After the Fire: PBR Production Team Shines Following Loss of B Unit to Blaze
26/09/2024
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 8:53 am
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
Early last Wednesday morning, the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) production team experienced everyone's nightmare when its production truck B unit caught fire in Nashville while traveling from Anaheim, CA, to Greensboro, NC, for the next PBR event. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and, just as incredibly, the PBR team was able to pivot quickly with the help of staff and partners to get the 10th PBR Camping World Series this season on-air Friday night live from Greensboro Coliseum.
PBR improvised an audio submix area this past weekend following the loss of its B unit to a fire.
PBR Director, Remote Production, Jim Palermo says his phone rang around 1:30 a.m. with the news that the truck, while still being driven down the highway, caught fire (a cause has still not been determined). That call kicked off a furious effort of travel, ship-in equipment, and more to ensure not merely that the TV production could happen but that the actual PBR event could happen.
We're one of the few sports that I know of where we own the sport, we own the production, and we own the equipment, he says. We don't have resources to pull another TV truck, so we rely on both our trucks to do the TV show as well as the event.
The B unit plays a big role in the show, housing the equipment and workplaces for PBR's entire timing and scoring operation, television-audio submix, and pre/post-show graphics workstations. It also serves as the central hub for communications, IT network distribution, and many other critical functions. The B unit also hauls all the cables and fiber-optic equipment that connects all cameras, microphones, and other gear in the venue to the compound as well as connecting all the trucks.
My immediate thought, knowing the crew that we have, was that we'll get it done, says Palermo. But the question was how?
Palermo, PBR Director, Live Event Presentation, Luke Kaufman, and Josh DeGrado of the PBR road-crew-operations team texted out a plan before jumping on planes to Nashville, where they could assess the damage and whether anything was usable.
After losing the B unit to a fire, the PBR production team worked in a hallway for last week's event in Greensboro, NC.
Luckily, says Palermo, a computer for our SkyStart system didn't have any smoke damage, but everything TV-related was pretty much not usable or, by the time it got to Greensboro, failed or had issues.
With an understanding of what was needed equipment-wise, Palermo and the team contacted rental houses to see who could provide what (Ross Video helped by renting PBR cabling and a new Ross Xpression). Audio was the biggest challenge, but a local audio-rental house stepped in with everything from beltpacks to RF gear, IFB, and microphones.
Hats off to PRG, Bexel, Ross Video, and IMG for stepping up and helping us, adds Palermo. It was a team effort.
With equipment on the way, the next challenge was figuring out where the team that called the B unit home would work. The TV-audio team of Mark Harrier, Jared King, and Rusty Steving arrived early in Greensboro and built a makeshift audio room in the hallway of the venue, using a mismatched assortment of rental equipment. And PBR's graphics operators had to rebuild the entire pre/post show from scratch on a new machine.
Meanwhile, the IT team of Matt Hancock, Ryan Aker, and Thomas Forbes were hard at work getting the organization's data network and timing/scoring systems back online. They also ensured that the AI-powered SkyStart system, which uses visual images to ensure that each out in a sport based on eight-second bull rides and sometimes scoring down to a hundredth of a second, was up and running and timed to precision.
Key partners helped in a big way. The Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour team, for example, shipped in proprietary scoring and timing gear. Also lending a hand were the sport's risk and insurance partners at Endeavor. Software developers created an entirely new scoring system on the fly.
It was a nonstop effort by the team to get this done, says Palermo. Of all the shows we've ever done, this is the one where I am most proud of the crew. Many of them have been with us for up to 12 years, and their loyalty and work ethic and knowledge came through.
With two more shows left in the season, the next step is figuring out a new B unit, and Palermo says a truck used for a preshow stage will be home to some of the equipment.
PBR Chief Production Officer Dan Hickman applauds the extraordinary efforts of PBR sponsors, broadcast partners, production team, and the riders themselves for the flawless delivery of the scheduled events to the arena and television audiences. And viewers were none the wiser: last Sunday's show on CBS averaged more than 1.7 million people and peaked at 2.1 million.
This may have happened off the dirt, he says, but I believe it's one of the greatest moments in PBR history.
LINK: | https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/09/26/after-the-fire-pbr-production-t... |
See more stories from svg |
Most recent headlines
09/12/2024
Dalet Named an IDC Innovator in Media and Entertainment
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced that it has been named an IDC Innovator in the IDC Innovators: ...
09/11/2024
Dalet Expands Leadership Team to Fuel Next Stage of Growth
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced three new members of its executive team. Tara Bryant joins as Chi...
26/09/2024
HPA Announces Kari Grubin as Incoming President, Marking a Historic Milestone
The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has announced that Kari Grubin will take over as president on January 1, 2025. Grubin will be the first woman to le...
26/09/2024
L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System
L3Harris will provide solid rocket motors for first and third stages of the Glide Phase Interceptor, a defensive weapon intended to defeat hypersonic glide vehi...
