03/01/21: Craig Barry dissects this week's documentary The Inside Story

Monday March 1, 2021

This week sees a tribute to a sports institution when TNT launches The Inside Story, a four-part documentary series looking back at the 30+ year history of Inside the NBA. Running across consecutive nights from Thursday through Sunday, the first episode runs immediately following NBA on TNT’s coverage of the Heat/Pelicans matchup. Produced by Turner Sports, each hour-long episode “reveals untold stories that highlight the chemistry between the four personalities – Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal – while also exploring their uncanny ability to continuously entertain and inform viewers,” offering never-before-seen-footage and interviews with celebrities, production crew members and sports reporters.

Cynopsis Sports asked Craig Barry, Executive Vice-President, Chief Content Officer, Turner Sports about the franchise and its impact on the sport, as well as pop culture.

Barry on creating the documentary: Inside the NBA is really a defining franchise for us and that’s one of the driving factors in creating The Inside Story documentary. We set out to celebrate Inside’s 30th anniversary by trying to bring fans closer to the show than ever before. The Inside Story, even though it’s centered on the four personalities associated with the show today (Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal), is also a storytelling platform that looks back on the origins of the show and how it’s evolved into what it has become today. It is a tribute to so many people that have contributed to its success through the years and we hope the documentary is reflective of the journey we’ve all taken together, including our fans.

On breakthrough moments: There have been several, but the first time the show was used as a parody on Saturday Night Live was the defining moment to me. It really signified the show’s relevance and unique ability to hit that intersection of sports and culture. Then in 2018, we had an opportunity to do our show from the SNL studio and it was a surreal moment. A first for any sports show for sure! I’ll never forget that night, standing in the studio at 30 Rock after doing our show and taking it all in.

On goals for the documentary: We really wanted to offer fans a look behind the curtain of the show. Inside the NBA is not the traditional sports studio show. In many ways, it kind of gave other shows permission to not always be perfect. Mistakes are natural in live television and we tend to lean into them and make them part of the show. We’re unscripted, even chaotic at times, but that is actually how the show is designed and formatted. Hopefully we have had the opportunity to entertain our viewers along the way. The Inside Story reflects on some of the most defining moments from the show, while sharing many of the stories behind them.

On the crew: First, I’d like to really credit Audrey Martin, who was instrumental in the making of The Inside Story documentary. She and the core team working on this project have spent countless hours sifting through 30 years of video and interviewing Ernie, Charles, Kenny and Shaq, current and former employees, celebrity fans of the show, members of the media, and many others. For me, personally, I’ve been with Turner Sports 31 years and I have so many fond memories from this show. What really stood out to me, though, was how truly passionate and authentic the cast and crew are night in and night out. The show is just so effortlessly honest. There is this universal feeling of joy that Inside the NBA has brought to so many people and that’s a great sense of pride to me and all of those who have worked on the show.

On chemistry: Chemistry can’t be created and it can’t be duplicated, but we’re so fortunate to have found it with EJ, Kenny, Charles and Shaq. It started with Ernie, with his professionalism and dry humor, the consummate student of the game. Kenny added his high basketball IQ and charisma. Charles entered and gasoline was thrown on the fire. Then Shaq joined and he’s added an entire new dynamic to the show. The arrival of each talent opened new doors for the show and it was imperative that we adjust to them, not for them to adjust to the show. What we’ve tried to do more than anything is to let everything evolve and mature over time so the show’s personality is reflective of all who touch it. That’s The Inside Story.

PROGRAMMING

Twitch landed a multi-year global rights deal with the International Basketball Federation that will tip off this spring with FIBA streaming sports content in addition to working with Twitch, to create content designed to maximize the utilities of the platform. FIBA will showcase around 600 hours of live basketball games each year on its own Twitch channel while fans will be able to produce FIBA-related content on their own Twitch channels. Live games will include all FIBA 3×3 competitions, the EuroLeague Women and selected youth tournaments. Additionally, highlights and delayed coverage of FIBA’s national team and other club competitions and youth tournaments will be packaged and distributed.

The International Cricket Council locked in a live streaming deal with IMG that will showcase 541 pathway matches across three ICC World Cups via live streaming globally for the first time. The deal runs through April 2023, and includes all qualifying matches to three ICC World Cups: the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 and the Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

The NFL denied a SBJ report that the league locked in a media rights deal with Walt Disney Co’s channels ESPN and ABC. The article stated that the deal would renew the fabled Monday Night Football franchise as well as bring ABC back into the mix for the Super Bowl rotation. “The report is incorrect and as we don’t negotiate through the media, there will be no further comment,” the league stated. That said, most pundits expect a deal to be cemented and even announced this week.

