Computer Graphics & Sports Broadcasting

Video Transcript

"I'm Jamal Spencer for Expert Village here at ABC 3, here in Lansing and we're going to talk about how to be a successful sports broadcaster. This clip is about CG's. CG stands for computer graphic, which is basically the little thing that pops up at the bottom of the screen during and interview that tells you a person's name. CG's are very important because it is critical to your story to get that person's name spelled correctly on TV. If you do a great story about a person and then you spell their name wrong, it's like a spit in the face. So you want to ask them before you start your interview, "What's your name and your title and spell your name for us." So then you write down the name so you get it perfectly right on television. You also want to make sure that your CG pops up at the right time. You don't want a CG for Mike Smith popping up while you're talking to Jack Black. That's obviously wrong. So, you want to make sure the name is spelled correctly and the CG pops up at the right time. It makes your broadcast look a lot more professional. It makes it look like everything is running smooth and that your on your game. Now if you're working at a place that doesn't have a CG, you know, it's not possible to have a computer graphic, introduce that person before the interview goes. You know, say, " This is Steve Smith, talking about his former playing days." Then the audience will know who this guy is and why he is important. So, if you don't have a computer graphic, make sure that you introduce the person beforehand. But if you do have a computer graphic, make sure the name is spelled appropriately, it pops up at the correct time, make sure it's in the right place. You don't want a CG popping up in the corner if it doesn't need to be or scrolling through the screen or something crazy. You want to make sure it's nice and neat and makes everything look professional and makes your newscast run very smooth."