26/09/2024
NAB New York 2024 Preview
NAB New York 2024 Preview | October 9 -10 | Booth 1213 | Javits Center, New York We're looking forward to meeting up with customers and partners at the NAB ...
26/09/2024
Gracenote and Amagi join forces to streamline FAST go-to-market for content publishers
New agreement between leaders in content metadata enrichment and FAST playout en...
26/09/2024
FuboTV Launches Multiview Beta on Select Roku Devices
NEW YORK Live TV streamer FuboTV launched its popular Multiview feature in beta on select Roku devices. The beta feature is expected to launch on additional Rok...
26/09/2024
Tegnas 9NEWS, My20 to Air 20 Nuggets Games, 20 Avalanche Games
DENVER & TYSONS, Va. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) has announced a broadcast rights agreement with Tegna for 20 Denver Nuggets games and 20 Colorado Aval...
26/09/2024
Disney+ Launches Password Sharing Crackdown in U.S.
Following in the footsteps of Netflix, Disney has begun its previously announced plans for a password sharing crackdown in the U.S....
26/09/2024
VideoAmp Dials Up Outcome Measurement
Measurement company VideoAmp said it will be incorporating outcome data from a variety of providers into its VALID data and technology platform....
26/09/2024
MGM Plus Orders New Robin Hood' Series From Lionsgate Television
MGM Plus said it ordered a new drama series that reimagines the classic Robin Hood tale....
26/09/2024
ESPN Set to Televise Pickleball Slam 3' Live with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf
ESPN is set to televise Pickleball Slam 3, which will again feature tennis great...
26/09/2024
WXMI Grand Rapids Names Jace Larson Senior Director of News
WMXI, the Fox affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said it named Jace Larson as senior director of news....
26/09/2024
Discover Sponsoring Revry's 8th Annual QueerX Awards'
Revry, the LGBTQ+ streaming services said that credit card company Discovery has signed up to sponsor the 8th annual QueerX Awards telecast....
26/09/2024
Fox Uses Vizio Ad Tools to Promote Action Series Rescue: HI-Surf'
Fox Entertainment worked with Vizio, using the TV maker's full suite of ad capabilities to drive awareness and tune-in for new action series Rescue: HI-Surf...
26/09/2024
Pixability, Ad Fontes Team Up for Ad Safety in News Content on YouTube
Looking to address the issue of advertiser suitability for news content, Pixability and Ad Fontes are teaming up to enable marketers to identify and support rep...
26/09/2024
Anthem Sports & Entertainment To Buy Hollywood Suite, Canadian Channel Operator
Anthem Sports & Entertainment said it has agreed to buy Hollywood Suite, which owns and operates four linear TV channels in Canada....
26/09/2024
Agatha All Along' Levitates to Top of TVision Power Score Rankings
Agatha All Along, the new Marvel series on Disney Plus, was the top streaming show in TVision's Power Score ranking of series on connected TV for the week o...
26/09/2024
Singing Janitor Wins AGT' Season 19
Richard Goodall has been named the winner of season 19 of America's Got Talent. Known as the singing janitor, he took home the $1 million grand prize....
26/09/2024
Medina Studios project wins IOW council approval
The proposal include four sound stages, two workshops and production support facilities at Kingston Marine Park in East Cowes By Matthew Corrigan Published: ...
26/09/2024
Sonnet Announces Dual 4K HDMI 2.1 Display Thunderbolt Adapter for Mac and Windows Computers
Sonnet Announces Dual 4K HDMI 2.1 Display Thunderbolt Adapter for Mac and Window...
26/09/2024
3D DNA in After Effects Without Plugins
3D DNA in After Effects Without Plugins Graham Quince September 26, 2024 0 Comments A quick tutorial showing how to use shape layers and CC Ball Act...
26/09/2024
The Look revolutionizes VFX workflow automation with Mistika Workflows
The Look revolutionizes VFX workflow automation with Mistika Workflows Brie Clayton September 26, 2024 0 Comments The Look, a premier picture post-pro...
26/09/2024
FCC Commissioner Starks on the Transition to 6G
In remarks to the 6G Symposium, FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks noted that the 6G network evolution presents opportunity on an enormous scale while warning t...
26/09/2024
NAB Show New York Spotlights AI, Creator Economy and Live Production
Ahead of NAB Show New York, Future's Terry Scutt, content director for the NAB Show Daily, asked Karen Chupka, NAB's managing director and executive vic...
26/09/2024
NAB Show New York Exhibitor Insight: Blackmagic Design
TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trends at the 2024 NAB Show New York?...
26/09/2024
Google Launches New Google TV Streamer
Google has started selling its new 4K Google TV streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, for $99.99. The new device includes new features to help users enjoy t...
26/09/2024
NBCUniversal Telemundo Name Joaquin Duro Executive VP Of Sport
MIAMI NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has named Joaquin Duro executive vice president of Sports....
