The constant technology innovation in the sports-production industry has led to a steady rollout of new products, capabilities, and ways of working. The SVG Sports Production Tools Forum is designed to give SVG members a chance to learn about important technology developments and key trends that are impacting how sports TV is produced.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Day 1: February 17 Program
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Producer/Director Perspectives
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Decentralized Production Tools
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Signal Transport: IP, 5G, RF, and Bonded Cellular
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
Day 2: February 18 Program
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: CTO Report
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Cloud-Based Platforms
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Cloud-Based Production Tools
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
Featured Speakers
Bob CanigliaBlackmagic Design, Director of Sales Operations for the Americas
Drew EsocoffNBC Sunday Night Football, Director
Fred GaudelliNBC Sunday Night Football, Executive Producer
Jim JachettaVidOvation, CTO and Co-Founder
Andrew JordanNEP Group, Global Chief Technology Officer
Ken KerschbaumerSVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial Services
Shane WardenATP Media, CTO
John VoorheisEEG, Director of SalesDay 1: February 17 Program
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
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2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Producer/Director Perspectives
The world of production is evolving quickly and, with it, the very nature of how a production team goes about their work. Leading producers and directors weigh in on the current state of production and how they are adjusting to decentralized production and a team scattered over hundreds and even thousands of miles.
Moderator: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial Services
Confirmed Speakers:
Drew Esocoff, NBC Sunday Night Football, Director
Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sunday Night Football, Executive Producer
Artie Kempner, Fox Sports, Director
Ed Placey, ESPN, Senior Coordinating Producer
Amy Rosenfeld, ESPN, VP, Production
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Decentralized Production Tools
With more and more people working from home rather than in the compound or broadcast center, manufacturers are responding with new tools, virtualized products, and more. Leading manufacturers discuss how they are transforming their products to be more suitable for a decentralized environment.
Confirmed Speakers:
Bob Caniglia, Blackmagic Design, Director of Sales Operations for the Americas
Mike Flathers, Signiant, Chief Solutions Officer
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Signal Transport: IP, 5G, RF, and Bonded Cellular
There are more options than ever for getting a signal from point A to point B (and even C, D, and E) and transport technologies continue to evolve rapidly. Signal transport service and technology providers discuss some of the latest developments that can make a difference to your production.
Confirmed Speakers:
Jim Jachetta, VidOvation, CTO and Co-Founder
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
Day 2: February 18 Program
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
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2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: CTO Report
Being a CTO is more challenging than ever given the constant stream of new technologies, workflows, formats, and standards. What is catching their eye in 2021? What new developments are most exciting? And are there any trends that need to be put out to pasture? CTOs from the sports-production community sound off.
Confirmed Speakers:
Andrew Jordan, NEP Group, Global Chief Technology Officer
Shane Warden, ATP Media, CTO
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Cloud-Based Platforms
At the center of every cloud-based production or distribution service lies a cloud-based platform. Learn about the latest developments from key cloud platform providers and better understand which one is right for you.
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Cloud-Based Production Tools
Cloud-based systems are increasingly becoming home to cloud-based production tools. What are the challenges and opportunities with respect to cloud-based production? How different is it to operate a tool in the cloud vs. a physical environment? Manufacturers who are embracing the cloud discuss the ins and outs of making the leap.
Confirmed Speakers:
John Voorheis, EEG, Director of Sales
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
ADD TO CALENDAR
ADD TO GOOGLE CALENDAR
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: Producer/Director Perspectives
The world of production is evolving quickly and, with it, the very nature of how a production team goes about their work. Leading producers and directors weigh in on the current state of production and how they are adjusting to decentralized production and a team scattered over hundreds and even thousands of miles.
Moderator: Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial Services
Confirmed Speakers:
Drew Esocoff, NBC Sunday Night Football, Director
Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sunday Night Football, Executive Producer
Artie Kempner, Fox Sports, Director
Ed Placey, ESPN, Senior Coordinating Producer
Amy Rosenfeld, ESPN, VP, Production
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Decentralized Production Tools
With more and more people working from home rather than in the compound or broadcast center, manufacturers are responding with new tools, virtualized products, and more. Leading manufacturers discuss how they are transforming their products to be more suitable for a decentralized environment.
Confirmed Speakers:
Bob Caniglia, Blackmagic Design, Director of Sales Operations for the Americas
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Signal Transport: IP, 5G, RF, and Bonded Cellular
There are more options than ever for getting a signal from point A to point B (and even C, D, and E) and transport technologies continue to evolve rapidly. Signal transport service and technology providers discuss some of the latest developments that can make a difference to your production.
