09/27/21: Ross Greenburg breaks down the art of storytelling

Monday September 27, 2021

Ross Greenburg has won more major awards for sports production than anyone in the business. In addition to Directing and Producing Bob Costas’ current project for HBO “Back on The Record,” the 56-time Emmy Award winner just directed and produced Extra Innings from 9/11: 20 Years Later – a feature-length documentary that retold the story of how baseball helped aid both New York and the nation’s recovery in the weeks and months following the horrific attacks for HBO Max, and is working on a feature film with Netflix on the 1999 Women’s World Cup Team. As we have seen with these projects, as well as Ken Burns’ documentary on Muhammad Ali, the breath of storytelling and retelling a story on any platform remains a high artform, so we asked Ross to explain how he has adapted storytelling with so many places to do so, and audiences to reach both again, and in many cases, for the first time.

Greenburg on the biggest challenge to storytelling: We have to search for the stories that transcend the world of sports. Those stories have to have a heartbeat, and draw out the emotions of the viewer. The audience should not necessarily be narrowed down to a specific demographic. The challenge is to find tales that tap into the collective human spirit. I have always used the phrase, “make them laugh, make them cry, make them think,” and I think you saw that in the 9/11 documentary we just completed with Sandy Montag and Joe Lavine.

On the new opportunities for streaming and growing the creative process: Streaming has broadened and introduced different programming formats. Producers can now develop episodic documentaries, scripted series, films, and mini-series, for a variety of broadcasters and streaming services. The story ideas can now be adapted to these various formats. And most importantly, streaming has added to the potential list of buyers. There are so many new personalities being brought to the forefront, from Formula 1 to women’s sports, which I am a huge champion of, that would never have seen the light of day even five years ago.

On the worry of consumer overload: There will never be too many programs for a thirsty, world-wide audience, and the audience, especially when talking to a company like Netflix, is global. The challenge will be to create content that breaks through the clutter, and gets the “word of mouth” attention we all crave as content creators. You have to have an “if you build it, they will come” attitude. If you believe in your idea, and produce a quality product, they will watch. We can never inspire the consumer enough, it’s what they crave, what distributors crave and in many cases what brands want to attach themselves to.

On balancing the workload: We have had, or will have soon, projects going for everyone from HBO and Netflix and NBC to ESPN, CBS and Showtime as well as with many leagues and properties, which would have been unheard of in the past. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many people in this wonderful industry for over forty years. Those people are working at many of those companies. I have also been able to work with some of the most dedicated and skilled producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors and composers in this business. It began at HBO, and we built something pretty special there. It is a thrill to be working with that company again. But I am also very thankful to be working with my many new friends at all of these other companies.

On the relaunch of Costas on HBO: The difference in doing a show with a traditional format that we have is Bob Costas. I don’t think there is another broadcaster in our business with his range, mind and communicative skills. This show format appeals to all of his strengths, and gives him the opportunity to “speak his mind.” When you have Tom Brady, Michael Jordan or Derek Jeter on your team you find a place for them to play. Nina Rosenstein and Jon Crystal have put together a great team behind the camera, with many of Bob’s long time comrades in arms like Bruce Cornblatt and Aaron Cohen, Howard Bryant, Scott Carter and Bomani Jones . It feels like a reunion tour, and Mick Jagger can still perform.

PROGRAMMING

The NFL revealed that Super Wild Card Weekend (running January 15-17, 2022) will now conclude with a game on Monday night. The NFL expanded the playoffs last season for the first time since 1990, adding a third Wild Card team in each conference and in the process creating “Super Wild Card Weekend” – three Wild Card games on Saturday and three games on Sunday. With the addition of a Monday night game to the 2021 playoffs, Super Wild Card Weekend will now have two Wild Card games on Saturday (4:35p and 8:15p), three on Sunday (1:05p, 4:40p, and 8:15p), and one on Monday (8:15p). For the 2021 season, CBS and NBC will both broadcast two Super Wild Card Weekend games while FOX and ESPN/ABC will each have one. The broadcaster for the Monday night game of Super Wild Card Weekend is yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, Thursday Night Football last week, featuring the Carolina Panthers’ 24-9 win over the Houston Texans, drew an average of 7.9 million viewers (TV + Digital) – slightly surpassing last week’s New York Giants vs. Washington Football Team game to make it NFL Network’s most-watched exclusive Thursday Night Football game since 2018. That number is up 35% versus last year’s Week 3 Thursday Night Football matchup between the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars and up 25% vs. the 2020 NFL Network exclusive Thursday Night Football three-game average.

