BBC Studioworks recently welcomed back Sky 1 and Sky 1 HD’s award-winning comedy panel show from CPL Productions, A League of Their Own, to Elstree for its eleventh series.
Providing full studio facilities and technical support, the highly anticipated eleventh series features more elaborate sets and celebrity challenges than ever before, generating unique creative, technical and operational tests for BBC Studioworks. From equipping the studio with a fire lit tennis court to a golf driving range mounted in the audience rostra, the BBC Studioworks team had to rise to the challenge.
For the second time in their seven year Elstree residency A League of Their Own recorded in the 15,770 sq. ft. George Lucas Stage 2 (GLS 2). Home to other large-scale entertainment shows including Strictly Come Dancing, all the A League of Their Own action was recorded on an 11 camera set-up, backed by a 24ft jib crane that captured the action and stunts from above.
The extensive space available in GLS 2 enabled the production to make full use of the studio’s height and depth for the many stunts and games played by the teams, including zip wiring across the set from the studio’s 49 ft. high gantry. The production also made full use of the George Lucas galleries, which are equipped with the latest HD technology. Ancillary facilities, including production office, costume, make-up and dressing rooms, smaller studios, an executive viewing area, four general purpose rooms with gallery connectivity, edit suites and green rooms, were also utilised.
On set: A League of Their Own presenter James Corden
“We’re hugely proud to have delivered the eleventh series of A League of Their Own from the George Lucas Stage at Elstree,” said Meryl McLaren, Commercial Manager at BBC Studioworks. “We’re always delighted to work with CPL Productions to bring their amazingly creative ideas to life.”
Hosted by much-loved international TV personality, James Corden, and featuring two teams captained by sporting legends Jamie Redknapp and Freddie Flintoff, the show is an irreverent test of sporting knowledge and prowess. It pits a high profile cast of guest comedians, celebrities and sports personalities, against each other in a range of tasks from football penalty shootouts and 15ft elevated pillow fights, to answering rapid-fire questions.
