Live-on-tape recordings will ensure the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will happen!
Earlier this year, the EBU have let us know about the four scenarios the EBU have in mind, which will make the sure we can all enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest next year.
Yesterday they added another measure to make sure the contest can go ahead, which is: live-on-tape recordings!
The European Broadcasting Union stress that they sincerely hope that all delegations will be able to travel to and perform in Rotterdam under safe circumstances, but in case that won’t be possible for one, more or even all delegations: there’s the live-on-tape recordings.
What are live-on-tape recordings?
The EBU have asked every one of the 41 delegations participating in Rotterdam 2021 to record a live performance of the act from their own country, in their own country.
This recording is to take place in a studio, no alterations in terms of vocals or the performance itself are allowed after the recording and after it’s all done, the tape will be delivered to the EBU prior to the live shows.
Using the slogan ”OpenUp to variety”, the European Broadcasting Union have said that no strict format (for example: 41 basically similar stages, as is the announced plan for Junior Eurovision) will be enforced. Instead, the countries get creative freedom in artistry, style and performance, though it should be noted that any use of augmented or virtual reality, overlays, confetti, drone shots, water, use of chromakey or green screen is forbidden.
The broadcaster are however welcome to make use of any technology that would be part of what will be available on stage in the Ahoy venue in Rotterdam or even go for a more down-scaled production if they wish to do so.
How will they keep it fair?
Before the taping, the participating broadcaster in question will meet with a co-ordinator from the Host Broadcaster and deliver: a recording session schedule, studio set-up and cameraplan.
Though no audience will be allowed, the Head of Delegation must actually present for the entire 60 minutes in which three takes are permitted to be shot. After that, either the Head of Delegation or someone else who has gotten the mandate to do so, will choose which take will be submitted.
But that’s not all, because during the whole recording process, a live connection will be set up so that the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest (Martin Österdahl in this case) and a representative of an independant voting observer (here E&Y) can monitor the whole process, offer advice and guidance where needed, but also keep an extra eye to safeguard the integrity of the contest.
Furthermore it is stated that national final performances aren’t allowed as live-on-tape (the recording must be unique), but that live-on-tape recording can actually be recorded on the same set.
The final recording has to de delivered to the EBU by the end of March and remain unpublished before the live events taking place in May 2021.
The EBU let us know:
Hopefully, all or most artists will be able to travel to Rotterdam in May but having the live-on-tape recording ensures that their performance will be seen by millions of viewers come what may.
If you want to know more about this new process for Eurovision 2021, you can read the Frequently Asked Questions on this new phenomenon!