Confirmed Speakers:
Jim Jachetta, VidOvation, CTO and Co-Founder
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
(All times are in Eastern Time Zone)
ADD TO CALENDAR
ADD TO GOOGLE CALENDAR
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.: CTO Report
Being a CTO is more challenging than ever given the constant stream of new technologies, workflows, formats, and standards. What is catching their eye in 2021? What new developments are most exciting? And are there any trends that need to be put out to pasture? CTOs from the sports-production community sound off.
Confirmed Speakers:
Andrew Jordan, NEP Group, Global Chief Technology Officer
Shane Warden, ATP Media, CTO
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
2:45 – 3:30 p.m.: Cloud-Based Platforms
At the center of every cloud-based production or distribution service lies a cloud-based platform. Learn about the latest developments from key cloud platform providers and better understand which one is right for you.
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.: Case Study Presentation
3:45 – 4:30 p.m.: Cloud-Based Production Tools
Cloud-based systems are increasingly becoming home to cloud-based production tools. What are the challenges and opportunities with respect to cloud-based production? How different is it to operate a tool in the cloud vs. a physical environment? Manufacturers who are embracing the cloud discuss the ins and outs of making the leap.
Confirmed Speakers:
John Voorheis, EEG, Director of Sales
4:30 – 5:00 p.m.: Live Q&A
Bob Caniglia, Blackmagic Design, Director of Sales Operations for the Americas
Bob Caniglia began working in the film and television industry in 1985 as a part-time cameraman and editor on industrial videos. He finished school at night while working full-time as a commercial producer/director at a local CBS affiliate. Eventually, Caniglia found himself in L.A. as an editor for The Disney Channel and 525 Post Production, later working on music videos for Prince, Madonna, and Michael Jackson. He also helped Gore Verbinski with his director demo reel, telling him that he would be a feature film director someday.
Leveraging his real-world industry experience, Caniglia made the transition to working with a variety of production and post production manufacturers including Panasonic, Quantel, Snell, DaVinci Systems, and Blackmagic Design, where he currently holds the position of director of sales operations.
Drew Esocoff, NBC Sunday Night Football, Director
Drew Esocoff is the director of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. In January of 2021, he completed his 21st season as the director for an NFL primetime game, and his 15th season directing SNF.
SNF averaged 16.8 million TV viewers in 2020 (with a Total Audience Delivery average of 17.4 million viewers), once again pacing to finish as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year – adding to its record for the most successive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on official live plus same day data provided by Nielsen.
In the first 14 seasons on NBC (2006-19), Sunday Night Football won 28 Sports Emmys, and following the 2018 season became the first-ever 10-time honoree for Outstanding Live Sports Series. From the 2008-13 NFL seasons, Sunday Night Football won six consecutive Outstanding Live Sports Series honors – also a Sports Emmy record – and won again following the 2015 – 2018 NFL seasons.
On February 4, 2018, Esocoff directed Super Bowl LII, his fourth Super Bowl with NBC, and sixth overall.
A 16-time Emmy Award winner, Esocoff’s five prior Super Bowls (XXXVII, XL, XLIII, XLVI and XLIX) include Super Bowl XLIX, which still ranks as the most-watched program in U.S. TV history with an average of 114.4 million viewers. In that game on February 1, 2015, the New England Patriots posted a thrilling four-point victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Three years earlier on NBC, Super Bowl XLVI became the most-viewed program in U.S. television history at the time.
On August 4, 2017, NBC Sunday Night Football was honored with a display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for “its record run as the #1 show in all of primetime television.”
For the 2016 and 2017 NFL seasons, Esocoff also served as director for the network’s Thursday Night Football series. The 2016 debut of the NBC/NFL Network Thursday Night Football series ranked as primetime’s #2 show in the 2016-17 TV season. The 2017 NBC/NFLN TNF slate ranked third among all primetime programs for the full TV season.
On November 16, 2017, NBC Sports, led by Esocoff and executive producer Fred Gaudelli, presented the first NFL game with the primary live coverage coming from SkyCam. Three weeks earlier on October 22, NBC’s “dual” SkyCam coverage received widespread acclaim from viewers when it was pressed into action due to fog during Sunday Night Football. In that game, the Falcons-Patriots Super Bowl LI rematch, fog rolled into Gillette Stadium late in the first half. After halftime, SkyCam technology provided the best camera angles to offer consistent and clear views of the live action.