In other Nielsen numbers, FOX Sports saw Notre Dame/Wisconsin notch a 3.5/12 overnight rating, to rank as the top-rated event of the data, according to the company. Top markets included Milwaukee with a 14.0/40, followed by Columbus, Indianapolis, Detroit and Cincinnati.

FOX Sports also announced that Big Noon Kickoff’s road trip will continue with stops in Iowa City for Penn State/Iowa on Oct. 9. The game will kickoff at 4p that day on FOX. Next week will see the crew in Madison for Michigan/Wisconsin.

What do the Dallas Cowboys know about the metaverse and esports that you don’t? Where are sports brands heading to talk, discuss and learn about the powerful cross-section of pop culture, gaming, music, influencers, fashion and esports? Esports Business Summit! Running Oct. 18-20 at Caesars in Las Vegas, don’t miss the industry’s biggest meeting of the minds, with sports brands that include sports team owners, executives and players from the NFL, MLS, NHL, MLB, NBA, and Formula 1 along with universities, collegiate conferences and more! (And those are just the sports representatives!) Don’t miss the boat and play with us by getting your tickets today. Click here.

A little appreciation can go a long way…

Show your team how much you notice their hard work by nominating them for the
2021-2022 Rising Star Awards.

Tell us about your stand-out performers, innovators and emerging leaders
— 35 years or younger – who are moving your business forward.
Or if you’re that person, nominate yourself!

Save $150 before October 29th.
**

Get started today!**

SPONSORSHIP & PROMOTION

The Washington Capitals and Caesars Entertainment announced a multi-year partnership agreement that places the Caesars Sportsbook logo on Capitals home and third jerseys worn for games played at Capital One Arena beginning with the 2022-23 NHL season. The deal marks the first team announced agreement in the NHL’s Jersey Advertising Program and will see Caesars Sportsbook represented via a 3 x 3.5 inch patch positioned on the upper right chest area of the jersey. In addition to the home jersey patch, Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Caesars Sportsbook expand their partnership with additional Casino, Gaming and Caesars Rewards programming elements. The agreement also includes the entitlement of a Caesars hospitality space and VIP seating at Capital One Arena.

Meanwhile, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. unveiled a marketing partnership with Benjamin Moore, naming the paint, color and coatings brand as the Official Paint Partner of the New York Rangers. As part of the partnership, Benjamin Moore becomes the Rangers in-game helmet sponsor beginning with the 2021-22 NHL Season and will have an in-ice logo position during all Rangers games at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, four colors representing the Rangers palette will be added to the Benjamin Moore Sports Collection.

DIGITAL, DATA & TECH

Today sees Bleacher Report debut its new hockey vertical – B/R Open Ice – with a focus on reaching the “next generation of hockey fans through relatable and authentic, live, access-driven and creator-led content that indexes towards the personalities of the players as much as the game itself.” Andrew ‘Nasher’ Telfer anchors the brand’s content strategy and stars in a slate of interactive mid and long-form content offerings for NHL rights across Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and the B/R app.

ESPORTS

Fnatic landed a three-year deal with online fashion and cosmetic retailer ASOS, which will now serve as the org’s Official Retail Fashion Partner. Deal points will include on-and-offline activations, along with ASOS logo placement on the front of Fnatic jerseys. The deal marks the first esports brand partnership for ASOS.

