Background for news show (TV wall or no TV wall)

[seanadl]

I'm currently creating a new online news show - and working with a set designer on the potential look of the show.

A lot of example shows I like the look of appear to use a TV wall in the background as part of their set design. The screens usually have images on them that are part of the set (e.g. buildings, abstract shapes, a globe spinning, etc).

What sot of screens are typically used for these set-ups? My set designer is reluctant to go down this road as she says it can be quite expensive.

Attaching a couple of examples (ignore the shows these have been taken from - I'm just looking at pure aesthetics).


Another option is going for a more abstract design similar to the Rachel Maddow Show. What type of materials are being used in the set here? How are these lit up?

 

[morgan_moore]

or a greenscreen and digitally build the tv wall - or have a view from a hot air baloon in the next show.

 

[David W. Jones]

A lot can go into a show like this.
Personally I dislike the look of shows where there is a lack of depth on set. Where the backdrop and the talent is pushed right up on each other.
All in all the first thing you need to do is set a budget to work with.
It really doesn't matter if you like monitor walls and lit duratrans if you don't have the budget or space.

 

[seanadl]

We ended up going with a design like this ... the bottom panels will actually be glossy black not the brushed metal/red light boxes shown in the pics.

There is around 2 metres from the table to the back of the set. The wooden frame will be built next week and will have druatran and some kind of material attached to the front, which will all need to be backlit.

Currently trying to figure out the best way to backlight this. Obvious solution is to use lightboxes - but its out of the budget. I need to use lights that can spread fairly evenly at the back, in a tight space. Any ideas?