Next month, the EBS team is producing the Esports Business Summit University: 2-day virtual conference focused on the business of collegiate esports. We’ll go inside topics such as sponsorships, scholarships, recruitment, funding, and so much more. Hear from the West Coast Conference, CSL Esports, EGF, Learfield IMG, Skillshot Media, WWSEF/NASEF, Mountain West Conference, BoomTV/AVGL, NIRSA, NACE, FACEIT, Nerd Street Gamers, Twitch and a keynote from former NFL Pro Bowler Ahman Green from Lakeland University Esports Program. It’s going to be an incredible learning opportunity and we hope you’ll join us. Ticket prices increase on March 1, so don’t delay – register now!

ESPN Events launched a new event featuring Tuskegee University with the creation of the Red Tails Classic – a college football event showcasing Historically Black Colleges and Universities – in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought in World War II. Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State University will play in the inaugural game at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala., to open the 2021 college football season on Sept. 5, at 7p on ESPNU.

LOOKING TO HIRE A MEDIA PRO?

We offer hiring managers a deep pool of media-savvy, skilled candidates at a range of experience levels & sectors.

The Cynopsis Jobs resource center has brought thousands of job seekers to the site – connect with them today!

LEARN MORE + VIEW JOBS SITE

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

NASCAR revealed a multiyear partnership with DoorDash that will designate the brand as the “Official On-Demand Delivery Platform of NASCAR.” The wide-ranging agreement will span across the sanctioning body and 11 NASCAR-owned facilities. DoorDash will also look to deepen its connection with race fans by bringing the DoorDash experience to NASCAR tracks over the coming years through highlighting local restaurants within racing communities. As part of the relationship, DoorDash will also activate across NASCAR’s rapidly growing social and digital platforms. Additionally, eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series broadcasts will integrate DoorDash branding throughout the remainder of its season. “DoorDash is a category leader and one of the fastest growing brands in the country, their expanded presence in NASCAR underscores the incredible momentum being generated around this historic season,” said Frank Kelleher, senior vice president and chief sales officer, NASCAR. “Together, NASCAR and DoorDash are committed to giving back to the communities in which we race while drastically improving the fan experience at our facilities.”

WHOOP, the human performance company, and the LPGA Tour announced a partnership to supply all players, caddies, and staff across the LPGA Tour, Symetra Tour, and Ladies European Tour with WHOOP Strap 3.0. WHOOP becomes the Official Fitness Wearable of the LPGA Tour as well as the Official Fitness Wearable of the PGA TOUR. WHOOP will also increase on-site presence at tournaments throughout the season to assist players and members with real-time data coaching and analysis of personalized insights.

The Vegas Golden Knights quickly pulled the plug on a newly-announced partnership with UpickTrade, a company that sells sports betting picks, including those for NHL games. The deal was first announced on Wednesday that UpickTrade would become the Official Picks Service Partner of the Knights but was quickly met with criticism from the sports betting community over concerns that UpickTrade would sell picks on Knights games or gain unfair access to injury or lineup information directly from the team.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

Just ahead of baseball season, YouTube TV added MLB.TV to its Live TV lineup where YouTube TV subscribers can choose the MLB.TV add-on to get live streaming access to all regular season out-of-market games. Subscribers can stream every game, with the exception of ESPN, FOX, and MLB Network telecasts. All spring training games will also be available with the package.

ESPORTS

North American esports squad XSET is plugging in with Quality Control Media Holdings, which oversees hip-hop label Quality Control Music, Quality Films, and QC Sports. The alliance will see both companies partner for content creation, music production, merchandise collaborations, talent recruitment and management, in addition to licensing deals with gaming publishers. QG Media Holdings also becomes an investor into XSET.

Multiple reports now state that E3 will go purely digital for this year’s June event, with physical plans now again canceled due to the pandemic. The reports, first broken by VGC, state that Entertainment Software Association is now exploring alternatives with a production team and the LA Convention, including broadcast options that will run from the Los Angeles Convention Center and LA Live complex.

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors unanimously approved the sale of the Atlanta Dream to Larry Gottesdiener, Chairman of Northland, a national real estate firm. The three-member investor group is comprised of former Dream star Renee Montgomery, Northland President and Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Abair, and Gottesdiener. “With the unanimous WNBA and NBA votes, today marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream organization and we are very pleased to welcome Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair to the WNBA,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I admire their passion for women’s basketball, but more importantly, have been impressed with their values. I am also thrilled that former WNBA star Renee Montgomery will be joining the ownership group as an investor and executive for the team. Renee is a trailblazer who has made a major impact both in the game and beyond.”

