Create designs BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011 Set

Create was appointed to the project in June this year following a creative pitch. The consultancy will be responsible for the design of all 3D elements of the main stage, pre- and post-show hospitality areas and VIP arrival area.

The event, which will be broadcast next month, will take place at the BBC’s new Media City studios in Manchester, having been filmed in a stadium for the last few years.

Simon Beresford, Create, creative director, says, ‘It’s gone back into a studio because of the new Salford studio, so we were briefed to create a set that had the power and the scale of an arena in the confines of a large TV studio. We have to create that kind of size and spectacle.’

The design aims to bring a ‘fresh, dynamic approach’ to the event, according to Create, ‘reflecting the energy and vitality of British sport today, as well as using the latest screen technology.’

The set is designed around the camera shots, and Create is working closely with freelance lighting director Gurdip Mahal on the project.

Beresford says, ‘[The design] started from the camera angles to work out how we could get the most spectacular shot. Instead of creating large expanses of scenery we create elements within the space, and all the elements move.’

BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011 will be broadcast on 22 December.