Today’s game was completely different from the first two games of this series, but the telecast was very similar to the previous pair.
The crew was, once again, sharp and the telecast was first-rate.
The first two games of the series were low scoring, 3 – 1 and 2 – 0, and this game was 7 – 6. Today’s telecast, as dictated by the game, offered many dramatic moments. The visiting team scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 3 – 1 lead. The home team came back with four runs in the bottom of the inning to retake the lead 5 – 3. A home run by the visitors in the top of the seventh made the game 5 – 4 and set up a remarkable finish.
The visitors scored two runs in the top of the ninth only to lose the contest in the bottom of the inning by a score of 7 – 6.
This type of game, a game with many dramatic twists and turns, is very challenging to the TV production team. Late in a game such as this, there are many situations where the game could be decided by the next pitch. These are the most exciting moments in a baseball telecast to be a member of the production team.
Do NOT miss the moment. You have one chance…get it right.
I felt our production team was up to the task and captured each moment with crisp replays and insightful graphics. It is an exciting feeling for all of us on the production team when we realize that everyone on the team is contributing and the telecast is sharp, crisp, and flowing. On occasion, this feeling is exhilarating.
Today’s telecast was an excellent example of contributions from the whole crew.
The use of lower thirds, side panels, and full page graphics in this telecast enhanced these moments with maximum effect.
We took chances during all of the “moments” of this game/telecast and the replays from these “take a chance” isos were spectacular and memorable.
The audio mix captured the excitement of the crowd.
There is something about audio that is able to grab hold of the energy in a ballpark and expose it to the audience better than any tool we have available to us. (We must increase our audio capabilities!)
Once again, I sat in the Producer’s chair watching the production unfold and I found it to be truly amazing and gratifying that so many parts can contribute together to create such a memorable experience.
Unlike a Director, a Producer is able to look over the “big picture” of a sports telecast as it unfolds.
Today, I watched the Director completely “into it” as he cut camera sequences with replays and graphics never missing a beat.
He was great. And, he is normally our Producer!
Our graphics Producer/operator had the most poignant graphics at the ready when they proved to be the most insightful.
Our lead tape Producer/operator had the tape room clicking.
The baseball game had many different twists and turns. It was one of the most exciting games of the year.
We did not miss our chances as we twisted and turned with the game. We captured the exciting moments and wanted more.
We were ready and we delivered.