Manchester Central launches purpose-built studio concept

Manchester Central is preparing to install a self-contained production studio at the leading conference and events venue.

Set to be the first of its kind in the heart of the city centre, Studio at Manchester Central will offer TV broadcast-quality production facilities to help businesses professionally communicate with and engage national and global audiences virtually, or as an enhanced hybrid component to a live event.

Delivered with Sterling Event Group, Studio will feature a fully integrated set with customisable LED backdrops, lighting, full audio and vision equipment and an expert crew to create professional and engaging output.

The venue’s unrivalled internet connectivity - the result of a stand-alone fibre network that ensures no interruption of service and guaranteed speeds of up to 10Gbps - means that content can be live-streamed to thousands or recorded and edited for future distribution.

Housed within the Cobden Rooms and accessible via its own dedicated entrance, Studio can be used entirely standalone, or integrated into a live event footprint. Green room and dressing room space is provided for presenters, as well as a full catering and hospitality offer; all managed in a safe and secure environment.

Hair and make-up support can be pre-booked, along with TV presenter coaching delivered by Manchester Actor’s Platform (the education arm of 53two) for anyone looking to hone their presenter skills.

Shaun Hinds, Chief Executive at Manchester Central said: “We’re incredibly excited to launch Studio at Manchester Central. Following the launch of our ‘Live from the Auditorium’ hybrid solution last year, we believe that there will be a place for professional, virtual content creation and production as we move towards the new era of events.

The Government’s roadmap to recovery is a real positive step forward and we can’t wait to be ‘back in the room’ again. We have an opportunity now to take what we’ve learned from the world of virtual communications over the past year and apply it to the live event format, as well as wider business engagement strategies.

When done well, we’ve seen how technologies can grow reach and brand exposure exponentially and by integrating this component into event and engagement programmes, we can create immersive and curated content for the widest possible audience, wherever they are. Studio is the perfect platform from which to do that.”

Richard Bowden, Managing Director at Sterling Event Group adds: “We anticipate that virtual events will become a permanent feature in the calendars of many organisations, and we are delighted to be working with the team at Manchester Central to bring a high-specification facility to the heart of the city. Studio will be fully equipped to deliver live and pre-recorded virtual content as a standalone event, or to extend the reach and add a digital element to a live event when restrictions permit.”

For more information about Studio at Manchester Central and to pre-book, visit www.manchestercentral.co.uk/Studio or contact the team on Studio@manchestercentral.co.uk