Behind the Scenes of Basketball Broadcast Production

Introduction

• Presenter: Shawna Hassett from Cox Sports.
• Topic: Insight into the production of local basketball games in Rhode Island.
• Focus: Behind-the-scenes look at a PCUCon game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Camera Setup

• Camera Components:
  • Lens
  • Camera Body
  • Pan Head
  • Tripod
• Process:
  • Unloading the truck.
  • Matching cameras with lenses based on requirements.
  • Transporting equipment, often using stairs and carts.

Audio Setup

• Microphone Placement:
  • Using lavalier mics on basketball hoops.
  • Captures sounds like swishes and player emotions to enhance the TV experience.
• Audio Patching:
  • For ESPN Regional Television, including closed captioning.

Lighting and Camera for On-Camera Open

• Setup:
  • Two lights and two cameras.
  • Set up with players on stools, with the team warming up in the background.
• Monitors:
  • Program Monitor: Displays the game and fonts.
  • ISO Monitor: Allows the producer to route specific video feeds.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Technical Director:
  • Ensures monitor labels are correct and proper execution during broadcast.
• Video Engineer:
  • Manages five camera feeds to ensure visual consistency and quality.
• Engineer in Charge (EIC):
  • Ensures all production team members have necessary tools.
  • Manages video routing within the truck.

Production Elements

• Super Bump:
  • Teases viewers for upcoming matchup with selected shots.

Broadcast Details

• Information Displayed:
  • Player stats, game trends, and sponsored elements.
• Fiber Optics:
  • Link between relay points, transmitting to West Warwick and Lincoln.

Broadcast Operations

• Facility Check (Fax):
  • Technicians verify all systems are functioning.
• Broadcast Production:
  • Local productions are aired on ESPN Regional Television.
  • Coverage of Big East matchups.

Commentary and Updates

• In-game Commentary:
  • Updates about Jim Calhoun’s medical leave and game scenarios.

Conclusion

• Acknowledgement:
  • Reminder that local Cox employees are behind the production of PC Basketball Games.
• Sign-off:
  • Shawna Hassett thanks viewers and signs off on behalf of Cox Sports.