Intema Solutions completed the acquisition of Team Bloodhounds. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to finalize the acquisition of Team BH,” said Laurent Benezra, President and CEO of Intema. “Matteo built Team BH from the ground up, and in just three years, transformed it into a global juggernaut and Canada’s second most followed Fortnite esports team. Team BH has an engaged audience yet has barely scratched the surface as far as impact, influence, and reach in the esports space. We envision Team BH as a game-changing member of our growing esports ecosystem and are ready to help them take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY & ROSTER MOVES

IMG and FIFA locked in a deal to market worldwide media rights for the African Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As part of the agreement, IMG has been awarded by FIFA a total of 130 matches featuring 40 countries from across the African continent. These matches include 120 Round 2 matches and 10 home and away Play-Off games that will see five African teams qualify for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which takes place from 21 November-18 December 2022.

The Game Day expanded its executive team. The new team consists of Charlie Emerson, Chief Commercial Officer; Rachel Vella, Vice President of Finance; Adam Hirsch, VP of Talent and Partnerships, and Evan Sporer, VP of Social Programming.

**NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES**

Cynopsis 2021-2022 Best of the Best Awards
and Rising Star Nominations

Best of the Best Category List

Rising Star Information

Early birds save $150 before October 29th.

<<GET STARTED TODAY>>

ON THIS DAY in
1998: ESPN debuts Sportvision’s “1st & Ten” line.

IN THE KNOW
Name one of the three members of the Raiders who has won the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award. (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).

Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
Charles Barkley declared that he was not a role model in a commercial for what brand? Answer: Nike. Kudos: Jeff Matteuzzi-OCD Media/NY; John Lappas-Home Team Sports/Playfly/NY; Chris Long-DraftKings/NY; Keith Marder-Brown Harris Stevens Real Estate/NY; Matt Sautter-WideOrbit/Harrisburg; Synda Kollman-Charter Marketing Group/Boca Raton; Roger Furman-Sports Marketing Communications/Greentown; Louis Lewow-FITE/Atlanta; Chris Martinez-Marquee Sports Network/Chicago; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Andy Babb-Super League Gaming/Santa Monica; David Westberg-SAG•AFTRA Credit Union/Burbank

Cynopsis Team

Chris Pursell
@VegasandVine

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Roberta Caploe
Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
John Cox

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »

Job of the day

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/WASHINGTON DC OR CHICAGO: Support development of corporate & series content. Collaborate to ensure Program goals, marketing plans & messaging platforms are incorporated into Campaign Production assets. Aid in script writing, with a focus on storytelling – elevating & supporting brand initiatives. 5 yrs of Production, Creative, Marketing and/or Advertising agency experience. Full info HERE (10/11)

PRODUCER >>
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS/WASHINGTON DC OR CHICAGO: Conceptualize & produce video content to effectively reach & communicate with target audience, with a focus on Leadership Team and Program deliverables. Ensure Program goals, marketing plans and messaging platforms are incorporated into Campaign Production assets. 10 yrs of Production, Creative, Marketing and or Advertising agency experience. Full info HERE (10/11)

RESEARCH ANALYST >>
GAC MEDIA/NYC, NY: Track Nielsen data day-by-day in both broadcast & cable television. Ability to project ratings in line with the strategic focus and direction established of the advertising sales team. Understand programming with an emphasis on the various streams of data, including Live, Live + Same Day and Live +3. 2-4 years of experience working in Research req. Full info HERE (10/8)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
FRED ROGERS PRODUCTIONS
PITTSBURGH, PA
Create organizational, tracking, and filing systems for all series material. Create processes for and oversee upload and archive of all production material & related metadata to digital asset management system. Create & manage schedules for delivery and review of scripts and production elements. 3 years of production experience in related required. Full info HERE (10/7)

CONTENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, PRODUCTION FACILITY & CONTENT MANAGEMENT
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD
Workflow Management; including tracking and finalizing all orders for linear content within the Media Asset Management system, while making adjustments as deadlines change and new work is introduced. Placing requests in context, and resolving discrepancies in order to maximize efficiencies. 3 years of prior experience working in related field. Full info HERE (10/7)

DIGITAL CONTENT SCHEDULING SPECIALIST
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD
Primary operational point of contact for all departments as it pertains to STB VOD, App and OTT initiatives. Process monthly VOD, OTT, and App schedules/schedule changes. Manages metadata entry of digital content, ads and promotions to be pitched to TV One and CLEO TV STB universe of Affiliates. 5+ years of exp in Cable Broadcast and Digital Media. Full info HERE (10/7)

