Al Jazeera America collaborates with Astucemedia for election graphics

Astucemedia, a creative and technical services data management software company, is providing data integration and graphics implementation services for Al Jazeera America’s 2016 U.S. election coverage.

Through Module, Astucemedia’s election and primaries data platform, Al Jazeera America has been able to feed real time graphics with AP data.

The network debuted its election motion graphics package, which was designed in-house, and data platform during its live coverage of the Iowa caucuses in February, and will continue using it on future U.S. primaries, including Super Tuesday.

“Our creative team envisioned a very fresh, innovative graphics look, including a spinning cube effect that delivers timely elections data to the screen,” said Ross Henderson, Senior Vice President Creative of Al Jazeera America.

This data platform module also enables AJAM’s editorial team to monitor live incoming AP data, confidently analyze it, and present accurate election returns.

The data platform is a modular solution that makes it easier for broadcast facilities to quickly deploy a smart, data-driven live graphics workflow for news, sports, weather, elections and other live programs.

“We wanted the graphics to really impress our viewers without distracting from the important data being conveyed,” Henderson said. “Astucemedia effectively struck the right balance, and their platform allows us to present these visually stunning signature graphics to our viewers.”

Example of graphics system in video wall of main studio.

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Since the novel effect went beyond the conventional broadcast graphics approach, the Astucemedia creative team needed to think outside the box to write complex, custom logic that would bring the animated transitions to life. They also provided custom integration that enabled the graphics to play out of a Vizrt live broadcast graphics system, and on-site technical support.

“I am most impressed by the way the Astucemedia team integrated with our internal design and engineering teams,” Henderson said. “Our design team presented them with a complex set of design and animation ideas, and Astucemedia was able to realize everything, and take things even further than we had hoped. Working with them has been a worry free and engaging experience.”