Mario Kreutzberger, known by his stage name as “Don Francisco” is a well-known personality on the Univision network reaching Spanish-speaking viewers in the United States. In 2016, he signed with Telemundo and he is best known for hosting the former variety shows Sábado Gigante and Don Francisco Presenta.
In 2021, Kreutzberger is appearing on CNN en Español in primetime on Sundays alongside renowned journalist María Celeste Arrarás, who will lead the network’s new block of documentaries and investigation, while Kreutzberger returns with a new edition of “Don Francisco: Reflections.”
CNN en Español is in its third consecutive year of primetime television growth and has developed its largest digital audience since the launch of CNNEspanol.com.
As a result of this launch and with the need for a separate but state-of-the-art production studio Kreutzberger built a custom production suite in a 700-square-foot space to allow for remote interviews, live-streaming, and minimal staffing. Kreutzberger is now right at the center of digital content development for CNN en Español with his own digital production environment.
The facility is centered around the Newtek Tricaster Elite 2, taking incoming feeds from the same Sony cameras currently used in CNN studios. A full NDI workflow allows the “Reflections” staff to manage live-streams of guests from around the world – regardless of platform or device – seamlessly. Integrated teleprompter feeds, camera control, titling, effects, transitions, and delivery in multiple formats are all part of the Newtek TC2 Elite workflow.
Midtown Video worked closely with Kreutzberger and CNN to meet the technical requirements and creative workflow needs of the new studio. The installation includes studio lighting, high-end sound, racks and furnishings, multiple displays, and a complete grip package. Installation, training, and maintenance of the system by Midtown Video is also included.
Kreutzberger, who has spent nearly 60 years in television production, is continuing his broadcasting career at the peak of contemporary networked production technology: “It’s remarkable what we are doing,” says Kreutzberger, “In the virtual cloud we have ten, twelve countries at a given time, plus out guests, who are in two other countries…That we can do such a complex thing within a small space and with a small crew, and create a full TV show… It’s amazing.”
To learn more about the “Don Francisco: Reflections” installation and how Midtown Video can bring a similar solution to your production needs, please contact us.