26/09/2024
HPA Names Kari Grubin President-Elect
LOS ANGELES The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) Board of Directors has announced that Kari Grubin will succeed Seth Hallen as president of HPA on Janua...
26/09/2024
Tribeca Festival 2025 Announces Dates, Call For Submissions and New "Creators Forum"
September 26th, 2024 TRIBECA FESTIVAL 2025 ANNOUNCES DATES, CALL FOR SUBMISSI...
26/09/2024
The State of Regional Sports Streaming: DTC, FAST, and the Next Era
The State of Regional Sports Streaming: DTC, FAST, and the Next Era Leaders from Spectrum SportsNet, Foley Entertainment Group, Kiswe, and MediaKind address the...
26/09/2024
St. Louis Blues Add Preseason Games to Victory+ Streaming Platform
St. Louis Blues Add Preseason Games to Victory Streaming Platform Teams locally-produced regular season games will air on Bally Sports By Brandon Costa, Direc...
26/09/2024
After the Fire: PBR Production Team Shines Following Loss of B Unit to Blaze
After the Fire: PBR Production Team Shines Following Loss of B Unit to Blaze Multipronged effort to rebuild operations saves last week's event in Greensboro...
26/09/2024
Florida Panthers Launch In-Market Streaming App Panthers Plus'
Florida Panthers Launch In-Market Streaming App Panthers Plus' Service offered in partnership with ViewLift and Scripps Sports By Brandon Costa, Director ...
26/09/2024
Telemundo Names Joaquin Duro as New EVP of Sports; Eli Velazquez Exits After Ushering In Immense Growth
Telemundo Names Joaquin Duro as New EVP of Sports; Eli Velazquez Exits After Ush...
26/09/2024
Silicon Valley Video Summit Returns Jan. 28, Will Focus Transforming the Enterprise in the Next Media Capital of the World
Silicon Valley Video Summit Returns Jan. 28, Will Focus Transforming the Enterp...
26/09/2024
Portland Trailblazers Announce Rip City Television Network, Add Direct-to-Consumer In-Market Streaming Service, BlazerVision
Portland Trailblazers Announce Rip City Television Network, Add Direct-to-Cons...
26/09/2024
NBC Sports Regional Networks Debuts New Graphics Package, Launches Cloud-Based Graphics-Production Ecosystem
NBC Sports Regional Networks Debuts New Graphics Package, Launches Cloud-Based G...
26/09/2024
Sky releases official teaser for season two of The Last of Us, coming 2025
Sky releases official teaser for season two of The Last of Us, coming 2025Thursday 26 September 2024 To view this content, please enable our use of cookies. To...
26/09/2024
Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain' Set to Stream on Netflix
Back to All News Mononoke The Movie: The Phantom in the Rain' Set to Stream on Netflix Play Video Play Video Entertainment 26 September 2024 Global L...
26/09/2024
Netflix Continues to Invest in Nordic Storytelling, Announces Three New Projects Launching in 2025
Back to All News Netflix Continues to Invest in Nordic Storytelling, Announces ...
26/09/2024
HPA Goes to IBC 2024
IBC (International Broadcasting Convention) is one of the world's leading events for the media, entertainment, and technology sectors, bringing together pro...
26/09/2024
Rhasidat Adeleke and The Script among guests on this Friday's Late Late Show
Here is your host, Patrick Kielty! In her Late Late Show debut, European champion sprinter Rhasidat Adeleke will be in studio for her first interview in Irelan...
25/09/2024
Inside the Archives: Creating Access to Celebrate Community
2024 Documentary Producers Lab fellows, creative advisors, and staff share a moment. Photo by Lance Roth...
25/09/2024
Cinematographer Steven V. Silver, ASC on the sitcom B Positive
The second season of the Chuck Lorre CBS sitcom B Positive finds the kismet-connected duo Gina (Annaleigh Ashford) and Drew (Thomas Middleditch) diving deeper ...
25/09/2024
Director Blake Farber on the Kenyan commercial "Go Ahead"
For the KCB Bank Kenya commercial Go Ahead, director Blake Farber and cinematographer Nicholas Bluff collaborated to craft a portrait of the vibrant people, p...
25/09/2024
Cinematographer Mathieu Bertholet on L't ternit
The coming-of-age drama L' t ternit (released in the U.S. as Our Eternal Summer) marked the continuation of the collaboration between writer-director mi...
25/09/2024
Donald A. Morgan, ASC on the sitcom The Conners
Only a veteran cinematographer such as Donald A. Morgan, ASC could take chisel and hammer and recontour the shape of sitcoms. The eye behind the camera of class...
25/09/2024
Cinematographer Marshall Adams, ASC: The Cinematography of Better Call Saul
Known for photographing cult-classic television such as Felicity and Monk, Marshall Adams, ASC knows how to identify and respond to a story that subverts ex...