For Immediate Release : September 2020

The filming of BBC’s during a global pandemic

Strictly Come Dancing will treat audiences to a waltz down memory lane with it’s latest four part commission, Strictly: The Best of. Filmed in the heart of lockdown, each episode celebrates magical ​ ​ moments in the show's 16 years history selected from Movies, Musicals, Blackpool and Finals. The ​ ​ nation is set to enjoy some much needed Strictly sparkle in the weeks leading up to the live shows.

The series will be hosted by and who will be joined from home by Strictly Come Dancing’s fabulous judging panel made up of Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and (live from LA!) Bruno Tonioli. ​

So how does a world-renowned primetime show produce high-end programming during lockdown and a global pandemic? That’s where WilkieTV (rebranding as Limitless Broadcast from Q4 2020) were able to bring their highly technical and sought after expertise to the test for a world first in remote production, and a first for Strictly.

It was clear an innovative and safe way of filming was needed to tie each episode together and showcase Strictly’s talent. WilkieTV enabled Strictly to remotely film over 120 interviews with locked-down contributors in 7 countries, across 3 continents, and within four weeks in the midst of COVID-19.

Ross Flynn, Production Manager, BBC Studios Strictly Come Dancing, said “Our filming plans ​ changed on the Thursday and we were due to start filming on the Monday - from my initial call with WilkieTV it was clear that they were fully on board with what we wanted to achieve. They came up with a solution that not only worked for the team working from home, but also our talent. Over 120 interviews later, the final result exceeded all expectations and I look forward to working with WilkieTV in the future.” ​

The Strictly producers had complex scripting that required real-time directing with all production staff working remotely from home. A high standard of delivery was paramount, whilst remaining stream-lined and easy-to-use for professional dancers, celebrities, musicians, and politicians that had featured on the show. Strictly were able to produce their talent entirely remotely by viewing live HD video streams from the contributor’s camera, and talking directly to them. WilkieTV remotely handled every live feed through their MCR in Surrey, with engineers supporting Strictly’s team and talent every step of the way. Full HD recordings, with isolated audio were then delivered electronically each day to the post-production house in .

For Immediate Release : September 2020

Claire Wilkie, Managing Director, said “Guiding Strictly’s talented team through the motions of ​ remote production was a real joy. I’m delighted we could help Strictly bring it’s sparkle and glitter in the midst of COVID-19.” ​

Strictly, The Best of Movies is set to broadcast at 19.30pm Saturday 19th September, BBC One.

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WilkieTV is a broadcast and live streaming company, rebranding to Limitless Broadcast from Q4 2020. The company specialises in remote production, virtual live, fixed-rig, and live content for broadcasters, sports, agencies and brands.

Founded in 2012 by Claire Wilkie the company is going through an exciting rebrand this year. www.wilkie.tv

Email : [email protected] Phone: 02035 193 193 : @wilkietv Instagram: @wilkie_tv Permalink: https://www.wilkie.tv/press/bbc-one-strictly-come-dancing/ ​

For more technical information and the case study for the Strictly filming project click here. ​ ​