Game/Tight Side by Side

Game/Tight Split

  • Camera 1 – Game Follow

    • Wide coverage of the game play. Typically starts wide enough to see all players on the line of scrimmage, then will push in to the action as it develops. Never should go close enough to be considered a close up. Typically wide enough to show at least 3-4 players head to toe.

  • Camera 2 – Tight Follow

    • Will follow the quarterback to the line, and stay with the player with the ball. After the play, will typically follow the hero back to the huddle. Usually framed head to toe on one player.

  • Cameras 1 & 2 – Split

    • When cameras are split on the 30 yd lines, both cameras will alternate between tight follow and game follow with the camera closest to the line of scrimmage being game follow and the farther away camera being tight follow. Positioning is typically dependent on available location in the venue.

  • Camera 3 – High Endzone

    • Primary camera to capture both field goals and extra points. Frame the offense through the goalposts, follow the ball through the uprights, then tilt down to show the call from the officials. If there are 2 high endzone cameras, typically the farther away camera will cover field goals and extra points. During game play, if action is coming towards the camera, will follow the players on the defense after the play. Also follow the quarterback to the line and action during play. If action is heading away from the camera, typically stay with the offensive player after the play, and frame the offensive line wide enough to see the play develop.

  • Camera 4 – Low Endzone

    • Similar to a high endzone camera. Also used for shooting beauty shots for bumps, crowd shots after touchdowns/field goals, and other special assignments. May also be asked to cover field goals. May also be asked to iso on a receiver if the player is in a position to make a big play.

  • Camera 5 – Handheld

    • Typically will stay 10-20 yards ahead of the line of scrimmage. Will follow action from their position on the sidelines. Typically wide enough to see 3-4 players. Should follow the ball, especially if the play is coming towards their sideline. After the play, should follow the hero. After a scoring play, should follow the scoring player on their sideline. Will also typically grab shots of the near side coach. Also responsible for getting post game celebration on field, as well as interviews or hits from a sideline reporter.

Written by: Victor Presley

Victor has been working in the broadcast industry since 2005. He has been in the engineering department since 2010, and has been Classic Teleproductions’ Chief Engineer since 2013.