A Chit Chat Interview with James McQuage

I recently interviewed James McQuage for about 45 minutes in an effort to gain further insight into the sports and media production industry. I chose Mcquage for this interview due to his background in sports broadcasting. He is an experienced professional with expertise in video editing. In fact, he was once the lead editor for the WHIO-TV news in Dayton, Ohio. Currently, he is in his second year with ESPNU working as a production log editor or logger for many of their collegiate sports events.

A graduate from UNC-Pembroke, James and I attended the same university and both received bachelor’s degree’s under the same major department, Mass Communications. He is an active freelance videographer and editor.  McQuage also completes projects for colleagues, friends, and family who all seek his highly recommended editing skills. Before I started asking questions, we took a moment to reminisce about our history together. I told him that it was great to see him doing what he loves to do. When we were in our senior year, James was excited to get into the professional broadcasting industry. In fact, he was interviewed by ESPN that year for a similar position to one that he currently holds; we both found it to be a bit ironic. Now that time has passed and my own interest in working in sports has increased dramatically. If possible I would also like to join him someday at ESPN. It is this reason for which I told him I wanted to ask him questions that specifically pertained to his experience in the industry so far. The topics I wanted to include revolved around his passion for his job, his interests in sports, as well as his day-to-day operations and professional outlook.

         The first thing that I wanted to know in the interview was, “What personal qualities are important to being successful at your profession?” Mcquage answered, “Time awareness is vital to logging a live game. Being punctual, I guess, is a better way to say it. The atmosphere is very social so blending in is also important quality a candidate should have. ” I asked him “On a typical what do you do at your profession that enables you to meet your company’s expectations of your position?” To which he answered, “Its great because on a regular day, all I have to do is watch ESPN and keep an eye on college sports. Know how to say someone’s name is important.”

At this point I was excited to learn more about his profession and what part of his job did he find most satisfying and what parts were most challenging? James mentioned, “With sports entertainment I think the most satisfying is the most challenging. I mean there is nothing like logging the big game, being in charge of keeping ESPNU updated, so they can have the fastest turnover of highlights and replays as any other station. It is stressful but its great.”

Although the economy is in a downward spiral, I wanted to know how his company and his position were affected by it and what was his outlook for the future? James replied, “The current economics is great for sports. More folks are at home watching sports and our rating have never been higher. We are the fasting growing branch of ESPN. We will be adding more logging station, which consist of 3 monitors, 2 computers, high definition recording station, also including the software. We have recently updated to a new Avid Assist, which gives us a quicker turnover time from live game time to Avid live recording feed. The turnover is quicker by 5 seconds. I can only suspect our turnover time will get better which will make us ever faster with the replays, and live cut ins.” 

At this point the interview was coming to a close and it was time for him to return back to his job. Before letting him go I proceeded to ask him one last question, which was, what special advice would you give a person entering this field? With a short sigh and chuckle he answered, “To be a logger you have to practice. I would say start off by writing the main players of each play over 10 yards in a football game. The main things are Who, What, and how long. Also, note the time of the game in which it happened the better you get, note the time of day it happened. Our recordings are live so we record on the time of day.”

Ultimately, I felt like the interview was a success one. It left me with more of a respect for his position and others that are behind the scenes at ESPN. 

Social Media Analysis: Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith is a sports journalists for ESPN whom I have had an interest in working with for over 5 years. I find his analysis of the NBA and NFL entertaining and informative. Through the use of social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter, it is easier to stay on top of what's next from him professionally. He has a twitter account which he updates daily with at least a tweet or two to fans, players and colleagues. In this video I analyze his social media presence over the internet and offer a few opinions on how I could be of use to his career.  

How's Sports Holding Up Despite A Down Economy

It is not uncommon these days for sports teams to struggle making money. As a country, we are in a recession, some might call it a depression but nevertheless many people are still supporting their favorite teams. In a recent article by Charles Davidson, Atlanta Federal Reserve Staff Writer, he mentions many ways how the sports industry still accumulates a heavy fan following, despite the down economy. However though loyalty still remains for some pro teams and major universities, teams and schools in smaller markets are hit harder by the economic downturn. This paper will shed light on Davidson’s information as well as offer some creative ways teams can attract fans.

