Knucklehead's Lieven Van Baelen Travels Through F1 History for Sky Sports

Working with Sky Creative Agency, Knucklehead's Lieven van Baelen has directed the launch film for Sky Sports’ forthcoming, exclusive live broadcasting of the 2019 Formula 1 season. 

The film celebrates F1’s rich history travelling, in one seamless camera move, through the drama of the pit lane from the 1950s to the present day.

Key chapters of F1’s story are played out one era at a time with staggering attention to detail. Authenticity was key and both original and reproduction cars, props, helmets, costume were used along with lookalikes and clever make-up. Former World Champions Jenson Button and Nico Rosberg joined the cast along with the Senna’s seven million pound McLaren that he won the 1988 F1 World Championship in. (Transported in an environment controlled truck).

Knucklehead and Sky Creative Agency worked with key Formula 1 teams to source authentic cars and enthusiastic collectors contributed with props. Authentic replicas of some of the F1 driving suits were also brought to life by the fantastic costume team. 

The constant speed the camera moved at and the differing frame rates meant pre-production involved some hefty camera mathematics. Added to this the set had to be built to exactly the right size for the entire move to be completed in 40 seconds. 118 feet of track ran the length of the stage at Leavesden studio with the camera facing a huge set build undertaken by production designer Chris Oddy. In just three weeks, Chris had to create era-relevant sets while keeping 100% authenticity knowing F1 fans would spot any inaccuracies. 

As a fan of F1 Lieven Van Baelen was able to marry his knowledge of the sport and his technical expertise to create an incredibly detailed film that visually and emotionally transports the viewer through 60 years of heritage.

Sky Creative Agency said: “Knucklehead has done a cracking job on what was a tricky brief with ridiculously tight timescales. They instinctively understood our vision for the campaign and impressed with their innovation, attention to detail and understanding of the sport. We had a great time working with the team and the results are exceptional.”