It’s Time to Dive into an Inside Look at BCC Live’s Live Broadcast Production
Ever wondered who’s the unsung hero behind those thrilling IRONMAN Pro Series live broadcast shows? At BCC Live, we’re the orchestra conductors, orchestrating the magic behind the scenes. One of our key roles is the Director/Technical Director (or “TD”). We’re the final checkpoint on the production train, where all the elements – camera feeds, commentary, graphics, and more – converge to create the masterpiece you see on screen.
The TD’s Role: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Typically, our job involves taking a clean feed from another company’s camera mix and adding our unique touch. We collaborate with various production companies worldwide, including Carr-Hughes (renowned for horse racing in the US) and ASO (the mastermind behind the Tour de France). Think of us as the final step in the production journey. We infuse the broadcast with host commentary, dynamic videos, ad breaks, and eye-catching graphics before sending the final product to the world. It’s a high-stakes, real-time juggling act, but it’s the thrill of the challenge that keeps us coming back.
Taking the Reins: A New Frontier
This year, we’ve pushed the boundaries of our role. For two of the Pro Series broadcasts, St. George and Boulder, we took complete control of the production, from handling eight on-site cameras to all the usual TD wizardry. It was like stepping into the director’s chair; the adrenaline rush was exhilarating, and the pressure was palpable. Each of our on-site cameras streamed directly back to our studio, where the director would choose the right shot at the right time.
With a broadcast lasting over eight hours, you can imagine the constant switching and coordination required. The director had to stay in constant communication with the on-ground crew to ensure every camera knew when its shot was live, when to find a different angle, locate a different athlete, or even troubleshoot technical issues. To be honest, I don’t think I sat down during either of those broadcasts!
A New Challenge: Garmin Gravel Worlds Live Broadcast
We even ventured into new territory with Garmin Gravel Worlds, producing the entire broadcast, including on-site cameras. It was one of the first-ever live broadcasts of a full gravel race, covering 150 miles around Lincoln, Nebraska. Our team executed a remarkable broadcast for an incredible race, putting the gravel community on the map.
A Testament to Our Team
We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve pushed our boundaries, expanded our capabilities, and elevated the art of live broadcasting. And the best part? This is just the beginning. We’re hungry for more, eager to explore new horizons, and ready to keep surprising you with what we can do.
Conclusion
So, the next time you’re captivated by a BCC Live broadcast, remember, there’s a dedicated team working tirelessly behind the scenes, passionate about delivering the best possible viewing experience. We’re excited to see where this journey takes us next. Stay tuned!
Interested in learning about other roles during a broadcast? Check out our post on the Replay Operator… https://bccliveproductions.com/blog/the-replay-operator/
And don’t forget to check out our video work… https://vimeo.com/bccliveproductions