THE OPRAH CONVERSATION ON APPLE TV+

Providing a Platform for Diverse Voices

Apple TV+ series hosted by Oprah Winfrey

The Oprah Conversation tackled society's most urgent issues—systemic racism, inequality, and mental health. Oprah challenged viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, inspired action and empathy and brought us together when physical togetherness was impossible.

As Harpo Productions' production partner, VIVA designed innovative technical approaches to facilitate intimate conversations with remote guests, from Mariah Carey and Matthew McConaughey to Dolly Parton and President Obama.

The Oprah Conversation succeeded in providing a platform offering hope and solidarity amidst the isolation of the pandemic.

Feeling Energized?

Let's Engage.

Highlights

Oprah and Obama: A Fireside Chat Thousands of Miles Apart

VIVA produced the acclaimed virtual interview between Oprah and former President Obama, seated on matching chairs thousands of miles apart. Winfrey was home in California, and Obama was in a green screen studio near VIVA's headquarters in DC. With cutting-edge green screen technology, we made it appear like Obama was sitting casually by Oprah's cozy fireplace, discussing his memoir, "A Promised Land."

Remote Production with the Realism of a Live Interview

Intimate dialogue is at the heart of Oprah's interview style. VIVA's technical innovation and remote production expertise enabled Oprah to conduct remote interviews with guests worldwide from her home in California. Using cutting-edge software, we synchronized remote video feeds so that Oprah and her guests appeared to look at each other, eye-lines matching, recreating the genuine feel of in-person conversation.

Virtual Set Design Expertise

VIVA's virtual sets delivered comfort, familiarity, and consistency across episodes. Guests appeared in "the same space" as Oprah, with the natural ebb and flow of in-person conversation. On set, technology disappeared, and the conversation felt organic. For Oprah's conversation with Emmanuel Acho, VIVA designed two identical sets recognized for innovation by the Hollywood Reporter.

The Virtual Studio Audience

Virtual audiences were not just passive viewers but active participants in the broadcast. They were represented in real-time on screens, engaging with the hosts and other participants through interactive features such as asking questions, voting in polls, and showing live reactions. This interactive approach broke down the barriers of distance, creating an inclusive and connected viewing experience.

Technology Fosters Intimate Conversations

VIVA's Remote Broadcast Technology—Flexible, Resilient, Innovative Production

Real-Time Editing and Mixing

VIVA seamlessly integrated multiple video feeds using real-time editing and audio mixing capabilities. Handling these processes live reduced post-production time, achieving fast turnarounds crucial for broadcast.

Green Screen Innovation

VIVA's cutting-edge green screen technique revolutionized live remote interviewing and advanced the industry. We achieved a new level of realism in live broadcast visual effects, setting a new industry standard.

Remote Studio Control Room

VIVA's specialized team operated video, audio, lighting, and editing equipment remotely from our control room facility. We utilized sophisticated remote desktop technology to manage and integrate multiple live feeds.

VIVA's Remote Broadcast Technology—Flexible, Resilient, Innovative Production

Real-Time Editing and Mixing

Green Screen Innovation

Remote Studio Control Room

Outcome

Apple TV+ earned a Critics Choice Real TV Award for "The Oprah Conversation," taking home the prize for Best Structured Series.
VIVA's technical expertise set a new standard for remote broadcast production and paved the way for future advancements that will continue to shape the industry in a post-pandemic world.
VIVA is a proud partner of Harpo Productions, continuing to support the production of original television programming for broadcast, syndication, and cable.
To see the series directly on AppleTV+, please click here.