It’s “revolutionizing the game…delivering an immersive, game-changing experience for viewers,” declares Kauri Black, Associate Commissioner, Broadcasting and Digital Programming of The American Athletic Conference.
He’s referring to the Megalodon look: Mirrorless Gyro-stabilized Lightweight DSLR Nano-rig, to be exact. No sharks–rather, a sly, slick, and sharp view from a special sideline camera.
Megalodon consists of a Sony a7S III DSLR camera shooting 4K, through a 28mm fixed local length prime lens at f2.8 aperture, which is mounted on a DJI Ronin 4 gimbal, and transmitted to the production truck via a Hollyland Cosmo C1 Wireless System, then converted to ESPN specifications and added to the broadcast. The result is a pristine cinematic look with very shallow depth of field.
“But it’s not just about the equipment,” George Birnbaum, CEO/Founder of Gemstone Media, adds.
“Our Megalodon camera operator, Dez March, plays a crucial role in capturing the raw energy and emotion of the players. His skill in framing shots, timing moments, and anticipating reactions can elevate the entire viewing experience. It’s about how the operator connects with the action and conveys the players’ passion and excitement to the audience. This emotional storytelling is what truly resonates with fans and makes each moment memorable!”
Gemstone Media first deployed Megalodon for The American at the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at South Florida Bulls football broadcast on ESPN+, followed the next week by FIU Panthers at Florida Atlantic Owls.
Kauri Black concluded: “I believe we’re sitting at the future of communication and connection. Through our partnership with Gemstone, we’ve reimagined how our games are presented, with the addition of Megalodon enhancing the consumer experience through interactive storytelling that elicits deeper engagement.”
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- Hoot gets airtime on the Megalodon
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- Shoulder to shoulder with the Megalodon rig
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- Replay station for the Megalodon
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- Megalodon shot of the team
