From sideline reporting to directing and producing, the talented sophomore is building a well-rounded foundation for a career in live sports production
In the live-sports-video industry, the future is bright. Our series SVG Students To Watch highlights the next generation of live-sports-production professionals. Across campuses nationwide, students are playing a pivotal role in bringing their schools' games to fans - from running cameras and graphics to sitting in the producer's or director's chair and everything in between. This series shines a light on the young talent making an impact today and preparing to shape the future of sports-video production.
Ella Peterson
College: University of Illinois
Academic Year: Sophomore
Hometown: O'Fallon, IL
Roles: Producer, Director, Reporter
What drew you to live sports production, and how did you get started?
In my life, two things have always been consistent: my passion for sports and my love for public speaking. My parents would tell you that I always loved the spotlight, whether it came through athletic accomplishments or speaking at a schoolwide assembly. I could never get enough of it.
In addition to producing and directing, Ella Peterson has quickly established herself as a strong sideline reporter and in-venue host at the University of Illinois. Here she interviews Illini men's basketball player David Mirkovi following the team's victory over Colgate for B1G in November.In high school, I joined my school's TV-broadcast program and took every opportunity I could to be on-camera. By my senior year, I had worked my way up to executive producer. When I committed to Illinois, I researched every opportunity available to continue the work I had done in high school and keep building my career. That is when I learned about the Big Ten Plus program at Illinois, and I wanted to do everything I could to be part of such an incredible program.
Peterson with fellow student Jocelyn Mora prior to an Illinois football game against the University of Southern California where they helped out on the in-stadium videoboard show.Were there any aha moments when you realized you really loved a particular role, like directing, replay, or graphics?
I started directing and producing during my freshman year as a way to improve my skills on the talent side: I thought that, if I understood the ins and outs of the production process, it would make me better on-air. So, at first, I viewed it as a stepping stone. But I still remember directing and producing my first game and quickly falling in love with the craft. There is nothing better than putting together a clean show packed with replay packages and graphics. I fell in love with the way directing and producing feels like being the author and piecing the story of the game together.
What has been your favorite project or game that you've worked on, and why?
Since my freshman year, one of my favorite events has been the all-female broadcast that the Fighting Illini production team puts on in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Every role, from the director to the camera operators to the color analyst, is filled by women. For the past two years, I have been courtside as both a color analyst and play-by-play commentator. It is incredibly special to be part of an all-female crew and help create a full broadcast with women in every position, especially in such a male-dominated field.
What's the most challenging aspect of working in live sports production as a student?
Honestly, I love everything about working in live sports production as a student. I feel so lucky to have found my passion in college and to be actively building experience while working toward my career. At times, it can be overwhelming because of the long hours and the weekends you have to give up, but it has been completely worth it.
Peterson has worked on-camera on numerous marquee live broadcasts, including an Illinois Women's Basketball game versus eventual National Champion UCLA which streamed on B1G in January. (Photo: George Koukios)What are your career aspirations after graduation?
After graduation, I want to continue working in live sports production in any capacity, whether that is as a director, producer, sideline reporter, or other on-camera talent. This summer, I will be the sideline reporter for the Orleans Firebirds in the Cape Cod Baseball League, and I could not be more excited. It is a great opportunity to work for an outstanding organization while continuing to develop my on-camera skills.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Even though my freshman year was not that long ago, I would tell myself to enjoy every second. Working with Big Ten Plus is an experience like no other and such a huge opportunity to set yourself up for the future. Along the way, you also meet some of the best people and coworkers.
If you run video production at a college athletic department and would like to recommend a standout student from your crew to be featured in SVG Students To Watch, please email SVG Director of Digital Brandon Costa at [email protected].
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From sideline reporting to directing and producing, the talented sophomore is building a well-rounded foundation for a career in live sports production
