Fox Sports Italia - USA Sport Today - Virtual Set Design

The production is powered by the Viz Tricaster system, which uses a hybrid 2.5D virtual set approach. Camera positions and perspectives are fixed, while presenters perform in front of a greenscreen. The virtual environment provides a convincing sense of depth without the complexity of a fully tracked setup. This meant the design had to be precisely engineered to deliver strong composition, spatial logic and realism from each predefined camera angle.

Our process began with a detailed site visit to the Fox Sport Italia offices in Milan. The studio occupies a corner of the newsroom, making efficiency essential. During our survey, we documented exact camera positions, lens specifications, sightlines and lighting conditions. This technical groundwork informed the concept phase, ensuring the final design would integrate seamlessly with both the physical space and the Tricaster workflow.

The visual concept draws heavily on the programme’s branding and title sequence. We developed a bold colour palette and lighting scheme aligned with the show’s on air graphics, creating a cohesive and recognisable broadcast identity. The studio architecture was designed around stylised skyscraper forms, subtly evoking the skylines of major US cities. These structures frame the presenters and create a sense of metropolitan scale, reinforcing the programme’s American focus.

Integrated into these scenic buildings are large virtual billboards. These surfaces provide flexible content zones where the client can play video clips, highlights and supporting graphics directly within the set environment. Rather than feeling like inserted screens, the billboards are embedded within the architectural language of the studio, enhancing storytelling while maintaining visual consistency.

Although the presenters are seated on simple stools against greenscreen, a detailed virtual desk is composited into the foreground. This desk anchors the frame and creates the impression of a substantial physical set piece, elevating the perceived production value without adding cost or consuming valuable studio space. Careful attention was given to perspective alignment, lighting interaction and shadow detail to maintain credibility across all shots.

While the Tricaster system does not offer advanced camera tracking, it delivers impressive visual quality at an accessible price point. For productions operating in confined studio spaces, it offers an ideal balance of affordability and professional presentation. By designing precisely within its technical parameters, we delivered a dynamic, broadcast ready virtual studio that enhances content, supports flexible storytelling and strengthens Fox Sport Italia’s on air identity.

Client

Fox Sports Italia

Design

Jim Mann, Lightwell

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