The Reality of Live Remote Production - When it Works (and When it Doesn't)

Before the pandemic, there were very few examples of large-scale remote production. Early experiments were met with awe and wonder at the technology that was making it possible. There might be a few seconds of delay in comms, but that was a small price to pay for the convenience and sustainability benefits of not having to send large numbers of crew and OB trucks to the event. The pandemic opened the floodgates for remote production, with even top-tier sports getting remotely produced, with no noticeable drop in the quality of the coverage. However, there are still some sports (golf, for example) that have been slower to embrace remote production and are increasingly concerned that sports coverage isn’t quite the same when commentators, directors, producers, and even on-screen talent aren’t actually at an event. This panel debates the pros and cons of remote production, and whether there’s any turning back.