File-Based Sports Production

Abstract

File-based workflows have revolutionized news production, even migrating from the on-air server to the camera. Nonlinear editing features taking advantage of this trend, found to be as powerful in dramatic production and electronic cinematography, continue to claim more production credits. Additional file-based tools have emerged as higher quality file-based imaging and post-production has become commonplace. Live sports production may have been considered distinct from scripted programming in all skill sets, but although the management of many live streams of media remain an integral element of the live broadcast, diverse applications involving recorded media insertions continue to grow far beyond instant replay, driven by the speed and flexibility of file-based recording. Daily 24-hour sports highlight coverage and retrospective sports production has grown in parallel with the live broadcast, and the repackaging of gripping game footage day by day or season by season has become an integral part of sports broadcasting. Here, the advantages of file-based production have already been realized. As broadcast and dramatic production tools have merged and the speed of data networks have even surpassed that of streaming media; the distinctions between broadcast and dramatic production have become more logistical than technical. This paper examines the innovations and possibilities of file-based sports production. The concepts and implications of moving from real-time to faster than real-time content transfer is also examined. As broadcasters seek to offer viewers ever more viewing options, ready availability of alternative content is always a tempting proposition.