2021 SVG Esports Production Summit

Full Program

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9:55 – 10:00 a.m.: Opening Remarks (Ross Video)
Presented by: Phil Englert, Ross Video, Business Development Manager, Esports

10:00 – 10:05 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks
Presented by:
SVG Esports Production Summit Co-Chairs Simon Eicher and Joe Lynch

10:05 – 10:25 a.m.: Opening Keynote: Inside the Historic 2021 League of Legends World Championship Production
As the most-watched esports event on the planet, Riot Games’ League of Legends World Championship Final always offers up a host of exciting new production technologies and elements to blow fans away. Whether it’s a virtual dragon flying through the air, an AR-powered K-pop group, or a holographic hip hop group, LoL Worlds are a must-see for esports and non-esports fans alike – and the 2021 edition in Reykjavik was no different. Get an inside look at how Riot Games’ esports team pulled off this monumental live broadcast in the face of unprecedented pandemic-era challenges, including a last minute move from China to Iceland.
Speakers:
Carrie Dunn, Riot Games, Director of Esports Creative
Nick Troop, Riot Games, Executive Producer for Global LoL Esports and Wild Rift Esports Events
Moderator: Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor & Esports Production Summit Program Director

10:25 – 11:10 a.m.: Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: State of the Industry: Esports Broadcast Leaders on the Latest Live-Production Tech and Workflows
Over the past year and a half, the esports-production industry has undergone a historic transformation as a result of the pandemic. Although esports organizations were largely ahead of the curve when it came to cloud- and remote-production technologies, the pandemic fast-tracked their technological roadmaps. Hear from top esports publishers, leagues, tournament organizers, and broadcasters on the latest trends in the industry, including data-driven storytelling, the future of AI, and the return to in-person events.
Moderator: Jason Dachman, SVG, Chief Editor & Esports Production Summit Program Director
Panelists:
Matt Arden
, NBA 2K League, Head of Content and Media
Matt Donovan, Riot Games, Broadcast Engineering and Technology Manager
Andrew Lane, FACEIT, Director of Broadcast and Production
David Light, Activision Blizzard Esports, Broadcast Engineer, Solutions
Joseph Lynch, EA, Group Head of Content and Programming

12:00 – 12:15 p.m.: ESPORTS PRODUCTION SPOTLIGHT: Inside ESL Gaming’s Katowice Production Hub
ESL Gaming’s EMEA production hub in Katowice, Poland, is one of the largest and most sophisticated esports production facilities in Europe. The company has built over 8,000 square meters of office and production facilities with five large TV studios outfitted with cutting-edge TV and I equipment. Hear how more than 150 highly trained TV producers, engineers, editors, designers, project and event managers, and many others are using the facility to deliver some of the biggest and most innovative esports projects on the planet.
Presenter: Simon Eicher
, ESL Gaming, Senior Global Manager, Procurement & Executive Producer, Special Events

12:15 – 1:00 p.m.: The Return of LAN Events & Live Venues: A New Era for In-Person Esports Productions
As in-person esports events gradually return, the live-production industry is confronting a “new normal,” which blends the remote workflows deployed during the pandemic with traditional onsite production methods. Meanwhile, sports and entertainment venues are looking to play host to these events as they return to the market. Production pros from top esports organizations, venues, and technology vendors provide a look at how LAN esports events are being produced today and what production models could be like for future large-scale in-person events.
Moderator: Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital
Panelists:
TJ Canty Jr., NBA 2K League, Director of Events and Operations
Andrew Lane, FACEIT, Director of Broadcast and Production
Amber Luther
, Populous, Planner, Senior Associate
Heather Rosenfeldt, ESL Gaming America, VP, Business Operations
Ryan Thompson, Esports Engine, Co-Founder and Chief Production Officer

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Networking Lunch

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.: Observer Workflows: Behind the Scenes With the In-Game Storytellers
No piece of the esports-production ecosystem is more integral to telling the story than the observer team. The virtual in-game camera operators, observers are responsible for constructing a coherent narrative out of the ballistic, expansive action taking place within the game. Hear some of the industry’s top observers explain their production workflows, storytelling techniques, and how their tools continue to evolve.
Moderator: Jason Baker, Do Not Peek Entertainment, Co-Founder and Managing Director
Panelists:
Royce Dickerson, EA, Executive Producer, Madden Competitive Gaming Content and Programming
Phil Englert, Ross Video, Business Development Manager, Esports
James Grieve, Battle Royale Observer Director
Xavier LaTorre, Blizzard Entertainment, Lead Observer, Call of Duty League

2:45 – 3:15 p.m.: Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.: The Future of Cloud and Remote Productions: What Technologies Will Stick From the COVID Era?
During the pandemic, the esports industry shifted quickly to online events and developed groundbreaking virtualized-production workflows and cloud-based technologies that have revolutionized live esports broadcasts. Esports-production pros discuss how their philosophy differs for online vs. LAN (in-person) events, and top tech vendors offer an inside look at the latest cloud- and remote-production tools available today.
Moderator: Charles Conroy, The Switch, VP, Gaming
Panelists:
Michael Bergeron, Panasonic, Senior Category Owner, Production Systems and Advanced Technology
Ryan Cole, Cosm, Senior Director, Broadcast Technology
Robert Erickson, Grass Valley, Strategic Account Manager, Sports and Venues
Brian Gramo, Super League Gaming, Head of Virtualis Studios
Peter Wharton, TAG V.S., Director, Corporate Strategy

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall

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