Riedel, ARRI and Gonshiro Expand Collaboration

Riedel and ARRI are expanding their collaboration with Japanese live production specialist Gonshiro Co., Ltd. to develop cinematic live production workflows for large-scale events.

The three companies are combining camera systems, wireless communications and networking technology as they work to address the increasing technical complexity of live productions. The collaboration aims to create more integrated workflows connecting imaging, communications and production operations within a common environment.

Gonshiro handles approximately 1,000 live productions each year and is involved in around 60% of Japan's major concerts, covering music, entertainment, sports and broadcast events.

The company operates a fleet of 22 ARRI cameras, including 16 ALEXA 35 Live units, representing one of the largest deployments of the camera system. Its communications infrastructure includes six Riedel Bolero wireless intercom antennas and 15 beltpacks, giving Gonshiro extensive experience deploying both technologies in demanding live production environments.

"The combination of ARRI and Riedel creates exciting possibilities because cameras, communications, networking, and operations are all part of the same production workflow," said Yuji Morihara, President and Representative Director of Gonshiro Co., Ltd. "If we can bring together camera systems, tally, talkback, monitoring environments, and communications into a more integrated environment, the benefits for live production would be absolutely real."

A key element of the collaboration is Gonshiro's operational feedback from live productions, which is being used to inform discussions between Riedel and ARRI around future live-production requirements.

Areas under consideration include camera-to-intercom integration, network-based management of LUTs and camera settings across multi-camera deployments, and more compact camera solutions for positions with limited space on stage.

Gonshiro is already using the combined technology approach in its production operations. The company deploys ALEXA 35 Live cameras to deliver cinema-grade image quality for live entertainment, while Riedel Bolero provides wireless communications between mobile camera operators, backstage crews and production personnel.

Each Bolero beltpack supports up to six channels of send and receive, while centralized management from a single system PC allows engineers to configure and monitor communications across large-scale productions. The approach is intended to reduce operational complexity while supporting the demands of distributed live production teams.

"Gonshiro operates one of the largest ALEXA 35 Live fleets in the world, and their feedback from live music, sports, and broadcast work is a direct line into how the camera needs to perform outside of a controlled cinema set," said Michiyo Funayama, Sales Manager, ARRI. "That input shapes decisions we make for live production going forward."

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