When watching a Texas State University basketball game on ESPN+, what a person is seeing is being filmed by five different cameras. The cameras are located throughout Strahan Arena. One is located at the top of the arena, another one about halfway down, and another one camera at the bottom left of the seats. The remaining two are shoulder-mounted cameras located on opposite sides of the court. Each camera has a specific and unique job, depending on the location. This is essential to produce a successful presentation. In addition to having a specific purpose, each camera encounters different and unique problems. In future posts, I will discuss what the purpose of each camera is and the problems.
At Texas State, all the cameras are operated by student workers. Each camera on the floor is operated by a two-person team. One person works the camera, who will carry it on his shoulder and move around the floor to get the desired shot. The other person will be rolling and unrolling the cable of the camera so it does not get tangled or somebody trips over the cable, this person is known as the cable page.
Each camera is equipped with a headset and a microphone. The camera operator is in constant contact with the control room, located in Strahan Arena. This is where the Broadcast Production Manager (PM) is. The PM tells the camera operators what shots to take, and which camera is “live” or being used at a certain time. For the broadcast to run smoothly, and for a quality product to be produced, it is up to the PM. He has to make quick decisions on what needs to be shown, and many times what not to be shown. There is constant chatter over the headset between the PM, the other workers in the control booth, and the camera operators.
The Broadcast Production Manager at Texas State is Lucas Haskins. Lucas earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He has been with Texas State University since 2018. His responsibilities are the production of ESPN+ and Texas State home athletic events. Lucas is also responsible for creating material for the athletic website, broadcasts and social media.
Behind the Scenes of ESPN+ Broadcasting 