According to Davidson (2009), “Sports as an industry, especially the most high-profile leagues and franchises, is weathering the downturn comparatively well. Even as unemployment has risen dramatically—more than tripling in Florida, for instance, from July 2006 to July 2009—many people are still spending at least some money on sports”. In the south football is a passionate and emotional release for many fans. In 2008 five Southeastern Conference schools brought in a collective $303 million dollars. Which resulted in ESPN and CBS paying the conference a 3 billion dollar deal to broadcast their games on their networks over the next 15 years (Davidson, 2009). Concluding that despite a crippling economy, people still want to see and support their favorite teams.

Although success still looms for some minor league and pro teams, many others have not been so lucky. The Jacksonville Jaguars experienced blackouts for some of their home games due to them not selling out prior to kickoff (Forbes, 2009). After 22 years of existence the Arena Football League folded altogether in 2009 (Davidson, 2009). Even Nascar and stock car racing have experienced the effects of the economy. According to Davidson, high fuel prices and rising unemployment have caused racing fans and automotive industry sponsors to cut spending (2009). 

However, despite the rough situation many teams find themselves in financially, some have weathered the storm by implementing new and creative ways to generate income and sustain their fan loyalty. Even during a lockout scenario like the NBA is currently facing, teams find it important to continue to market their team brand in an effort to combat the apathy a typical fan may experience during tough business negotiations. For example, this year the LA Lakers ran a campaign on their website in which all their team jerseys were on sale for 50% off the regular price. This was a marketing idea sure to attract the eyes of die-hard fans but also a mechanism to accumulate merchandise dollars despite games not being played. In some cases joint ventures in which the state allocates funds through sports teams in an effort to stimulate the industry as well as the local economy are established. In Davidsons article he writes that,

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade County and the city of Miami this summer agreed to use hotel room taxes to finance the majority of a stadium for baseball's Marlins that will cost—after paying off bonds over 40 years—about $2.4 billion. Officials broke ground on the new ballpark in July.

That same month, Louisiana's state government finalized a deal to help keep the Saints in New Orleans through 2025. That arrangement includes spending $85 million in state funds to renovate the team's stadium, the Louisiana Superdome, and leasing space for state agencies in a New Orleans office building owned by Saints owner Tom Benson (2009).

Despite state efforts to assist in drawing fans to sports teams, the franchises themselves should offer more affordable ticket options for their fan-base. Teams having economic troubles should not continue to offer high-priced game tickets and food prices that further hurt the customer. Instead they should implement more options for fans that are affordable. A layaway plan for tickets prior to the season is a good idea for those who are interested in holding season passes (Lefton, 2008). Another way to boost fan attendance could be re-arranging the food menu into meal options instead of itemized or a la carte items. For example, one hotdog may cost $5 and a soda may cost the same at some sporting events. Instead of individual food purchases, it may make sense for some teams to throw in fries or some other item to complete a possible $10 meal deal.

  In the end the teams should continue to find new and creative ways to market to their fan-base in an effort to sustain their loyalty. Although many people are passionate about their teams, it should not be ruled out that as a country we are all facing tough economic situations. Without teams sharing an initial empathy towards the fan on an economic level many of them may find themselves cutting back or folding altogether.

Sources

Davidson, C. (2009). Sports Still Draws Fans Despite Recession. Retrieved from

http://www.frbatlanta.org/pubs/econsouth/econsouth_vol_11_no_3_sports_draw_fans.cfm

Lefton, T. 2008, December 3. Saints Offering Season Tickets with Six Month Layaway   Plans. Layaway Sports. Retrtieved from

http://www.elayawaysports.com/news/saints-offering-season-tickets-with-six-month-layaway-plans/

NFL Team Valuations. 2009, September 9. Forbes Online. Retrieved from

            http://www.forbes.com/lists/2009/30/football-values-09_Jacksonville-

Jaguars_306892.html

Posner, R. 2011, August 23. Let’s be Honest: We’re in a Depression, Not a Recession,

And There’s No End in Sight. The New Republic. Retrieved from

http://www.tnr.com/article/economy/94055/posner-recession-

depressions-entitlements

The Bargainist. 2011. Lakers Store coupon-50% off jerseys. Retrieved from

http://www.bargainist.com/deals/2011/10/lakers-store-coupon-50-off-jerseys/#b

No Story Shined Brighter than the Dogfighter

 “The Biggest Plays in Sports Business”

