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Camera assistant
"I was a total newbie to using a TV camera when I joined the academy, but my photography background helped me pick up the basics quickly.
During my first game with the Reading Rockets, I got to shadow the crew learning what they all did and I even got a chance to operate the 'Fan Cam' camera during the second half.
The best part of the day for me was that I had the freedom to learn at my own pace, without any pressure! I also got to listen to the game director speaking to his crew over the talkback system.
It was an awesome and exciting day."
- Trainee camera assistant
Camera operator
"Filming basketball has been so much fun. I've been able to work alongside a great team and it's been amazing to see how everyone works together.
When you're live streaming a game, it's 'mission critical' as the director says- everyone's has to remain so focused throughout the game knowing that at any time the director may cut to their shot.
Everyone's working together to make sure the stream the best it can be. It's intense, but it's exciting at the same time knowing that every frame, every shot we capture counts.
Being part of the stream team this season has been awesome."
- Camera operator
Graphic design
"As a TV media student, my course focused more on the theory behind live production. We had a studio at the University which we used mainly to record chat shows in.
My first experience of a live sports stream was with the TV academy.
I am more into my graphic design than using a camera so I was able to help with the graphic presentation during the stream, creating a design for the team rosters the game timer and the score bug.
This opportunity gave me my first experience of what it would be like to work in a live sports environment, and it's an experience I'll never forget."
- Trainee graphics operator
Replay operator
"Using free replay software at home was one thing, but nothing beats the real deal. Without live camera feeds, it's hard to grasp how the system works in practice. As a trainee replay operator at the TV academy, I got to work with actual live feeds during a game, and it was a game-changer.
When the action unfolds, and you've got to find the perfect angle to match the commentators' play-by-play, it's exhilarating.
Being part of the team that brings the game to life for thousands of viewers is an incredible feeling. The TV academy's hands-on training helped me build my skills and keyboard muscle memory, giving me the confidence to take on the industry.
It was an invaluable experience that prepared me for the fast-paced world of live sports production."
- Trainee replay operator