Gravity Media partners with CP Communications to deliver unique camera perspectives of the marathon’s iconic start line

Gravity Media, a global leader in live production and content, and media services and facilities, has brought its specialist SMARThead™ robotic camera technology to the United States for the first time at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, working in partnership with CP Communications to capture unique overhead views of the event’s iconic start line.

Two SMARThead+ robotic camera systems were positioned on the over road gantries on the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge, capturing the 55,000 plus runners as they began the race. The SMARTheads™ were an ideal choice for these camera positions with the Gravity Media team well equipped and experienced in rigging these systems in inaccessible positions and delivering iconic and unique shots.  Equipped with Sony HDC P50 cameras and CJ45x zoom lenses, the remote heads offered pan and tilt functionality, enabling precise camera movements and flexibility for production teams.

Gravity Media’s SMARThead™ technology was designed and developed in-house providing a versatile and compact remote head that regularly supports European international sporting events including the TCS London Marathon, The Open and the Wimbledon Championship where over 40 of the heads are deployed. SMARThead™ systems are also entrusted to deliver on major UK state events including the Coronation of King Charles III.

The USA debut builds on Gravity Media’s more than 45 years of specialist camera experience, bringing its established technology and expertise to the American broadcast market.

Nathan Spencer, Managing Director at Gravity Media USA, said: “Having supported coverage of some of the world’s biggest sporting and live events, we understand the importance of capturing the moments that make each event unique. SMARThead™ unlocks new creative possibilities for broadcasters, delivering distinctive perspectives that can bring audiences closer to the action. Bringing this unique, proven technology to our US clients is an exciting step in our US growth. We’re looking forward to working with US broadcasters and production partners to demonstrate the creative possibilities SMARThead™ offers, backed by our decades of experience delivering innovative cameras solutions at the highest level. I’m really excited for what lies ahead.”

Kurt Heitmann, CEO of CP Communications, said: “CP is always pushing for new technologies for enhanced coverage, so we are pleased to work with Gravity Media to bring SMARThead™ technology to the US. The TCS New York City Marathon is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how these robotic camera systems can enhance live coverage, capturing the scale and energy of the start line from perspectives that would otherwise be difficult to achieve.”

Chris Brandrick, Global Commercial Lead – RF & Specialist Cameras at Gravity Media said: “Bringing SMARThead™ to the US for the first time is a major milestone for our specialist camera business. We’re excited to work with CP Communications to introduce this technology to a new market and demonstrate its capabilities at one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.”