The three telecasts of the just completed three-game series all had one similarity. The themes that were established in the stand-up segments of each show all played out during the game. This, however, is where the similarities of each telecast ended.
The first telecast was a complete game shutout for the home team whose pitcher was last season’s Cy Young award winner and is a leading candidate for the award this season. We developed a theme in the stand-up segment with video and commentary that played out the strong recent performances by this pitcher suggesting to the viewer that this pitcher may have a good performance. He delivered with a complete game shutout.
Yesterday’s telecast was the best show of the season. In fact, I would have to say that this telecast was one of the best I have been involved with in my career. During the telecast, we looked back at memorable moments from the season. This was a great idea that came from our graphics Producer. This game ended with a walk off 2-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning. That game-winning hit really completed the telecast. The way the game ended provided another unforgettable moment and a memorable show.
In today’s telecast, there were two major themes presented in the stand-up. We looked back at the first two games of the series and we touched on the starting pitching match-up. The visiting club’s best starter was on the mound facing the home team’s starter who, while brilliant at times, was currently struggling.
The first telecast of the series featured excellent pitching, timely hitting, and good defense. The game was well paced and there was flow to the show.
The second telecast displayed a game that featured many highs and lows. This game provided many exciting moments and the telecast captured these moments. There was such a good flow to this telecast that the show seemed to go by in a blink.
Today’s telecast was a totally different animal.
The visitors batted around in the top of the first inning and were leading 4 – 0 before the home club batted. There were 47 pitches thrown in that half-inning. (24 strikes, 23 balls) The pace of the top of the first inning could best be described with a quote from the late, great, Jack Buck who once said, “This game is moving at an escargot pace.”
Certainly, no two games are the same and, therefore, every telecast is different. This is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession. Every telecast is a learning experience. It is exciting covering a baseball game. Knowing that you only have one chance to televise that moment as good as it can be captured is invigorating.
Teamwork in the TV truck is essential in providing the best coverage possible.
The Director cuts cameras with a purpose. The camera cut can be used to heighten the emotions of the viewer. During defining moments of the game, well paced cuts (takes) mixed with tight shots (faces) help lift the excitement level already established by the game itself. I believe that tight face shots early in the game actually lessen the effectiveness of these shots late in the game - when they matter most.
One of the best Director’s in our business once told me that directing baseball is like writing a story. Your takes are your periods and your dissolves are your commas.
The nice thing is that the game is providing the script and, with the teamwork of the whole production crew, the Director just writes it.