Recent figures reveal net revenue of nearly for QVC UK
WHEN IT launched in 1993, QVC was the only live shopping channel in the United Kingdom. Since then many competitors have arrived on the scene, but that doesn’t seem to have reduced QVC’s appeal. Recent figures reveal net revenue of nearly £400 million. In June, QVC will move out of
its existing studios close to central London and into a new 13,000sqm building at the Chiswick Park complex a few miles west of the capital. This new development with a total of 12 separate buildings is already home to several other broadcasters including Discovery Europe, CBS News and TV3.
“In 1993 we moved into the old British Satellite Broadcasting studio and that has served us well,” says Brian Hefford, QVC’s head of Broadcast Operations and one of the project co- ordinators for the relocation. “The chance to move into a new building has allowed us to design a facility for our unique use that will enable us to be more effective.” In particular, there will be an
QVC’snewshop front
After nearly two decades in its original studios, QVC is moving to a new media and commerce centre. Philip Stevens took a tour of the new facility
improved workflow, which allows both products and people to move more efficiently into the studios. “Our Show Control area in the basement area of the building has a huge amount of secure storage space with room for perhaps 100,000 items. Motorised racking is employed for ease of use and speedy access to products,” says Hefford. The channel’s operational demands meant that considerable alterations to the original interior of building were needed. These changes have allowed a total of four studios to be constructed, with the two largest each measuring 425sqm. Both have a full height grid of 5.5m. The size has allowed a total of 10 different semi- permanent sets to be installed — providing production personnel with an unusually high degree of flexibility in deciding which area to use for each programme. A smaller studio C will be
used for pre-records, auditions, promotions and other programming, while Studio D is designed for close-up product shots. Of course, pack shots and close ups of items such as jewellery are key when it comes to selling product. Display of these items is entrusted to stylists who use FMV (Full Motion Video) trolleys to capture both still and moving images.