FOX’s studio for the World Cup in Qatar is worth seeing.
For Russia 2018, FOX spent lavishly on a multi-million dollar set in Moscow’s Red Square. Similarly, FOX Sports has spent several million dollars on its new set, which is intended to be a constant image in the minds of fans watching the World Cup this November and December.
The FOX studio for the World Cup looks spectacular
The FOX Sports World Cup studio is a combination of physical desktops and virtual graphics. Executive producer David Neal described it further in a recent interview with Sports Video Group:
“The driving range is a giant LED screen. To the viewer, it will look like a piece of grass.
“But the set has physical attributes. It has pieces that will accurately reflect the culture and architecture of Qatar and that part of the world. So those pieces will actually look better if they’re there rather than virtually there. It’s a mix. It’s a hybrid.”
Neal went on to describe the area where the studio is:
“We are going to be right next to the Fan Fests that are in the area. It gives us a beautiful view of the Corniche, which is the ultra-modern skyline there.
“It won’t be instantly recognizable, but as the days go by during the tournament, it will be on the minds of our viewers.”
Overall, despite the beauty of the set, it’s a shame FOX Sports uses it to air what is essentially an infomercial for Qatar during the World Cup. According to the chief executive responsible for FOX’s coverage of the 2022 World Cup, he plans to avoid discussing any of the human rights abuses or lack of freedoms that are intricate to Qatar.
“We can focus more on bringing to the country [of Qatar] to life,” added Neal.
World Cup 2022 Guide
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of soccer’s biggest event!