Esocoff has also directed NBC Sports’ Triple Crown horse racing coverage since 2011, including the historic Triple Crown runs by American Pharoah in 2015 and Justify in 2018.
Esocoff previously spent six years as director of ABC’s Monday Night Football. He joined ABC Sports as a director in August of 1990. Esocoff also directed coverage of the NBA on ABC, including the NBA Finals.
With Esocoff as director, Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XXXVII were nominated for nine Emmy Awards, winning four, including Outstanding Live Sports Series in 2004 for MNF.
Prior to joining ABC Sports, Esocoff directed many of ESPN’s marquee events, including college basketball and football, hockey and boxing. He also served as the director for SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight.
Esocoff is a graduate of Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
Fred Gaudelli, NBC Sunday Night Football, Executive Producer
Fred Gaudelli is the executive producer of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. In January of 2021, he completed his 31st season as the lead producer for an NFL primetime game, and his 15th season producing SNF.
SNF averaged 16.8 million TV viewers in 2020 (with a total audience delivery average of 17.4 million viewers), once again pacing to finish as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year – adding to its record for the most successive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on official live plus same day data provided by Nielsen.
In August 2020, Gaudelli was honored as a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020 for career-long excellence in the sports TV and media industry.
In the first 14 seasons on NBC (2006-19), Sunday Night Football won 28 Sports Emmys, and following the 2018 season became the first-ever 10-time honoree for Outstanding Live Sports Series. From the 2008-13 NFL seasons, Sunday Night Football won six consecutive Outstanding Live Sports Series honors – also a Sports Emmy record – and won again following the 2015 – 2018 NFL seasons.
On February 4, 2018, Gaudelli produced Super Bowl LII, his fourth Super Bowl with NBC, and sixth overall.
A 23-time Emmy Award winner, Gaudelli’s five prior Super Bowls (XXXVII, XL, XLIII, XLVI and XLIX) include Super Bowl XLIX, which still ranks as the most-watched program in U.S. TV history with an average of 114.4 million viewers. In that game on February 1, 2015, the New England Patriots posted a thrilling four-point victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Three years earlier on NBC, Super Bowl XLVI became the most-viewed program in U.S. television history at the time.
On August 4, 2017, NBC Sunday Night Football was honored with a display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for “its record run as the #1 show in all of primetime television.”
NBC promoted Gaudelli to his current position in June 2016, when he was also named the lead producer for the network’s Thursday Night Football series. The 2016 debut of the NBC/NFL Network Thursday Night Football series ranked as primetime’s #2 show in the 2016-17 TV season. The 2017 NBC/NFLN TNF slate ranked third among all primetime programs for the full TV season.
On November 16, 2017, NBC Sports, led by Gaudelli and director Drew Esocoff, presented the first NFL game with the primary live coverage coming from SkyCam. Three weeks earlier on October 22, NBC’s “dual” SkyCam coverage received widespread acclaim from viewers when it was pressed into action due to fog during Sunday Night Football. In that game, the Falcons-Patriots Super Bowl LI rematch, fog rolled into Gillette Stadium late in the first half. After halftime, SkyCam technology provided the best camera angles to offer consistent and clear views of the live action.
Prior to joining Sunday Night Football, Gaudelli spent five seasons as producer of ABC’s Monday Night Football, including producing Super Bowl XL in February 2006. With Gaudelli as producer, Monday Night Football and the production of Super Bowl XXXVII were nominated for nine Emmy Awards, winning four, including Outstanding Live Sports Series in 2004 for MNF. He produced ESPN’s Sunday Night Football game telecasts from 1990 through 2000.
Gaudelli introduced the critically acclaimed 1st & Ten technology, the electronically produced yellow line that appears to be painted across the field at the first down marker, the GoalPost Cam, and the rotating clock/score box. In addition, he produced the first live sports telecast to use real-time polling data (via Enhanced TV) on all instant replay challenges. In 1997, Gaudelli oversaw ESPN’s day-to-day coverage of Major League Baseball, which won the CableACE Award for Outstanding Live Sports Series.
Named senior coordinating producer at ESPN in November 1996, Gaudelli oversaw day-to-day administration of the cable network’s National Football League telecasts, as well as the NFL Draft and X Games. He also served as senior producer of the ESPY Awards from 1998 – 2001. Gaudelli was named producer of ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage in 1990.