Major League Soccer announced that Ron Burkle pulled out from plans to back an expansion team in Sacramento that was set to join the league in 2023. The league said in a statement Friday night that Burkle’s decision was “based on issues with the project related to COVID-19.” “After working for many years to bring an MLS team to Sacramento, the league continues to believe it can be a great MLS market,” MLS said in a statement. “In the coming days, the league will work with Mayor Darrell Steinberg to evaluate possible next steps for MLS in Sacramento.”

National Women’s Soccer League Commissioner Lisa Baird is joining the U.S. Soccer Federation’s board of directors. USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone announced the appointment on Friday, with Baird replacing Steve Malik, the owner of the NWSL’s North Carolina Courage and USL League One side North Carolina FC.

For entry level candidates, which college majors do you look for?

Please take a minute to answer Cynopsis’ 3-question community poll for February
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Q6BZWK

On this Day
1983: Tamara McKinney becomes the first American woman skier to win the overall World Cup championship.

IN THE KNOW
In 2002, Charles Barkley told Kenny Smith on Inside the NBA that he would kiss his a$$ if a certain Rockets rookie scored 19 points in a game. The next week, that player accomplished that feat. Who was he? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Who holds the record for most consecutive games played in MLB history? Answer: Cal Ripken Jr. Kudos: Aymon DeMauro-ADM Media & Marketing/NY; Lori Paterson-Spectrum Reach/NY; Cindy O’Connor-CoxReps/NY; John Lappas-Home Team Sports/NY; Mike Seidel-CSI Sports/Jersey City; Carolyn Mailloux-Watauga Group/Charleston; Christian Matthews-Washington Football Team/DC; Mark Lehman-Braves/Atlanta; Lisa Fikeys-NissanUnited/Chicago; Bill Robertson-WCHA/Bloomington; Tom Doherty-T-Mobile Marketing Solutions/Chicago; Travis Wacker – ESPN Chicago, Good Karma Brands/Chicago; Jack Neumann-University of Calgary Dinos 5th Quarter Alumni Development/Calgary; David Hauptman/Denver; Greg Moloznik-GLM Media/Scottsdale; Andy Babb-Super League Gaming/Santa Monica; Larry Hutchings/San Luis Obispo; Jim Himmel-TCB Media/San Clemente; Dave Sikula-San Francisco State University/San Francisco

Cynopsis Team

Chris Pursell
@VegasandVine

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Roberta Caploe
Publisher
@robertacaploe

Cynopsis Ad Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
John Cox

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »

Job of the day

DIGITAL CONTENT PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR >>
FILMRISE/BROOKLYN NY: Manage clients for various emerging OTT verticals including but not limited to US Hispanic and Latin American/Brazilian platforms. Coordinate delivery of new content and looking for new ways to optimize revenue. Experience working in international digital content programming/ sales; familiarity with various platforms and Spanish language fluency required. Full info HERE (3/14)

SALES ASSISTANT – NATIONAL >>
UPtv/NYC, NY: Provide full support to all accounts for the Ad Sales team, assist Account Executives, Sales Planner and Pricing Inventory in managing day-to-day Ad sales responsibilities. Communicate daily with Traffic Department, and create and maintain quarterly flighting grid. B.A. in Communication or equivalent from a four-year college; prior experience a plus. Full info HERE (3/10)

INTEGRATED MARKETING MANAGER >>
REVOLT TV/LOS ANGELES: Managing branded content projects, ensuring the flawless execution of sold concepts through to delivery across media platforms. Tracks projects through all phases; from requests through approvals and distribution. 3+ years in creative/digital project manager role at a related production house/agency. Full info HERE (3/12)

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SCRIPTED SALES & CO-PRODUCTIONS >>
BBC AMERICA/LOS ANGELES CA: Managing sales and co-production activity with designated clients across both television and digital. Keep in constant contact with all key US buyers pitching upcoming programmes –for both TV and SVOD sales. 7+ years of experience at executive level within programming and/or distribution. In-depth understanding of the UK television industry, in particular the BBC. Full info HERE (3/11)

LIMITED EXCEL SKILLS IMPACTING EFFICIENCY? >>
MY SOFTWARE TUTOR: offers company-centric, customizable, practical Excel training led by a live instructor. We deliver functional business skills to you and your team in a safe, supportive environment. Use promo code: CYNOPSIS20 to unlock a 20% savings on each registration. Full info HERE. (3/10)

