I-League 2024-25: AIFF announces tenders for Production and Broadcasting, Commentary and Live Graphics

The tender mentions a compulsory six-camera setup.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has officially released a tender for the production and broadcasting, including commentary and live graphics, of the I-League 2024-25 matches. The tender process lays down specific guidelines and technical requirements, along with various options for bidding, which are detailed below.

The tender mentions the number of games as 132 or 156 depending on the Indian Arrows‘ participation, Khel Now has learned. Khel Now possesses a copy of the tender released by the AIFF. Let us now take a look at the key points mentioned by the same:

Number of cities

The I-League 2024-25 matches will be hosted at the 11 venues as per the details mentioned on the tender:

• Goa
• Manjeri
• Ludhiana/Namdhari
• Srinagar
• Jaipur
• Hyderabad
• Hoshiarpur
• Aizawl
• Shillong
• Bengaluru
• Naihati/Kolkata

Camera and lens requirements

The tender specifies a 6-camera setup per venue using high-definition (HD) and 4K 2/3″ 3CCD/CMOS cameras (e.g., Sony HSC 100R, Ikegami HDK 79XIIIa), with remote control panels, tripods, fiber/Traix cables, and broadcast-quality lenses including three 22X/24X ENG lenses, two 40X/42X ENG lenses, and one specialized 14X lens.

The production teams are also expected to have access to various other equipment, including production switchers, audio mixers, boom microphones, and instant replay systems.

Commentary requirements

For the commentary setup, the AIFF requires broadcasters to provide a sound video feed with ambiance and lip microphones for the commentators. The setup must include echo-free rooms with a minimum 48 kHz stereo digital audio mixer. 

Additionally, desktop computers equipped with Intel i7 processors, Nvidia graphics cards, and SSDs (Solid State Drives) are needed to handle graphics and broadcast inputs. 

The commentary team will consist of two fluent English-speaking commentators and the broadcast feed must include graphical overlays featuring match details, team formations, player statistics, live scorecards with timers, and real-time match and tournament statistics.

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Studio program and graphics requirements

The AIFF tender mentions the half-time and full-time studio programs and graphical requirements for the I-League. According to it, the studio program must include a 10-minute pre-match show introducing the game and players, followed by a 10-minute half-time analysis featuring highlight packages and player statistics. 

The post-match analysis, lasting 15 minutes, should focus on key moments, tactical discussions, and upcoming fixtures. Additionally, graphics must be synced with the on-ground look and feel, providing unique replay animations, game statistics, and league updates.

Bid options

The tender process for the I-League offers two main bidding approaches:

1. City-wise Bid (Option 1):

   Bidders can submit individual proposals for specific cities or venues, covering production, broadcasting, graphics, and commentary, with separate bids required for each venue based on the 6-camera setup.

2. All Matches Bid (Option 2):  

   Bidders can also opt to bid for 50%, 75%, or 100% of the total matches, covering all venues and including the relay of the feed to broadcasters.

Each bid must include a company profile detailing prior experience in similar sports events, equipment details with costs (including GST), and a production plan for handling multiple matches, potentially occurring on the same day.

Tender timelines and submission guidelines

The tender timeline is as follows:

• Tender released – October 1
• Pre-bid meeting – October 4
• Bid proposal submission deadline – 5:00 PM IST, October 7
• Announcement of successful bidder – October 10

Bidders are required to submit their proposals in both offline and online formats, including a security deposit of INR 5,00,000, which will be refundable for unsuccessful applicants. Additionally, submissions must include technical documents, income tax certificates, and professional tax clearances.

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