Canes on Rexall Ice
Sorry for not spending quality time with you guys lately but I actually got a week without having to spend my days in hockey rinks so I spent it with Donna, McKenna, and the new room downstairs. But today was back to work at Rexall Place. I did not travel to Carolina because they sent the boys from Toronto down there. It is cheaper and, well it is cheaper.
Man did the hype step up for this round. The NHL basically takes over the rink for the final. The Oilers staff kinda takes a back seat and the NHL just run the whole show. Gone are the days of locker room access and one on one communication with the players. Now we have mix zones and podium press conferences.
Rexall Place Mix Zone
A mix zone, pictured above, is basically a scrum line where you interview players who stand behind the ropes. In theory it is more organized, but in reality it is a mad house. When it is done correctly, like at the superbowl, the media can stand around the player and get the quotes you need. Incorrectly, like at Rexall, only about three people can get around the player and everyone behind them gets screwed. I went right out to Canadian Tire and purchased a step stool so I can see over everyone. The tallest guy there standing on a stool. Yeah, I am the baddest of the bad. Reporters don't mind this because they can ask all the questions they want, photogs hate it because it is a struggle to get your shot.
Podium presser with Stillman, Ward, Weight
Now the podium presser is all good as far as photogs go. I know that I can always get the shot, it will be steady, and the audio most times will be stellar. Reporters don't like it because they can usually only ask one question, and they don't feel as if they can 'connect' with the player. I like the podium.
Media work room
Here is a picture of the Media Work Room. That is Terry Jones in the foreground, he is a reporter that is a legend in these parts. Known as 'Large'. He has covered the Oil since before the glory years. The Media Work Room is the place where all the mic monkeys and fish hacks right all their stories. This will probably also be the place where the cameraguys will have to watch the game. There is more media than there is seats in the press box. I am going to do a camera count tomorrow and we will see just how much media is here. I am guessing at least 20 cameras. Another cool thing is, camera geek alert, the NHL goes around and does a frequency check and makes sure that no one is on the same frequency for the tournament. Which is very cool. If you step on anyone your credential will be ripped. I like the idea that my mic will not be walked on.
The Score HQ
This is our work space. In the shot is Ryan Varty, just his torso, the camera guy from Calgary. Next is Steve Coulias, a anchor type guy from Toronto. Last but not least it Chad Walker, a producer also from Toronto. They have pulled out all the stops. Cabbie on the street is also here in town with his man D. I know, those of you in the states have no idea who he is, but he works for the Score and you can look him up and see his schitck on the Score.ca.
The Sportsnet boys setting it up
That is all I have for you now but there will be more coming soon.
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