Creative design agency Knifedge has transformed ESPN’s outdoor studios into rooms from a traditional British golf clubhouse for The Open Championship at Sandwich which begins today.
It is the second year running that London-based Knifedge has worked with ESPN at The Open, having created the broadcaster’s scenic designs at St Andrews last year.
Knifedge was first approached by ESPN after the creative agency won worldwide acclaim for its part in the scenic design for Sunday in the Park with George on Broadway. The production won an Olivier Award for Best Set Design – theatreland’s equivalent of an Oscar.
The scenic designs which ESPN viewers will enjoy during this week’s Open are far more detailed than average TV scenery. Inspired by The Royal & Ancient Clubhouse at St. Andrews and the Royal St George’s clubhouse in Sandwich, the set has turned otherwise functional studio spaces into warm and characterful clubhouse vantagepoints.
Knifedge has worked closely on this project with Dick George Creatives, one of the UK’s foremost film prop makers, which has worked on classics such as Star Wars, The Mummy, The Prince of Persia and Willow.
Timothy Bird, Creative Director at Knifedge, comments:
“Our main challenge was creating a detailed scenic design with film production values, but which could still be installed efficiently in only a small number of days. It’s great to mix our theatre, film and broadcast design experience to create such a distinctive look and feel for ESPN’s studio coverage.”
The new designs will be housed in two booths, stacked on top of each other, located between the 1st Tee and 18th Fairway. Three smaller studios will be located by the Practice Tee and by the exit from the 18th Green.
This year’s 140th Open Golf Championship takes place at Royal St George’s, Sandwich from 14th-17th July 2011. ESPN’s coverage this year will be anchored by Mike Tirico, with ex-pro Paul Azinger as lead pundit, plus Scot Van Pelt and former champion Andy North in the SportsCenter studio.
It is the second year running that London-based Knifedge has worked with ESPN at The Open, having created the broadcaster’s scenic designs at St Andrews last year.
Knifedge was first approached by ESPN after the creative agency won worldwide acclaim for its part in the scenic design for Sunday in the Park with George on Broadway. The production won an Olivier Award for Best Set Design – theatreland’s equivalent of an Oscar.
The scenic designs which ESPN viewers will enjoy during this week’s Open are far more detailed than average TV scenery. Inspired by The Royal & Ancient Clubhouse at St. Andrews and the Royal St George’s clubhouse in Sandwich, the set has turned otherwise functional studio spaces into warm and characterful clubhouse vantagepoints.
Knifedge has worked closely on this project with Dick George Creatives, one of the UK’s foremost film prop makers, which has worked on classics such as Star Wars, The Mummy, The Prince of Persia and Willow.
Timothy Bird, Creative Director at Knifedge, comments:
“Our main challenge was creating a detailed scenic design with film production values, but which could still be installed efficiently in only a small number of days. It’s great to mix our theatre, film and broadcast design experience to create such a distinctive look and feel for ESPN’s studio coverage.”
The new designs will be housed in two booths, stacked on top of each other, located between the 1st Tee and 18th Fairway. Three smaller studios will be located by the Practice Tee and by the exit from the 18th Green.
This year’s 140th Open Golf Championship takes place at Royal St George’s, Sandwich from 14th-17th July 2011. ESPN’s coverage this year will be anchored by Mike Tirico, with ex-pro Paul Azinger as lead pundit, plus Scot Van Pelt and former champion Andy North in the SportsCenter studio.