New media production enhancements in the FC Bayern München vs. Bayer 04 Leverkusen match
26 October 2024 – Bundesliga top matches are special highlights for football fans in Germany and abroad. To cater for the strong interest from media partners and their viewers, the DFL utilises an extensive camera set-up when producing these games, in many cases supplemented by additional upgrades and technologies. The eagerly anticipated clash between last season’s Meisterschale winners, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and record champions FC Bayern München at the Munich Allianz Arena this autumn was no exception.
“Goaltoberfest” draws global attention
The match was broadcast to more than 200 FIFA member countries, and eight international DFL media partners were physically present at the arena: ESPN (USA), beIN MENA (Middle East/North Africa), beIN France, Viaplay PL (Poland), Sky Mexico, TV Nova (Czech Republic), Canal+ (streaming provider in roughly 50 French-speaking countries), and Migu (streaming provider in China).
For the ramp-up to the match, the DFL had come up with an array of sophisticated marketing tools: Since the match coincided with the famous Munich Oktoberfest, the unique atmosphere at the Bavarian folk festival provided a perfect leitmotif for the international marketing campaign. Using the tongue-in-cheek title “Goaltoberfest” as an attention-grabber, the campaign employed leading-edge augmented reality technology to take international fans to the fairgrounds virtually, and to bring the fair into the stadium.
New camera angles and perspectives
The actual game not only delivered masterful goals and suspense until the very end, it was also a celebration of state-of-the-art media technology. Apart from the Top Match Plus camera concept comprising 26 individual cameras, including a free-flying drone and an Aerial Camera System providing an additional birds-eye perspective, there were two additional cameras focused on the two coaches throughout the match, with split images showing both men at various times. This allowed viewers to witness the coaches‘ emotions first-hand during this highly prestigious encounter of two top teams.
As an additional viewing option, a “cinestyle” hand-held wireless camera captured the fans on the grandstands and the emotions in the stadium live in 16×9 wide format. In parallel, the international Tactical Feed provided a panoramic view while the commentator and expert in the stadium guided viewers through the match, supported by analytical and AR graphics supplying key background information relevant to specific events on the pitch.
A remotely controlled, Agito dolly-mounted camera running on a track alongside the penalty area followed the players from an ultra low angle, delivering an entirely new viewing experience.
The World Feed was accompanied by Derek Rae, a highly experienced commentator, and football veteran and expert Patrick Owomoyela.
Keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle
Meanwhile, media partner Sky offered an extended Tactical Feed, with two dedicated cameras permanently focused on the young star players Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz throughout the game. At the same time, viewers could see side-by-side, continuously updated live statistics on both players. Host Hannes Hermann and expert Mirko Slomka commented the match, giving special attention to the actions of Musiala and Wirtz.
All this was not a one-time experience and Bundesliga fans around the world can look forward to many more top matches featuring innovative camera angles and other extras.