Note: You can view the other episodes in this series by clicking here Note: I labeled this as ep5, it's actually ep6
NASL Season 2 Finals Today I look at the NASL Season 2 finals. I'm not going to lie, I was not to excited to do this episode. This has easily been the most asked for episode and I knew at some point I'd have to do it but I have been avoiding it.Why? Well, I think the topic, or pitchforks, for NASL Season 2 have been pretty widely, and liberally, discussed already. We already know that their production could have been better but what I think is most important is that I think they know it as well. Anyone who has seen NASL Season 3 can see huge and awesome changes to their set, their lighting, sound and overall production.
I thought very seriously about not doing this episode because I kinda want to let NASL move on and I didn't want to languish on a topic we all love to hate on. The goal of this series, after all, is to offer constructive feedback and, with this, I don't know how constructive I was. I tried. I may have failed.
Three pitchfork-able things NASL Season 2 Finals is typically pitchforked on 3 specific things: sound, camera work, and the red carpet. I discuss these and a few other things in this episode and with each I get pretty specific, if not damn personal, on how they all could have been easily fixed.
Crew vs Team Near the end of the video I bring up a point about the differences between a production crew and a production team. I don't know which they had here but I would imagine it was the former. This is a minor point but I think it shouldn't be overlooked. the differences a team can make over just a crew are subtle but extremely important. A [well lead] team can operate much more efficiently, they know each others bailiwicks, temperaments and skills. A team can be fluid. A team can add something you never see on camera but you can feel in the fluidity of the production.
Closing Bottom line, NASL is trying very hard to put on an awesome [independent] production. But what is also clear is that NASL is trying to compete with MLG, IPL and other large events. As such we, the viewers, will naturally hold them to a higher standard. Grassroots and independence is not a measure we hold as a handicap when you are competing to be the best -- sorry.
I thought very long and hard about whether I should do this episode and then once shot I debated whether I should release it. I don't like being negative. I don't like 'calling out' individuals as I did here (not by name, just by position). At the end of the day though I reviewed the video and I stand by what I said. There were very basic, very easily corrected things that not could, but should have been done and weren't. If we are to move on then I think we need to identify those things so we can all learn from them. Saying a 'production is terrible' is not constructive; Identifying what made people say that, I hope, is.
GG,
Jason
Last edit: 2012-01-24 01:45:30
gentle lover of esports - Product Manager for http://iHearteSports.com
On January 23 2012 23:29 nekoconeco wrote: Great work once again!
Have you considered trying to get the event producers on a Skype call for an interview?
I'd be interested in doing that and I've talked to a few event runners who have suggested it as well, I'd just need to make sure they didn't turn all fluffy in the process. I often speak to people that were involved in a production before doing the episode but to much contact might lead to me holding back and not getting as specific on things as I'd like. There, I think, is value in both approaches. I'd do skype conversations but probably about generalities of putting on a production.
gentle lover of esports - Product Manager for http://iHearteSports.com
happyft United States. January 24 2012 00:07. Posts 449
Really love your stuff, I love how specific you get and the simple solutions you propose. It makes it very engaging even to people who have no clue about production (like me), 'cuz who doesn't like to learn about all this cool stuff that happens in the nitty gritty and in the background??
Despite having to be critical, everything you talked about had a constructive side to it. It's amazing how 'terrible' productions such as the NASL could be so much better, or at least not so obviously flawed, if they made very minor changes like you mentioned. I feel like some tournaments should be hiring you as a production director Awesome job.
surfinbird1 Germany. January 24 2012 01:20. Posts 999
looking forward to the next show =D i dont think you have to apologize so overtly for the negativity. Think of all the time you spend skirting around the issues xD as long as you state some factual/objective issue you had, just say it! for instance i heard the camera guy was some voulonteer (just rumors) so you can just say "hes probably a great guy and all but these shots, he messed them up" nobody can hate you for that so... ps: as far as production goes, when you show pictures you have some really ugly looking grey double frames and some wood look background? could look better =D
On January 24 2012 02:50 d9mmdi wrote: looking forward to the next show =D i dont think you have to apologize so overtly for the negativity. Think of all the time you spend skirting around the issues xD as long as you state some factual/objective issue you had, just say it! for instance i heard the camera guy was some voulonteer (just rumors) so you can just say "hes probably a great guy and all but these shots, he messed them up" nobody can hate you for that so... ps: as far as production goes, when you show pictures you have some really ugly looking grey double frames and some wood look background? could look better =D
Excellent feedback, thank you.
ps do as I say...
gentle lover of esports - Product Manager for http://iHearteSports.com
thanks moge! You know there's a difference with critisizing to be hurtful and critisizing to help. I can't speak for everybody at the NASL but they probably agree. I appreciate what you do in all your episodes and I think it's really fascinating! I'm no expert or anything in production but it's relaly cool to hear this and big thanks for your time and effort.
If it were me, I wouldn't touch the NASL's production with a four foot pole because there is so much they could do better. Truly an eye sore. Anyway, more power to you for ironing it out.
Wouldn't be surprised if they give you a star soon.
Gretorp United States. January 24 2012 05:41. Posts 567
On January 24 2012 05:30 StarStruck wrote: Jason, Jason, Jason
If it were me, I wouldn't touch the NASL's production with a four foot pole because there is so much they could do better. Truly an eye sore. Anyway, more power to you for ironing it out.
Wouldn't be surprised if they give you a star soon.
that doesn't even m ake sense? you wouldn't help b/c they can do things better? so you're saying you'd only go with things that they can't do better or they can do better less?
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Myles United States. January 24 2012 00:43. Posts 4071
