Production of MLS Thursday night games

[equus]

Does anyone know if ESPN actually supplies the crews and equipment, truck, etc. for every Thursday night MLS game, or is it contracted out to a production company in the region where they play?

[geordienation]

Most productions have a mixture of some ESPN staff and local crews which are freelance.

I assume the number of HD crews out there are increasing, but in the past it has been a problem, particularly on Saturdays in the fall, getting them for a soccer telecast.

[equus]

Most productions have a mixture of some ESPN staff and local crews which are freelance.

I assume the number of HD crews out there are increasing, but in the past it has been a problem, particularly on Saturdays in the fall, getting them for a soccer telecast.

Thanks. I figured they used local crews. I was curious if they had shooters that knew the game. It's been obvious on some of the games that the main action shooters (main sideline and tight) hadn't shot much soccer before. Of course if the producer or director tells you to shoot a different way than you think it should be done, you really have no choice.

Years ago I used to shoot freelance and we did a D1 college soccer game. When the crew got together to meet with the director he asked, "Has anyone shot soccer before?" No answer. "Has anyone played soccer?" I was the only one who raised my hand and he said, "OK, you're on the master sideline cam." :D