SVG All-Stars: Rob Hedrick, Senior Director, Production, NHRA The former Oklahoma storm chaser is innovating sports television in ways he never dreamed By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 12:27 pm
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In an era when sports production is evolving faster than ever, a new generation of leaders is beginning to make its mark on the industry. Our new SVG All-Stars series explores the journey of the industry's rising executives, showcasing their experiences and career highlights in the business, overarching philosophy and leadership strategy, technological and creative innovation, and where they see the industry headed. Join us as we uncover the story behind their ascent and the impact they are having in an ever-evolving industry.
This past weekend, the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series championship was settled in a winner-take-all final round for the second straight year. It was must-see TV for fans watching the drama unfold on FOX and FS1.
Always a thrill to witness in person, drag racing's appeal as a television product has grown exponentially in recent years, thanks to the hard and innovative work of behind-the-scenes individuals like Rob Hedrick.
Rob Hedrick has worked in live sports television for nearly two decades. He is currently senior director, production, for the National Hot Rod Association.
From improving image quality to 1080p to enhancing visuals with more slo-mo and in-car cameras and capturing the heart-rattling sound of the Top Fuel cars, NHRA events on TV have never been more compelling and immersive. It's production people like Hedrick who put the tools in place to capture all the pieces necessary to assemble an exciting broadcast.
In this week's edition of SVG All-Stars, learn Hedrick's story, discover what industry innovations he has his eye on, and get his advice on what it takes to break into the live-sports-production industry.
Hedrick (foreground) in the truck with NHRA on FOX play-by-play announcer Brian Lohnes
What are the key responsibilities of your current role?
As senior director of production for the NHRA, the largest motorsports-sanctioning body in the world, I am responsible for technical operations for the NHRA on FOX as well as for designing our workflow and cloud strategy. I always tell people my job is to give people the tools to do their job.
What key industry trend do you believe is having a major impact on your organization right now?
We're all living through the evolution of Television 5.0 - or whatever version we're into now. We're seeing the linear model upended, and the streaming model is taking over, but a surge in FAST channels is proving that people still have an appetite for appointment television when the content is tailored to them. The special-sauce 4K/HDR will keep them returning to whatever platform they consume content on.
What core philosophy do you try to live by when managing your team/operation?
I always manage people the way I want to be managed. It's important to hear what everyone has to say and what they think is the solution, and then for me to decide. The smartest people in the world surround themselves with smart people who disagree with them.
Hedrick at an awards event with NHRA VP, Television, Stephen Reintjes
What is your favorite event(s) you've ever worked?
When I lived in D.C., I used to tech-manage the regional Emmy Awards. One year, after we finished our set day, the director called me and told me his wife had gone into labor and he wouldn't be able to direct the show. He said, You're up! I'd never directed the show before but had been in the control room for two or three years, and I had a blast! I had one of my favorite people in the world, Pam Chvotkin, as my AD, and we had a great time and a great show. It helped that my team won two Emmys that same night.
Hedrick in the truck during an NHRA on FOX production
How did you get started in sports production? What was your first real job in the business?
My first TV job was doing newsgathering and storm chasing for the ABC affiliate in Oklahoma City, and, as a news photojournalist, I covered the story of the Seattle Supersonics moving to Oklahoma. They hired one of my friends, Jay Beauchamp, to be their ENG photographer, and they asked him if he knew someone who could build postproduction facilities and edit and design control rooms. He recommended me, and they hired me. I never knew I would work in sports production, but now, 17 years later, I love every minute of it and have some of the most amazing experiences, building control rooms and TV trucks and editing show opens that air to millions of people.
What one piece of advice do you have for someone just starting their career in this industry?
Learn everything. Learn to do it all. The more you can learn about every aspect of production, the better you'll be as your career grows. It also helps you understand your team and makes you better at your job. I've done video shading, engineering, camera, TD, graphics, replay, editing, all of it. So when there is an issue, I know the pathway to solutions and can help. I also know what helps each person do their job better so I can be a step ahead to set them up for success.
To read more of the SVG All-Stars series, CLICK HERE.
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SVG All-Stars: Rob Hedrick, Senior Director, Production, NHRA The former Oklahoma storm chaser is innovating sports television in ways he never dreamed By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital 