COUNSEL, BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS >>
MLB NETWORK/SECAUSUS, NJ: Strong knowledge and understanding of legal and business issues related to media, strong negotiation and drafting skills and a solid understanding of business issues. Draft and/or negotiate a wide variety of agreements and contract summary/tracking/management. A minimum of two years of legal experience in a media and/or entertainment transactional environment either in-house or with a law firm is required. Full info HERE (3/7)

VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER >>
NEXSTAR INC., KRON4-MYNETWORK/SAN FRANCISCO: Leading broadcast operational teams with sales-driven organizations, developing locally originated content, and commitment to community service. Track record of high performance in developing revenue across multiple platforms. Minimum of five years of general management experience at a commercial broadcast television station with accompanying digital assets required. Full info HERE (3/7)

COMMUNITY MANAGER >>
JUKIN MEDIA/LOS ANGELES: Set overall community strategy as it relates to supporting brand initiatives, structure implementation of community-facing strategy across FailArmy, communicate on behalf of the brand across multiple channels. Min 3 yrs experience in brand communications, strong expertise in and a passion for current and emerging social and OTT platforms. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING >>
JUKIN MEDIA/LOS ANGELES: Responsible for overseeing, guiding and elevating all programming for each of the Streaming TV channels, Works with VP Streaming to establish long-term creative programming strategy to achieve business unit KPIs. Plan and budget to help develop, help commission, and acquire programming for Jukin streaming channels. 7+ years in creative production for digital/streaming/television required. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIGITAL MANAGING DIRECTOR >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS/NYC: Lead the talented and resourceful journalists, manage digital teams in multiple locations and editorial content; encourage innovation and unique story telling techniques. Impeccable integrity and ability to support our writers and editors in making tough journalistic calls in fast-moving news cycles. Full info HERE (3/6)

SENIOR MANAGER, NEWS & CONTENT >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS/NYC: Actively and consistently support all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience, ability to oversee production of Live Newscasts. Drive integration and collaboration with other managers to achieve station goals. Work closely with other managers to determine daily scope of coverage. Full info HERE (3/6)

MANAGER, PROGRAM & CONTENT STRATEGY >>
CNN/NYC OR REMOTE: Creates schedules/rollout plans for series/films, live news, and special events on CNN & HLN. Manages inventory and evaluates performance to optimize usage. TV Programming exp, 5+ yrs. Can project manage/multi-task. Must know current events. Full info/apply HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR OF PRIME TIME TELEVISION >>
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY/ HOLLYWOOD: Responsible for building out relationships with writers, directors, agents, managers, and talent in the prime-time arena, identifying new projects and talent in both comedy and drama for live-action and animation, and will oversee development of series to pitch A background in prime time television required and demonstrated knowledge of television development and production processes a must. Full info HERE (3/6)

VP of GAMING and ESPORTS >>
GRAVITY ROAD/NYC: Gravity Road is a creative company bringing together marketing, entertainment, and technology to create things people want to spend time with. We are looking for someone that is a commercially minded gamer, a strategic thinker and a proactive doer to join as our VP Gaming and Esports. Full info HERE (3/6)

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Directs, co-develops/delivers locally prod programs and PSA for nat and inter’l audiences. Also oversees prod crew that produces regular, special and live shows related to various political, historical and other appropriate topics. Min 3 yrs exp in directing Live television news, studio-based programming or similarly related professional media productions. Full info HERE (3/6)

VIDEO ENGINEER & ROBOTIC CAMERA OPERATOR >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Exp in configuring and setting up all broadcast studio cameras both manned and robotic for daily use. Maintains network-level camera blocking and composition. Monitors/adjusts video signals including cameras, monitors, playback sources, color correction equip/incoming feeds. Min 4 yrs exp. Full info HERE (3/6)

FEEDS MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Resp for managing tech/logistical traffic supporting live news shows. Full knwldge of video and tech workflow throughout all locations. Provide tech guidance to help create better video workflows. Ensure all broadcast feeds are meeting specific tech quality standards. Min 3 yrs tech managing, or equivalent knwldge. 5 yrs in live TV prod. Full info HERE (3/6)

GFX Op >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Must be able to set up and play out all graphic elements which are included in pre-recorded or live programming. Mnge graphic content as it corresponds to live and pre-recorded programs. Satisfy all production req for live and pre-recorded programming under the supervision of the show’s director and technical operations mngmt. Min 3 yrs of exp in graphic and character generation, plus 1yr exp with Ross Xpression. Full info HERE (3/6)

