It takes 2.5 minutes to read. Hi Reader, I won’t be available from next Friday June 14th on and until mid-July. 2 of the biggest football tournaments will kick off almost at the same time and I will be busy watching all games. The UEFA Euro will take place in Germany, and the Conmebol Copa America will happen in the USA. To me, this is one of the best times for learning. It is like an intensive football production course. These 2 massive competitions will not only feature some of the stars on...
7 months ago • 3 min read
It takes 2.5 minutes to read. Hi Reader, “Hi Oscar: Would you have interest in this production guide from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, happy to send it to you”. This message was the beginning for one of the nicest experiences I’ve had since I started writing on LinkedIn. It came from Stuart Katz, a talented veteran of our industry who reach out with this invaluable offer. Of course, I said yes right away. I was curious to put my hands in this guide from one of the most memorable events in...
7 months ago • 2 min read
Read by those who collect accreditations and don't know what to do with them. Hi Reader, Just a few years ago, talking about drones in professional broadcasting operations was not accepted. There were many concerns about safety, reliability, quality, and even the age of the operators. However, when you see clips like the following, you understand that a drone shot is now crucial to make your shows look better. This clip is from Paul Short, a drone pilot out of New Zealand who is based now in...
7 months ago • 1 min read
It takes 2.5 minutes to read. “That’s not part of our job—let’s leave that to the engineers or operations team.” That was the response I received from a fellow producer during a meeting about the details of an upcoming show. The topic was transmission, and my colleague abruptly dismissed me when I attempted to delve into it. An engineer working inside a broadcasting truck. The moment was frustrating, not just because of the interruption, but because it underscored a prevailing mindset: that...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Read by those who need coffee to keep the show running. This is the first thing that I told my now-wife when we started dating: “If we ever broke up, I just want to walk away, with my head held high, and the satisfaction that I made everything possible to be the best version of me for you” Thankfully, this philosophy didn't just win her over; it has helped sustain our marriage for nearly two decades. But I was not playing, That is the way I have been tackling my life since a long time ago. I...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Read by those who walk more during NAB than the rest of their year. Over 61,000 members of our industry gathered last weekend in Las Vegas for the 101st edition of NAB Show. While the number was lower than the previous year (65,000), the show was a good one, with over half of the attendees experiencing it for the first time. Here are my seven takes on NAB and what it indicates about the future of our industry: The influx of newcomers to the show is a positive sign. I hope many of them are...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Read by those who collect accreditations from sporting events. Working in television is an easy breeze. Everything is always simple and perfect. To confirm it, just look at this video by Steve Bower, a commentator of the Premier League in the UK. Or this other one from Andres Cantor, the main voice of football in the USA, while climbing toward his position at Etihad Stadium in Manchester. Sarcasm aside, we all know the level of effort and risks that it takes to create many of the productions...
8 months ago • 3 min read
Read by those who hate weather delays in sports. My biggest dream when I started my career in broadcasting was to find a job outside of my country, Costa Rica. The main problem for me was that I had not a single idea how to do it. After 25 years on the industry, I did not only find a job abroad. I moved to 2 different countries, became a citizen in the USA, raised a family here, and even won one of the most important awards in our business. These days, the most common request I get from you...
9 months ago • 3 min read
Read by those who read the tech book before getting to a show. Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time. Not only because it is funny or has a good story, but because it is full of great messages. The part of this blockbuster production that hits me the most is the running journey. "Run, Forrest, run" For those not familiar with the movie, one day Forrest Gump, the main character, stepped out of his house and started running for no particular reason at all. As he ran, he found...
9 months ago • 2 min read