Over the last ten years there have been numerous sports stories that attracted attention and spawned emotional reactions from people all over the world. For example, LeBron James signing with the Miami heat, (which had fans burning his jersey and sending hateful messages on twitter) or Reggie Bush returning his Heisman trophy to the NCAA. In my opinion the biggest story of this decade is the Michael Vick Dogfighting incident. Before I reminisce on the heartbreak I felt from this poor choice one of my childhood icons made, I would like to embrace his present. For that is exactly what he has been to NFL fans since his release from prison in 2009. Vick won the comeback player of the year award and was recently runner up to Tom Brady in Offensive Player of the Year votes last season. In this year’s offseason he added a new 6 year 100 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia Eagles to his legacy.

 However, his fall down the sports icon mountain was one of pure uncertainty and disdain amongst his character image. In 2007, he was one of the highest paid players in the NFL, and he had just come off a season where his former team, the Atlanta Falcons came just a game short of reaching the Super Bowl. Though he had plenty to celebrate on the field, it was his off the field dogfighting ring, which led to him becoming one of the most hated sports icons of the decade.

He wasn’t just some run in the mill dogfighter who occasionally let his pet pit-bull square off in battle, but rather he was what they call in that sector, “One of the big boys”. A guy who contributes a large amount of money towards the bets placed on the fights. When asked how many dogs he was responsible for fighting Vick told ESPN he was responsible for training and fighting an estimated 2,000 dogs. Not to mention the results of his case revealed he and a couple of his partners killed underperforming dogs by a range of methods including hanging and drowning. In the end Vick served a 23-month prison sentence for his role in the incident.

This was the hugest sports story of the decade due to his loss of steady income, endorsements, two football seasons, friends, fans, pride and influence Vick had over the generation. It is also a huge story due to its humanitarian outcome. Not only did he accept responsibility for his actions and pay his debt to society, but, he also contributed time to the humane society after his release, this in an effort to end dogfighting nation wide. Overall, people got the chance to witness the villain become the hero. In the end, I am proud to say I am a fan of Michael Vick and may his story continue to unfold for the better.

Other Sources:

 “The Biggest Plays in Sports Business”

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/179439-examining-michael-vicks-dogfighting-2009-edition

Negativity in Negotiation

In the entertainment industry there is always a host of potential actors, directors, managers, musicians and producers all jockeying for an opportunity to work in their respected fields. Recently, I had an opportunity to speak with a committed and active actor in Hollywood, California. Raleigh native, John Okonkwo has appeared in music videos such as Miley Cyrus’s “I Can’t Be Tamed” and also made appearances in the TV shows, CSI Miami, and NCIS. In this line of work it is not uncommon to encounter multiple scenarios in the negotiation process that may affect the outcome. One scenario in particular is dealing with negative emotions when making a deal. I asked John about how these emotions play a part in his industry and how they impact the negotiation process.

Me: How does negativity play a part in your negotiation process as an actor?

John: Aww man there is always some negativity around at all times, you just have to try and stay away from it and call it out when you experience it. Many people act like they want you to succeed and be a part of their production, but don’t get it twisted, everyone is not your friend or colleague. Some people try making deals with you even though they know it will fail or fall through, simply because they need a scapegoat.

Me: What are some of the dirty tricks you have experienced in the entertainment industry?

John: Well man, that’s a broad questions because I done seen a lot dude. When I first got into the business I met many people who were producers, musicians, directors and writers. Don’t get me wrong we all are in this industry to do what we love but we are also here to get paid too. I lot of people try to get you to do stuff for free in order to enhance their reel and leave you on the hook for a favor to return. I try to stay away from people who want to do stuff for free with me because you never know their motives. I done seen people do webseries, game shows and movies without anything to show for it. I’m just saying man that will not be me.

Look for John in more entertainment productions to come. He currently is auditioning for work in some of 2012’s upcoming blockbuster films. I wish him good luck on his journey.

Click To learn more dirty tricks.

