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The BC Media Centre
The unaccredited British Columbia International Media Centre (BCMC) at Robson Square Plaza will have a number of working areas for media, ranging from open plan bullpens to individual cubicles. Spaces will be available to reserve for hours or days at a time. The entire facility will be WiFi broadband enabled with selected computer terminals providing high-speed wired connections. Aditionally, there will be a number of wired connections easily accessible for laptops.
All BCMC workspaces are equipped with electrical outlets (electrical adapters not needed), and telephone and Internet connections.
Journalists’ working areas also have the following facilities:
- networked printers
- copying machines
- coat / bag check
- information services
- general image bank (still and video)
- technical support
- concierge services
Power supply: Power in Vancouver is 110 volts. Adapter plugs for 220 volt systems will be supplied in journalists’ kits and will also be available at the front desk of the Centre.
Photographers
The BCMC will be fully equipped to deal with all types of digital photography equipment. Photographers will have access to high-speed lines with high band-width for photo transmission, computer stations equipped with the latest processing software and data-card readers. The BCMC will also have technicians and engineers available should media require assistance in repairing damaged equipment.
Web-based media:
The BCMC will cater to the needs of today’s web-based journalist providing space for the multitasking media responsible for web content be it video, text, or static image based. The 2010 Winter Games Secretariat encourages the web-based media to make the BCMC its home for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.
Electronic Media Material Distribution
The BCMC is committed to provide media covering events in Vancouver with the highest level of service while ensuring all efforts are made to minimize environmental impact. As such, the BCMC has partnered with E-Port Systems of Vancouver, B.C. to incorporate a unique touch-screen technology system that allows media electronic access to news releases, backgrounders and fact sheets distributed by the BCMC and partner organizations, as well as quick access to a schedule of events happening in and around Robson Square and Vancouver.
All media will have access to:
Central Lounge/Bullpen
- Multiple HD flat screens showing feeds from every venue and/or broadcaster
- Wireless audio listening systems with personal receivers to allow media to focus on any feed at any time
- Lounge and work tables with AC power
- Broadband WiFi Internet access
Filing Rooms
- HD flat screens showing feeds from key venues
- Work desks with wired broadband Internet and AC power
- Broadband WiFi Internet access
Press Theatre
- 140 seat press amphitheatre will host all manner of press conferences, briefings and additional programming of interest to media
- Theatre will have designated areas to accommodate large numbers of videographers and photographers
- Theatre will include a flexible and adaptable stage and a backdrop system to create unique looks for different programming
- Stage area and Q&A locations will all be professionally lit and balanced to meet the needs of media
- Comprehensive broadcast quality audio system will be installed and operated providing wired and wireless audio feeds to all types of media
- Multi-camera ”host broadcast” professional video/ audio feed of all press theatre programming will be available to media both in the press theatre, and throughout the BCMC
- Archived digital audio and video recording of all press theatre programming will be available for download by media
- Press theatre will also be equipped with large screen HD projection for use as an event viewing area for major events throughout the Games
- Equipped with Broadband WiFi Internet access
- Equipped with broadcast audio and video lines routable to TOC for live coverage
Technical Help Desk/Concierge
- Open 24/7
- Onsite Technical Concierge staff to assist and facilitate all media technical needs in BCMC facilities
- Onsite broadcast engineer with service bench for emergency equipment repairs
- Referral network for freelance personnel and equipment rentals
BCMC Store is stocked with a comprehensive selection of:
- Tape and disc media from HDCAM to Mini DV and all points in-between. Sales by individual items or discounted case lot. Complete list of items stocked and pricing will be available 90 days prior to the BCMC opening.
- Portable storage media, flash drives, portable hard drives, etc
- Batteries
- Universal power supplies and voltage converters
- Popular accessories
