabling full visibility of all the input sources. Each player pod is equipped with a webcam directly connected to a PlayStation 5, giving the production team complete control of the signal and eliminating the need for additional return feeds in the competition zone.

The system enables precise monitoring and record-keeping from the technical team, minimising the need for unnecessary devices in the competitive arena. This streamlined approach improves signal integrity and overall operational efficiency.

Audio commentary is handled through a Yamaha QL1 digital mixer with Dante networking, allowing integration of commentator microphones, game audio, and in-ear monitoring. Audio presents unique challenges in hybrid production, notes Martin. Our solution gives producers more precise control over these elements in real time.

Multicamera workflow

LeGrow.Studio's has significantly elevated production quality through deliberate camera choices. In addition to traditional camera positions, the team is using a specialty jib arm to capture sweeping motion shots over the competition floor.

The setup features a Polecam Pro with 7m extensions capped at 4.5m to fit the space. Instead of the standard LongHead, the team used a Ronin RS-2 gimbal to ensure ultra-smooth, continuous movements. Powered via mains, the system eliminated the need for battery swaps during extended shoot days.

Our camera selection prioritised production efficiency and system integration, Martin explains. We needed gear that could deliver broadcast-quality imagery while connecting to our existing infrastructure.

The jib was fitted with a Blackmagic Micro Studio Camera G2 and a powered 12-50mm zoom lens. It connected to a custom dual-monitor SmartView box providing fibre, power distribution, POE+ for intercom functionality and SDI-to-Tally electronics.

For the handled camera operator, LeGrow.Studio deployed the Blackmag

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