Upon joining ESPN’s remote production department in March of 1983, Gaudelli worked as an associate producer on a variety of sports, including college football, basketball, and baseball; the USFL; the U.S. Olympic Festival; and the NFL Draft. In 1986 he produced the network’s live Thursday night college football series. Additionally, while producing the 1988 College World Series, Gaudelli introduced the technique of live tracking the speed of pitches – a first on television. Prior to joining the remote production department, he worked in the network’s administration department.
A native of Harrison, NY, Gaudelli earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Long Island University/C.W. Post in 1982.
Jim Jachetta, VidOvation, CTO and Co-Founder
With more than 25 years of experience in designing, integrating, and delivering video transmission, contribution, and distribution systems, Jim Jachetta is the driving force behind VidOvation’s world-class technology that makes the “impossible” and “never been done before” a viable solution within daily business operations. Using modern, easy to support technology, Jachetta and the talented VidOvation team creatively designs, implements, and supports wireless, cellular, IPTV, video over IP, and fiber optics installations that meet an organization’s business goals, and at a price point that fits any size, scope, and budget.
Andrew Jordan, NEP Group, Global Chief Technology Officer
Andrew Jordan is the global chief technology officer for NEP Group, responsible for the company’s overall global technology strategy, product/solutions design and build, and synchronized network operations. He is also responsible for NEP’s R&D activities aimed at accelerating innovation within NEP, working with the company’s product managers and business leaders around the world.
Prior to his role at Global CTO, Jordan joined NEP in July 2020 as COO of the Global Broadcast Services and Media Solutions operating segments to drive cross-geography initiatives and a “One Team” operating philosophy. He was also responsible for leading the Office of the CTO and local technology leaders across the organization, and provided key insights into how the company will execute its new global growth strategy.
A pragmatic visionary and results-focused senior executive and innovator, Jordan has a proven track record of delivering industry/company firsts. Before joining NEP, he was responsible for transforming a multi-billion-dollar travel management company into a modern, digital-first platform business. Previously, Jordan conceived and delivered a global transformation plan for digital media delivery for one of the world’s biggest media companies. He has successfully led and transformed large and complex global teams, businesses, and operating units with direct budgetary control of over $240M and 1700+ headcount, as well as a number of high-profile M&A transactions across a number of business sectors, including travel, financial services, retail, media, and publishing, delivering transformative, highly available, secure and robust systems and operations.
Jordan holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nottingham and a Masters in business administration from the University of Surrey.
Ken Kerschbaumer, SVG, Co-Executive Director, Editorial Services
Ken Kerschbaumer is co-executive director of editorial services for the Sports Video Group and SVG Europe. He was a co-founder of SVG along with Paul Gallo and Marty Porter in 2005 and has been writing about how sports networks and leagues use video and audio technology to deliver a quality TV experience since 1991. Kerschbaumer began his career in 1991 at Television Broadcast magazine before joining Cahners where he was founding editor of Digital Broadcasting magazine. In 2000, he joined Broadcasting & Cable magazine as senior editor of technology where he covered all aspects of broadcasting, cable, and internet content creation and distribution.
Shane Warden, ATP Media, CTO
As chief technology officer, Shane Warden is responsible for keeping ATP Media at the leading edge of media technology and excellence, pushing the boundaries of production, distribution, content management, and sports data to enhance quality, service, and value for the global broadcast partners and the ATP Tour.
Warden has over 28 years of experience in technical and operational management covering all aspects of sports media and broadcasting from outside broadcasts, studios, post-production, transmission, and distribution, as well as media asset management (MAM / DAM), sports data, and digital OTT. He has held senior management positions within private and FTSE listed organizations and his reputation in technology and sports media has lead him to become an advisor to many technology and software manufacturers across trending industry challenges. Warden currently sits on the SVG Europe Advisory Board, as well as the SVG Americas Asset Management Advisory Board.
In his role as CTO for ATP Media, Warden leads the Business Services vertical, holding overall responsibility for technical strategy and innovation, international distribution, and connectivity. He is also responsible for all aspects of workflow, content management, and the collaborative digital workplace.
John Voorheis, EEG, Director of Sales
John Voorheis joined EEG Video as director of sales in 2016 where much of his focus has been on video applications for state and local governments. Previously, Voorheis worked extensively in corporate video communications and in the production and delivery of subscription streaming services. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, he lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.