A wide view of the CNA virtual set showing Otelli Edwards walking from the desk, toward a large virtual screen

Two presenters seated at the news desk for CNA's Asia First News bulletin.

News presenter Otelli Edwards shown in a wide shot of the CNA virtual set

An extreme wide shot of the World Tonight broadcast from CNA

Otelli Edwards conducts an interview with two correspondents displayed in large virtual screens

Virtual Set for CNA News

Our design for Mediacorp’s CNA news channel reimagines the possibilities of a traditional broadcast studio by transforming a single-storey physical space into a visually expansive, double-height architectural environment. The goal was to create a studio that feels open, contemporary, and strongly connected to Singapore’s urban identity, while remaining technically efficient and adaptable for live news production.

At the heart of the concept is a virtual architectural structure that frames sweeping exterior views of the Singapore skyline. Rather than relying on static backdrops, the design integrates dynamic city views that evolve depending on the time of day being depicted. This allows the studio environment to subtly shift from morning to evening tones, reinforcing the rhythm of the news cycle while enhancing visual realism. The skyline is not merely decorative; it acts as a contextual anchor, situating CNA firmly within Singapore while projecting a polished, international presence.

To achieve this transformation, we combined greenscreen technology with advanced masking techniques. This approach enabled us to digitally extend the studio both horizontally and vertically, overcoming the physical constraints of the single-storey set. Through careful spatial planning and perspective alignment, the physical studio seamlessly integrates with the virtual architecture. The result is the illusion of a modern, double-height atrium space that feels architecturally coherent and physically grounded.

Lighting plays a critical role in maintaining realism across the hybrid environment. Multiple virtual lighting designs were developed to correspond with different exterior conditions, such as daylight, dusk, and evening. These lighting scenarios were carefully calibrated to match the physical studio lighting, ensuring that presenters and physical set elements remain visually consistent within the extended digital space. This cohesion between real and virtual components is essential for preserving credibility in a live news context.

The mid-ground zone of the virtual set further enhances the sense of depth and dimensionality. Adjacent to the physical studio footprint, this area features a grid of glass floor panels rendered as part of the virtual architecture. Within this space, a range of augmented reality screens can operate, allowing for the display of graphics, data visualizations, and interactive content. The AR elements integrate naturally into the architectural framework, supporting storytelling without overwhelming the presenter.

Overall, the design balances innovation with practicality. It expands the perceived scale of the studio, strengthens CNA’s visual identity, and creates a flexible broadcast environment that supports evolving editorial needs, all while working within the constraints of an existing physical space.