AUDIO TECHNICIAN >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Operate/executes audio mixing/creation for live and taped broadcasts, in the context of orig produced programs and PSAs. Collaborate with News depart and prod crew that produce regular, special and live shows. Generate timely and pertinent broadcast material. Min 2 yrs exp in graphic and character gen in television news, creative services, studio-based prog or related profession. Full info HERE (3/6)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for designing and building shows, managing show hosts and production team, identifying and integrating guests, overseeing and executing the production of key video & graphic elements. 3+ yrs EP exp or political news & talk programming. Full info HERE (3/6)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Write for fast paced news and opinion show. You are an exceptional storyteller with a command of political news and cultural trends. At least 3 years of national or large market local news experience. Full info HERE (3/6)

SENIOR LINE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for the production and execution of live political news programming, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs experience line producing. Full info HERE (3/6)

PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA/NY, NY: Responsible for the production of live news & talk show, and recorded video segments for television, and digital platforms. 3+ yrs in TV news and/or talk production. Full info HERE (3/6)

GENERAL SALES MANAGER >>
NEXSTAR/WPIX-TV/NYC: Proven performance record of revenue and share growth, new business development and innovative solution-based selling. Non-traditional revenue development along with best-in-class client services and unparalleled client relationships a must. Minimum of five years of sales management experience at a commercial broadcast television station with accompanying digital assets required. Full info HERE (3/5)

OTT PLATFORMS EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT >>
CASTIFY/REMOTE: Castify.ai, a global leader in CTV content distribution, allows video content owners to publish & monetize their content as a native app or channel, across multiple CTV and OTT platforms, is looking for a well-connected media consultant who can liaise with OTT and CTV distribution partners. The consultant will have the primary responsibility to extend the reach and lead the relationships with our OTT and CTV partners. Full info HERE (3/5)

SENIOR DIRECTOR, CONTENT ACQUISITIONS >>
FILMRISE/NYC or LA: Develop licensing and distribution partnership opportunities; Oversee company’s existing servicing partnerships business and identify new prospective partners. Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in an acquisitions, sales, or business development role at a film or television company. Candidate should have existing network of content relationships across the industry. Full info HERE (3/5)

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS >>
FILMRISE/NYC: Support our IT team and manage our digital assets. We are looking for someone extremely detail-oriented with strong organizational skills. Previous experience with digital asset coordination is preferred, working knowledge of Premiere Pro required. Full info HERE (3/4)

VP ORIGINAL SERIES DTC >>
discovery+/LA: This D+ Original Content role will serve as a key member of the DTC Content Team, driving original content strategy and execution for discovery+. Must have at least 2 years streaming experience, excellent analytical skills, strong creative judgement, and be a great collaborator. Full info HERE (3/4)

LINE PRODUCER >>
JV PRODUCTIONS/REMOTE: Experienced PM or Line Producer needed to help command the production process for a new unscripted Reno & Build Series. You’ll manage logistics, balance vision with time & money, and strategize with others to ensure an efficient, fun, safe and high-quality production. Full info HERE (3/3)

SENIOR COUNSEL >>
FILMRISE/NYC or LA: Looking for New York or California bar member for drafting and negotiating content acquisition and distribution agreements, television contracts, releases, agreements with streaming platforms, software licenses, vendor agreements and NDAs. Must possess solid understanding of digital streaming platforms and contracts, and substantive knowledge of contract law principles. Full info HERE (3/3)

COORDINATOR, SOCIAL MEDIA >>
MEDIA CROWN FAMILY NETWORKS/STUDIO CITY CA: Will support Social Marketing initiatives through creating and gathering compelling content, assets, and graphics for all segments and platforms of our Social Media presence. Responsible for writing post/tweet copy to go with created assets, scheduling content, and making sure all assets are up to date. Liaise with other internal departments and agencies on all trafficking of assets, media buys, and fulfillment of giveaways. 1-2 years of experience in entertainment. Full info HERE (3/3)

MANAGER, LOCAL SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/INDIANAPOLIS: Development of new business and achievement of revenue goals. Makes decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion, and termination of account executives and sales assistants. 3-5 years of television sales management experience is preferred. 5+ years television sales experience mandatory. Full info HERE (3/2)

DIRECTOR OF BRAND PARTNERSHIPS >>
TEAM WHISTLE/NYC/REMOTE: Win Revenue– prospect, connect with, and secure partnership from agency-led and client-direct branded partners. Educate the media market on the Team Whistle product line and generate revenue via selling video, branded content, and white-label solutions. Experience selling branded content, familiarity within the larger sports/entertainment media landscape, and 5+ years partnering with ad agencies and clients directly required. Full info HERE (3/2)

NEWS DIRECTOR >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP – KTLA/LOS ANGELES: Manages all aspects of the News Department (other than Production), plans and manages staffing, training, and performance evaluations for the News Department. Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience required. Full info HERE (3/2)

@{optoutfooterhtml}@