Effectively Wild Episode 2097: How to Direct a Baseball Broadcast
Dec 12, 2023
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Banter about implications of Shohei Ohtani's contract, MLB imbalance driven by cable bundle, Dodgers' future, media hang-wringing over false reports, and Tyler O'Neill trade
Creativity and unique elements are essential in baseball broadcasting to create an entertaining show-like experience for viewers.
Broadcast teams should prioritize organic reactions and incorporate unexpected and creative elements into the live broadcast.
Collaboration among the team members, including broadcasters and technical directors, is crucial in pushing the boundaries of traditional broadcasting.
The challenges of capturing baseball action require strategic decision-making, timing, and finding the right camera angles.
Deep dives
Incorporating Film Techniques into Baseball Broadcasts
John DeMarsco, the game director for SNY TV, shares his journey of bringing his love of film and creative techniques to baseball broadcasts. Starting as an intern at SNY, he learned under the tutelage of legendary director Bill Webb and producer Greg Picker. With a strong foundation in film, DeMarsco began incorporating creative elements into the broadcasts, such as unique graphics, sound effects, and homage to iconic scenes. He credits the strong chemistry and organic reactions of the broadcast team, including Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, for allowing him to take creative risks and create a show-like experience for viewers.
Embracing Organics Jazz-Like Broadcast
DeMarsco describes the broadcast dynamics as akin to free-formed jazz, with the team members playing off each other's improvisations and seamlessly integrating creative elements into the broadcast. The continuity and long-standing relationship among the team allow for a fresh and organic approach to each game. They prioritize capturing organic reactions from the broadcasters, avoiding over-planning and previewing elements, and instead focusing on incorporating unexpected and creative elements into the live broadcast.
Collaborative Approach and The SNY Broadcast Identity
DeMarsco highlights the collaborative nature of the broadcast team, with each member taking their turn to add their creative touches. The SNY broadcast identity is built on pushing the boundaries of traditional broadcasting and infusing elements from film and popular culture. The team strives to create a show that goes beyond just a baseball game, capturing the attention and engagement of viewers through a fresh and creative approach. Their aim is to provide a unique and entertaining experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game for fans.
Influence of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling
DeMarsco emphasizes the importance of having broadcasters like Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling, who can seamlessly adapt to the creative elements and provide organic reactions. Their vast experience and chemistry allow for a free-flowing broadcast that can handle unique elements such as graphics, sound effects, and creative playbacks. Their ability to mold these elements into the broadcast adds to the overall show-like experience for viewers.
Importance of Creativity in Baseball Broadcasting
The podcast episode discusses the significance of incorporating creativity into baseball broadcasting. The speaker emphasizes that while traditional methods of broadcasting exist, there is great value in finding opportunities to showcase creative ideas and unique camera angles during games. They acknowledge that some individuals may push back against these innovative approaches, wanting a more straightforward broadcast, but the speaker believes in the importance of appealing to a diverse range of viewers and providing a little something extra during the game.
Testing and Implementing New Techniques
The podcast episode explains how the broadcasting team tests and implements new techniques, transitions, cuts, and camera choices outside of the live broadcast. They discuss the collaboration between the crew members and the technical director, who plays a crucial role in bringing their creative ideas to life. The speaker highlights quick turnaround times for implementing new techniques and provides an example of a split screen effect that was developed in a matter of minutes. They also discuss the importance of working with a talented team that can handle the technical aspects of the broadcast.
Impact of a Pitch Clock on Broadcast Dynamics
The podcast episode examines the impact of a pitch clock on the broadcasting process and the appetite for trying new things. The speaker shares initial concerns about how the pitch clock would affect the broadcast and the challenges of fitting in sales elements within the reduced time frame. They discuss the need for strategic decision-making and the realization that the clock eventually became part of the rhythm of the broadcast. Additionally, the announcers had to adjust their commentary to fit the faster pace of the game.
Challenges and Creativity in Broadcasting Baseball
The podcast episode delves into the challenges of broadcasting baseball and explores the constant decision-making process faced by the director. The speaker highlights the difficulty of capturing the action on the field due to the unique nature of baseball, with runs and points often scored away from the ball. They emphasize the importance of timing, knowledge of the game, and experience in finding the right camera angles to convey the game effectively. The speaker also mentions the potential for creativity and new camera angles, citing examples from other broadcasts.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about the implications of Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedentedly deferred contract structure, whether the Ohtani signing and Juan Soto trade portend MLB imbalance driven by the bursting cable bundle (21:42), whether the Dodgers will ever be bad again (28:06), media hang-wringing over Friday’s false reports (35:58), and the Tyler O’Neill trade […]
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