SVG All-Stars: Vanessa Lindsey, Senior Director, Technical and Remote Operations and Crewing, TNT SportsThe vet plays a key role in staffing and gearing up some of the biggest productions in TVBy Brandon Costa, Director of Digital Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - 10:08 am
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As the pace of change in sports production shows no signs of slowing, a new class of innovators and decision-makers is shaping the industry's future. Now in its second season, our SVG All-Stars series spotlights the rising leaders driving that transformation, offering a look at their career paths, leadership philosophies, creative and technological contributions, and vision for what comes next. Each conversation introduces you to the people redefining the workflows, culture, and possibilities of live sports production.
Over the past two decades, TNT Sports has been at the epicenter of some of the biggest sports events in the country. As TNT Sports senior director, technical and remote operations and crewing, Vanessa Lindsey has been a driving force behind some of those complex and high-profile live sports productions.
Lindsey oversees every logistical and technical element of coverage for such properties as the NBA, NHL, and college football and basketball, managing everything from crew assignments and technical planning to budgets and postseason contingency planning.
Since joining the company in 2005, she has built a reputation as a steady, trusted leader who thrives under pressure and rolls up her sleeves to work side by side with her team. Her path from production runner on Inside the NBA to one of TNT Sports' top operations executives is a testament to hard work, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit that continues to define her career.
In this edition of SVG All-Stars, Lindsey reflects on the evolution of live-sports-television operations, the growing role of REMI workflows, and the leadership lessons she has learned along the way.
Lindsey tests a sideline microphone before an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles last season. (Photos: TNT Sports)
What are the key responsibilities of your current role?
I am responsible for overseeing remote and technical operations as well as crew management. My role includes budget management of all below-the-line items, crew strategic planning/scheduling, and logistical execution. I also lead the execution scenario planning for crewing/logistics during our postseasons, ensuring that we are prepared technically for any possible outcome of the games each night. Our success depends on our technicians' expertise; I would be remiss if I didn't mention that a key part of my job is maintaining strong relationships with them. This industry presents challenging hours and commitment, and I am lucky to be surrounded by a strong team in the office and in the field to make our productions a success.
What is one key industry trend that you believe is having a major impact on your organization right now?
REMI productions are having an impact on my department. Each production presents unique challenges depending on the location of talent/production/equipment, making the planning process more complex. We are privileged to have a strong engineering team that is guiding us and is a daily resource as we embrace this change.
Lindsey at the 2013 NBA Eastern Conference Finals in Indianapolis, learning the tricks of the trade from one of Turner Sports' handheld-camera operators
What is one core philosophy you try to live by when managing your team/operation?
My leadership philosophy is to lead by example. I strive daily to demonstrate the same commitment, sacrifice, and work ethic I ask of others. I never ask my team to take on tasks that I wouldn't do myself. I hope they would agree with me! This approach builds trust and a strong sense of shared purpose within the team.
What is your favorite event(s) you've ever worked?
Ryder Cup in Wales for PGA.com and Inside the NBA from Saturday Night Live. Both events were new productions and unique to plan and execute. Ryder Cup was my first international event, and I enjoyed the opportunities to stretch my skills and apply them for success in the UK. Inside the NBA on SNL was the perfect combination of two iconic shows in entertainment and sports. To have the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented team was a memorable and rewarding experience.
Lindsey with industry colleagues Riedel Communications' Julia Rodgers (center) and Program Productions' Ali Treon at a Sports Video Group event
How did you get started in sports production? What was your first job in the business?
My first job at Turner Sports was as a runner for Inside the NBA. At the time, I was working as a production coordinator at Turner Studios, where Inside was produced. I connected with a sports production coordinator, who asked if I would be interested in the after-hours opportunity. Taking on this second job opened a door for me that eventually led to a full-time position supporting production management on our remote events. One of the most rewarding parts of that experience was being able to help jump-start another person's career by hiring them for that position, just as had been done for mine.
What's one piece of advice you have for someone just starting their career in this industry?
Stay curious, learn from everyone; each position in production plays an important role. Be open to new opportunities, say yes to projects others might decline. Sometimes, those moments become the ones that set you apart from others.
To read more of the SVG All-Stars series, CLICK HERE.
