International French-language broadcaster TV5MONDE has recently undertaken a complete overhaul of its main studio set. This modernisation forms part of a broader initiative to refresh the channel’s visual identity and news presentation, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s three largest television networks, with over 60 million annual viewers and distribution across more than 200 countries and territories.
Driven by Philippe Antoine, appointed news director in March, TV5MONDE sought to move away from the traditional globe backdrop in favour of showcasing faces and landscapes – symbols of a more human-centred and globally engaged approach to news. At the core of this new visual identity is SMODE, the powerful real-time compositing and media server platform.
Designed by Panoramic 7, the new set incorporates augmented reality and a fully reimagined visual architecture. Its graphic design, led by Julie Lavigne, features a dominant ember orange palette, with blue tones for news and violet for cultural segments. Nicolas Menet oversaw the title sequence, while agency 17Mars delivered the full graphic package including logo, lower thirds and screen animations.
Integrated directly into the channel’s nodal system, a SMODE server now controls all studio screens, the central totem and augmented reality elements, ensuring visual consistency and seamless broadcast delivery.
“The aim of this redesign was also to improve the working environment and comfort for journalists and production teams,” explains Nicolas Renard, director of productions for TV5MONDE. To support a smooth transition for studio teams, training was provided by Erwan Tehel, head of training and product specialist at Smode Tech. TV5MONDE’s graphics teams now work closely with journalists and the SMODE operator, benefiting from an agile, collaborative production workflow that supports more dynamic and human-centred news delivery.
Nicolas Bruxer, production and project manager at TV5MONDE, comments on the upgraded studio: “The use of SMODE in the new set design has optimised responsiveness between editorial ideas and the on-air deployment of new graphic scenarios, meeting the demands of daily live broadcasts.”
“We’re proud to see SMODE at the heart of TV5MONDE’s new set-up. This collaboration perfectly illustrates how real-time technologies can enhance editorial creativity while streamlining broadcast production,” adds Francis Maes, CEO of Smode Tech.
“We’re delighted to have contributed to the redesign of TV5MONDE’s new studio, now equipped with the latest display and content management technologies. We extend our sincere thanks to their teams for their trust and collaboration throughout this project.”
Photos © TV5MONDE / Christophe Lartige