Summer Movie Review 1

So far this summer I have seen my share of movies.  However, in this article I will only focus on three. Stay tuned for more reviews! 

It is always interesting to see what re-makes will capture the essence of mixing the old with the new, as well as, what new life concepts have mirrored themselves on film.

Let’s start with the the remakes:

Rise of The Planet of the Apes is next on my list of movies to go see. From Charlton Heston’s character George Taylor’s famous line “Take your stinking paws off me, you damned dirty ape” to that weird romance between Mark Wahlberg and Estella Warren. This film franchise is sure to creep its audience out once again. The 2001 Tim Burton film received terrible reviews but still managed to make over 178 million at the box office.

Final Verdict:

Though I have not seen it yet, I’ll be honest my expectations are low for this second remake. Do not go in with High Expectations for a transcending film that will revolutionize the generation, Rise of the Planet of the Apes is not that. To be frank, It’s more like that Amusement Park experience where you want to ride something you are familiar with before taking on what’s brand new and exciting. Like the Wayan’s World rollercoaster at King’s Dominion, it’s nostalgic, a bit cheesy but ultimately a safe pick to get you started for your day’s amusement or entertainment.

Critiques of What I Seen:

Comic Book Movies:

It started this summer with X-Men: First Class:

This was a entertaining and enlightening film that ultimately was a pretty good pre-quel to the, Marvel Comic franchise. This film gave you a look back at a young Professor X and Magneto and how they worked together to establish the first school for mutants. For the most part the acting was pretty good. For all you guys out there, Zoe Kravitz will definitely satisfy your eye-candy cravings. Overall Grade=A-

Thor:

I really enjoyed this film. The acting was along the same lines, as Iron Man. Which isn’t bad considering there was a different director for this film. Jon Favreau directed Iron Man But needless to say the film does satisfy the urge of its audience. In the film, we are introduced to Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, (Star Trek) 

and learn his upbringing in this one. There is some action to satisfy the need for the film but more backstory to set up a sequel. Anthony Hopkins plays his father the King, who banishes his son Thor to earth. The reason behind his banishment is what fuels the story. If you are not a comic book fan or you did not like Iron Man, then you will not like this movie. However, if you are a fan of the films, definitely add this one to your repertoire. Overall Grade=A-

Stay Tuned for more Critiques from InsideTheBooK. Up next is Cowboys & Aliens, Crazy Stupid Love & The Green Lantern.

It's Time I Get to Know Kreayshawn

Who is Kreayshawn? That’s what I was wondering when I saw a Youtube pop-up ad for her new music video “Gucci Gucci”. I must admit at first glance I was like, “Ahh hell here we go, another over the top gimmick”. It turns out after watching the video, I like it just like the other 8.9 million people who have viewed the video.  I really liked the part when she says “I’m rolling up my catnip and S*****n in your litter”. It’s a very catchy flow and I appreciate her rapping about how such material things, like Prada and Gucci are basic. This song is a nice anthem for young hip hop girls today.

Honestly, she is a breath of fresh air! She is one of the answer’s to my previous post, “Hip Hop, Where is my lady”. The Oakland native takes her image seriously and really wants to make a difference and inspire women.  Though she respects other female artists, like Nicki Minaj, she doesn’t always agree with their message. As she mentions in a recent article, “No disrespect to [Nicki Minaj] because she’s got talent. But when it comes to inspiring young women, her message is to be a Barbie—to be plastic, to be fake, to all have blonde hair.” This type of response makes me lol! I appreciate her being honest and true and not being fake.  Some are even calling her the latest controversial white rapper.  

Despite how some may feel, she is on such an inspiring road for many to behold. I wonder if she even knows it. We shall see only time will tell. Her music resonates with me a great deal. I dig her originality and willingness to just be creative and raw. Like when she was rocking her Fred Flintstone hoody in her first video “Bumpin Bumpin”. Not everyone can do that and get away with it. Definitely a sought after artist rumor has it she has signed with Sony and Columbia for deals of over a million dollars. Whatever the truth is she is hot commodity in the industry today. She is a fresh new face making a lot of noise.

Even Lil Wayne, has taken notice as he rapped on the “Gucci Gucci” beat for his new mixtape. Although his hook and verses just totally blow away the substance of the original song, Wayne fans will still love it.