Behind the Scenes of a Big East Basketball Production

Summary

This video script takes viewers behind the scenes of a local basketball broadcast at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Rhode Island. It showcases the technical expertise of Cox Sports employees who produce and engineer the entire broadcast, from setting up cameras and microphones to coordinating audio and video feeds. The crew works tirelessly to ensure a smooth and immersive viewing experience, capturing every moment of the game. The script highlights the collaborative efforts of local professionals, emphasizing their role in bringing live basketball action to fans both locally and across the country through ESPN Regional Television.

Takeaways

• 😀 Local Cox employees handle the entire production of basketball games aired on Cox Sports in Rhode Island.
• 🎥 Camera setups involve unloading equipment, matching lenses, and ensuring the right shots for a smooth broadcast.
• 🔊 Audio engineers mic up basketball hoops to capture the sound of the game, including swishes and crowd noise, enhancing the viewer experience.
• 📡 Fiber optics are used to transmit video feeds across locations, including West Warwick and Lincoln, ensuring smooth broadcasting.
• 💡 Lighting and camera arrangements are carefully planned for on-camera openers, with two cameras and two sets of lights.
• 📊 Graphics and information such as player stats, scores, and game trends are displayed to keep the audience informed.
• 🔧 The production crew checks all technical aspects through a 'fax' or facilities check, ensuring all equipment is working properly.
• 🎮 Video engineers ensure the five cameras in use match visually, adjusting them to ensure consistent quality throughout the broadcast.
• 🎙 The broadcast features segments with commentary, player updates, and sponsor highlights, making the game more engaging for viewers.
• 📦 Custom trucks are used to broadcast the game, allowing the crew to customize equipment for each specific production.
• 🏀 The technical crew works behind the scenes to produce a smooth, professional show, including editing and post-production for segments like super bumpers.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to showcase the behind-the-scenes process of producing and broadcasting a basketball game for Cox Sports, particularly a Providence College vs. UConn game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Who is the primary host in the video script?

Shawna Haase is the primary host in the video script, guiding the viewers through the behind-the-scenes process of the basketball broadcast.

What is the role of the camera crew during the setup?

The camera crew is responsible for unloading and setting up the cameras, including matching lenses and ensuring that all equipment is in place for the broadcast. They also work on positioning cameras to capture key moments of the game.

How does the production team capture the sound during the basketball game?

The audio team sets up microphones, such as log mics, near the basketball hoops to capture the sounds of the game, including the swishes, the sounds of the ball hitting the hoop, and the crowd reactions.

What is the significance of the 'fax' or facilities check?

The 'fax' or facilities check is an important step where technicians ensure all equipment, such as cameras and audio, is functioning properly before the broadcast. It helps to make sure everything is ready for a smooth live broadcast.

What does a video engineer do during the broadcast setup?

A video engineer is responsible for ensuring that all camera feeds match in quality and appearance, adjusting for lighting or dark areas, and making sure the final images are visually cohesive for the viewers.

What is the role of the technical director in the production process?

The technical director is in charge of executing the production by ensuring all video feeds, labels, and commands are correctly routed during the live show, avoiding errors that could affect the broadcast.

How does the production team manage to broadcast the game to multiple locations?

The broadcast signal is sent through fiber optics to relay points and then transmitted back to the MTC in West Warwick, ensuring that the broadcast reaches both local Cox Sports viewers and ESPN regional markets.

What are 'super bump' shots and why are they important?

'Super bump' shots are designed to tease upcoming segments or build excitement for the game. These shots, such as dramatic basketball plays or key moments from previous games, help set the tone for the broadcast as the show transitions between segments.

How does the crew handle the technical and content challenges during the live broadcast?

The crew works together to ensure everything from the camera setups to the audio feeds and graphics are perfectly synchronized. The video engineer ensures consistent camera quality, the technical director oversees the execution, and other crew members monitor stats and game information to keep the broadcast flowing smoothly.