GameTrax
So-called “bonus feeds” from fixed camera angles provide novelty, but rarely sustain viewer interest. Completely separate feed productions, on the other hand, can be great but only the very biggest events can support their cost. Is there a way to leverage existing production resources for typical games to create a second program that sustains long-term engagement?
Video
CHALLENGE: Single cameras provide a privileged view, but don’t provide the visibility of the overall game necessary to communicate the whole story. How can the story-telling capabilities of the main broadcast be used to create an alternative stream?
SOLUTION: Utilize both high- and low-angle cable cameras during live action to give the viewer a ‘you-are-there’ feel. Include persistent score/game state graphics and announcers from main broadcast. Dynamically switch to main broadcast for key replays.
Drive Chart
CHALLENGE: If plays are the sentences of a football game’s story, drives are the chapters. Even for viewers who watch the game beginning to end, it’s often easy in today’s distracting media environment to lose track of that story.
SOLUTION: Develop a persistent drive chart that provides a convenient and compelling way to track the current possession and put current plays in their context.
Data-rich Infographics
CHALLENGE: Too often, data is presented superficially and inconsistently. One or two data points are presented, only as time allows, and rarely inform the larger narrative of the game.
SOLUTION: Create data-rich infographics that provide real insight. Reference higher-order statistics that users are more familiar with to provide relevance for deeper stats. Provide data consistently, but contextually. Dynamically refresh data with an eye to what is relevant to tell a better story. With high data density in an attractive design, sustain viewer interest for an appropriate time to allow for a cadence that is rhythmically aligned to game play.
