3Cat pioneers UHD-HDR cinematic workflow for Sagrada Família Papal broadcast

This production signals a shift in live event broadcasting toward high-dynamic-range (HDR) cinematic quality, moving beyond standard multi-camera setups for prestige events. By utilizing large-format sensors and cinematic glass for a live multilateral feed, 3Cat demonstrates that technical hurdles in focus and lighting can be overcome, setting a new benchmark for European broadcast aesthetics. For the industry, it underscores the need for cross-disciplinary training as film and television engineering cultures merge. Watch for whether large-scale sports rights holders adopt similar 'Cinema Live' configurations to differentiate premium streaming experiences.

The 10 June 2026 inauguration of the Tower of Jesus Christ marked a significant milestone for the Sagrada Família, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí’s death and an apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV. Per Sagrada Família 2026 reporting, the commemoration event was the centerpiece of a €3.2 million patronage-funded program. The architectural completion of the tower, which now stands as the basilica’s tallest point, was celebrated with a choreographed drone display and the first-ever activation of the tower's light beams, which function as a spiritual lighthouse over Barcelona.

Technologically, the deployment reflects a broader trend of integrating cinema-grade hardware into live environments. Sony has been aggressively expanding this capability, demonstrating firmware updates at the BSC Expo in early 2026 for the Venice 2, FX6, and FR7 cameras. Per Sony Europe, these updates focused on operational efficiency for live workflows, including moiré alert metadata and deep integration with Unreal Engine for virtual production. Other major broadcasters like ESPN have explored similar 'filmic' looks using Sony Venice cameras in studio environments to provide greater depth of field and color accuracy during high-stakes broadcasts.

The project also highlighted the logistical complexity of high-end HDR production. Industry experts, including consultant Hector Sole-Bradshaw Beltran, noted that HDR is less forgiving than SDR, requiring precise control over lighting and professional roles more common on film sets, such as Directors of Photography and specialized camera assistants. This collaboration between 3Cat and French firm PhotoCine Live represents one of the few instances in Europe where a cinematic workflow was successfully scaled for a 20-camera multilateral live feed with international distribution.