Studio J: An exclusive look behind the design of Fox News’ latest studio

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Near the staircase is a two-person anchor desk with an open-faced front supported by two rounded columns sporting Fox News logos and backed by one of the studio’s many video wall backgrounds with a sleek credenza-style base.

Above this area are backlit panels and long, tubular pendant lighting.

Stretching behind the two-person desk and curving around the corner of the studio is a ticker-style LED band that can serve as both a background element and, on the opposite end of the strip, the front of other optional glass desk setup that is backed by a floor-to-ceiling seamless video wall.

The LED ribbon can be moved out completely for a variety of other configurations, including a more open multiperson desk and a sofa setup.

“We expect Studio J to be (a busy) studio for show production, second only to Studio F. We are looking forward to this studio taking on a very full production schedule,” said Blangiforti.

Up the stairs and beyond

Studio J’s stairway also serves as a scenic focal point, with a curved wall with a three-panel tower positioned inside of the staircase’s curve.

The curved staircase features a metal and glass railing with horizontal frosted banding backed by a deep blue reflective wall that gives the area an amorphous but polished look.

Tucked in beyond the catwalk is a curved video wall that also includes a touchscreen video panel that can either dock into the set’s wall or be moved to other locations in the studio.

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The video arrays are interrupted briefly by a curved, banded wall that serves as the foundation of a large, open cube above at the opposite end of the catwalk of the stairway.

Nearby, meanwhile, another video wall is prominently featured that, above, features a display-only balcony with frosted glass railings that match the stairway’s.

Additional printed graphics in this area create the illusion that workspaces and offices overlook the studio space.

Studio J also includes one pair of working glass doors and one faux pair, placed on opposite corners of the set, backed with printed graphics creating the feel that the doors lead to other parts of the Fox News empire.

Working together

“We always refine the design concept over multiple rounds of discussion with our key stakeholders, show programming and design team,” said Blangiforti.

He and his team look to find the correct balance in design, production flexibility, cost and technology.

Challenges in complex projects are always present throughout the design, engineering, technology research, budget, fabrication, show rehearsals and on-air launch.

“We have a great team philosophy which allows us to work collaboratively,” said Blangiforti.

Studio J was designed by Clickspring Design with fabrication by Mystic Scenic Studios. Leyard provided the studio’s display technology with lighting from Dennis Size of The Lighting Design Group with assistance from Lesli Tilly, Jon Goss, Carolyn Szymanski, David Cook and Mark London.