Game changer: Ninja Cast reshapes podcast production

The Joy of Football podcast is a weekly show that dives into football’s latest happenings and nostalgic moments. Hosted by former Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler and co-hosted by former Chelsea Football Club insider Neil Barnett, each hour-long episode is recorded on location in Barnett’s kitchen using a simple three-camera setup: one Sony A7 IV and two Sony ZV-E10s, accompanied by a key light and two Blue Yeti microphones on arms.

Produced by Revive Lounge Ltd founders Billy Reed and Nathan Haynes, the podcast has attracted thousands of followers across various social media platforms, creating a vibrant community of football enthusiasts. “The response to the podcast has been tremendous,” shares Reed. “We’ve both taken huge personal risks to get where we are today, we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to work on a project like this.”

In the beginning, the podcast team encountered several challenges during their shoots. The cameras were positioned close together at less-than-ideal focal lengths, and the duo had to maneuver around the kitchen to monitor small preview screens while checking the audio. The kitchen also had a skylight which caused significant exposure problems during summer when brightness levels varied. “Our biggest issue was monitoring,” says Reed. “Nathan and I were on opposite sides of the set, with a skylight we were unable to cover. We had to communicate silently during the shoot to keep a consistent image.”

The introduction of the Ninja Cast transformed their production process. Combining Atomos’ Ninja monitor-recorder and AtomX Cast, the Ninja Cast acts as an advanced multi-camera switcher. With three long-length HDMIs, the team could finally choose their ideal camera placements and use preferred focal lengths. “The Ninja Cast has changed everything for us. We can set up, sit back, and only get up to make adjustments when needed. It allows us to focus more on the content and less on technical issues,” explains Reed.

The Ninja Cast not only improved camera accessibility, but also allowed perfect exposure management. By utilizing the Ninja’s multi-view display, the team could easily access features such as Zebras and Focus Dots to ensure the correct focus and exposure levels. Reed adds, “The improvement in what we’re able to see, and how effortlessly we can work, is truly remarkable.”

“We can set up, sit back, and only get up to make adjustments when needed.”