Ed Dursey and Scott Zolitoro from the National Lacrosse League (NLL) caught up with us for a special feature diving into the revolutionary shift towards cloud video production and how the NLL are driving this innovative approach in action.

The Progression of Broadcast Technology

[ Progression: the process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state. ]

In the world of broadcast technology, we are witnessing a monumental shift toward live cloud production in the cloud. Traditional methods of video production are increasingly being replaced by more flexible, scalable, and efficient cloud-based solutions. Teams across the competitive sports industry are thriving thanks to these advancements. The NLL has recognized this shift and is among one of the early adopters of this technology, actively embracing cloud video production to stay ahead of the game.

Why Cloud Video Production?

There are numerous advantages of cloud video production over traditional methods, with key benefits producing successful results in the media industry.

Scalability: In a live environment, seamless operation is crucial to ensure viewers get the standard of broadcast expected. Cloud platforms allow for the seamless scaling of operations, accommodating varying levels of demand without significant additional costs.

Flexibility and Cost-Effectiveness: Live sports broadcasting often involves costly equipment transfers and high travel costs for personnel and talent.Cloud-based solutions enable production teams to work from anywhere, enhancing collaboration and productivity. This reduces the need for expensive hardware and physical infrastructure, offering a cost-effective alternative that can save up to 65% on traditional methods.

Innovation: To create new ways of producing content for fans, the latest innovative methods and workflows such as vertical video, ad insertion, and alternate broadcasting are required to keep fan engagement and loyalty high, whilst creating new revenue streams. Cloud technology enables multiple integrations and updates of cutting-edge tools and features, providing a richer viewing experience for audiences.

NLL’s Approach to Cloud Video Production: The Birth of the NLL Watch Party.

Staying on trend to be ahead is important, especially in the fast-paced world of sports broadcasting. The NLL has adopted a proactive approach to integrating cloud video production into their operations. This forward-thinking strategy led to the launch of an exciting new interactive live format: the NLL Watch Party.

Bringing the Game to Life

The NLL Watch Party was created to deliver an engaging and immersive experience for fans. Here’s a closer look at the workflow behind its success:

Simple and Efficient Setup
An invitation for two hosts to contribute their video and audio on screen was the first step.
This setup’s simplicity and efficiency were remarkable being the first of its kind for the NLL. Both hosts were brought into the broadcast using Grabyo’s remote contribution platform, Producer Guest, with just a laptop to contribute their video and audio, so any geographical barriers were eliminated, with talent not having to physically be on site!

Engaging content during breaks
During breaks in play, the NLL filled them with highlight reels and B-roll packages from previous matches, which were seamlessly integrated into the production. Clips were then created using Grabyo’s clipping and editing platforms during each game, making them instantly available across the NLL organization.

Behind the Scenes: Seamless Production

The entire production was orchestrated by a remote, two-person crew consisting of a director and a technical director (TD). The TD managed video switching, layout setup, and talent cues, while the director called the shots and moderated comments from fans on social media. Grabyo Producer’s Control Room was utilized for video switching between multiple scenes and layouts throughout the show, and Grabyo Producer’s guest intercom feature to ensure constant communication with on-air talent, keeping the production smooth and professional.

Meanwhile, to ensure they were achieving maximum engagement with fans, the director took advantage of Grabyo’s integration with audience participation platform Flowics to collect and moderate comments and questions submitted by fans on social media. The game feed is then transmitted back to BitFire for delivery to ESPN+ and TSN+ in SRT format.

The Road Ahead

Much like the NLL; once you’re there, keep going!

As the league continues to innovate and adapt, cloud video production will play a pivotal role in its strategy, ensuring it remains a leader in delivering top sports content to its audience.

In conclusion, the success of the NLL Watch Party sets a new standard for delivering high-quality, engaging content efficiently and effectively. It underscores the transformative potential of cloud video production in revolutionizing sports broadcasting. So, if your goals include social growth, fan engagement, fan loyalty, or increased revenue, a similar approach could be the way forward.

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