CJP helps TG4 open up its weather horizons

CJP Broadcast Service Solutions, systems integration and content digitisation specialist, has built a new green screen studio for TG4, the major Irish-language broadcaster based in Galway. The new facility, which has taken over an existing studio, will be used initially for weather and continuity, but the broadcaster is eyeing future possibilities around sport’s continuity and virtual production for Children’s TV.

TG4 had been using a very small space for its weather forecasts, which was inflexible, impractical and quite uncomfortable for its presenters. Reorganisation of its facilities meant another studio became available and TG4 looked to the industry to convert it for chromakey.

In an open tender process, CJP suggested the maximum flexibility could be achieved with an L-shaped screen, 5 metres long on each side and to a height of 3 metres. The walls cove through a 400mm radius curve into a green floor to complete the space.

“The curves and finish are really very good,” said Neil Keaveney, director of technology at TG4. “The specialists from CJP worked with our lighting team to create an excellent surface which gives us good seamless keys.

“Weather forecasts are very important to our audience, and this new studio allows them to be more expansive and more expressive,” he continued. “We also do a lot of kids’ programming, and we can use this space for inventive continuity segments giving us a greater identity. Ultimately, this space frees up our creative team to get their juices running – I certainly see us introducing virtual environments for children and possibly for sports.”

TG4 has experimented with virtual studio technology for more than 25 years, but like many found the limitations in the technology frustrating. They now see all the pieces coming together and acknowledge that CJP’s extensive experience in complex virtual production facilities could be valuable in future plans.

The new studio was first used as the results hub in Ireland’s general election in November 2024. It will become the permanent home of its weather forecasters from February 2025.