Bidspirit auction | BROADCAST GRAPHICS DUB (BETACAM SP)

BROADCAST GRAPHICS DUB (BETACAM SP) A studio‑grade Ampex Betacam SP tape labelled “b/w b dub of John’s graphic 1487m”, housed inside a reused case originally marked “Alison Moyet? use as blank”, reflecting authentic broadcast‑era repurposing and internal studio workflow. Tape Details Format: Ampex Betacam SP Handwritten label: “b/w b dub of John’s graphic 1487m” “b/w” indicates a black‑and‑white version “b dub” indicates a B‑roll / graphics dub “John’s graphic” refers to a graphics operator’s element (titles, slates, overlays, transitions, or test sequences) 1487m is an internal production catalogue number used for logging graphics elements within a broadcast workflow This is a classic example of a graphics operator’s working tape — the kind used in edit suites for assembling programme titles, lower‑thirds, slates, or visual overlays. Outer Case Handwritten: “Alison Moyet? use as blank” This confirms the case was repurposed within a professional production environment, a common practice in broadcast houses and independent production units during the Betacam SP era. Significance Graphics dubs rarely survive because they were considered disposable working materials. Their handwritten labels, internal catalogue numbers, and reused cases provide strong provenance as authentic studio artefacts. These tapes often contain: unused graphics alternate title sequences monochrome test elements slates and countdowns transitional overlays early versions of broadcast graphics Collectors value these for their uniqueness and insight into production workflows. Provenance Acquired directly from Kathy Skelly, partner of Mark Simmons, who handled Factory Records and associated production assets.