MANAGER, PRODUCTION FACILITY OPERATIONS & CONTENT MANAGEMENT
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD
Create and track edit schedules for the production facility editors. Review technical QC Reports and approve programs for air; or coordinate replacement or editing. Spot check content to determine a pass or fail status. Ensure timely and accurate delivery of all original program. 7 years of prior experience working in operations and/or production. Full info HERE (10/7)

PRODUCER >>
LONG STORY SHORT MEDIA/WASHINGTON, DC: Leads creative and production process from pre-production to delivery. The Producer will work directly with the client and the LSS team. 5+ years exp, with agency, network, or production company. Full Info HERE (10/7)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER >>
LONG STORY SHORT MEDIA/WASHINGTON, DC: Assist producers throughout pre, field, and post-production, generate creative concepts per project, craft proposals, conduct research and assemble briefing materials. 2+ year exp with an agency, network or production company. Full Info HERE (10/7)

CONTENT COORDINATOR, NETWORK OPERATIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Edit, time out, prepare & update the daily broadcast log through the insertion of promo filler, network ids and interstitial material. Optimize primary & secondary promotional events in daily logs via Grip It and Broadway Traffic Systems. Identify and allocate available time and assign deadlines. 4 years of Broadcast Operations experience required. Full info HERE (10/6)

GRAPHICS COORDINATOR, NETWORK OPERATIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Enter secondary event triggers into the daily programming log to support on-air promotions and sales initiatives. Manage and maintain the process of data entry and data transfer into Grip It for proper secondary events scheduling. Accurately QC graphic elements per on-air specs. At least 4 year of Broadcast Operations experience required. Full info HERE (10/6)

MANAGER, CROSS-PLATFORM INSIGHTS – NHL
WARNERMEDIA
ATLANTA, GA
Creation of research tactics, insights and storylines surrounding sports programming and sports consumers. Generate knowledge points on emerging sports and new content platforms. Provide leadership in staff development, project management and capacity planning. Exp with Nielsen software is req. 5+ years of exp in television, 3+ years as a manager. Full info HERE (10/5)

VICE PRESIDENT, APT SYNDICATION AND PREMIUM SERVICE
AMERICAN PUBLIC TELEVISION
BOSTON MA
Strategic planning; broadcast and digital initiatives; diversity, equity and inclusion; & mapping the future of APT. Lead, manage & motivate the organization’s leading prime time content department as well as others throughout organization in various projects. Develop, manage & forecast annual budgets & updates. 5-10 yrs related media experience. Full info HERE (10/5)

ANALYST, AUDIENCE RESEARCH
fetv
NYC, NY
Daily email about network performance outlining top program performances with Households & Key Demos, with context. Daily update of excel based network programming grid. Weekly Programming Report giving insight into FETV schedule performance. A strong understanding of Nielsen concepts and terminology & Experience with the GfK MRI MEMRI system req. Full info HERE (10/5)

SALES SERVICE EXECUTIVE >>
REELZ/NYC, NY: Selling advertising time, while also providing all necessary sales support functions for Pricing & Planning. Should be comfortable presenting sales & marketing materials and cultivating agency relationships. Experienced candidate will carry a list. 5 years of progressive ad sales planning/support experience. Proficient in Wide Orbit a plus. Full info HERE (10/5)

PUBLICITY COORDINATOR >>
DISCOVERY INC/LOS ANGELES, CA: Oversee PR administrative functions for the TLC team in addition to contributing to new/ongoing publicity campaigns. Work on press packets, media lists, press releases, talent, and video assets across our shows. Looking for a passionate individual with 1-2 years exp in comms/PR, great time management, editing skills, and attention to detail. Full info HERE (10/5)

DIRECTOR OF SALES-WEST COAST >>
FUSE MEDIA/GLENDALE, CA: Generate profitable sales revenue while exceeding sales quotas and delivering a high level of customer service to media clients. Build a book of national clients, as well as local customers geo-targeting the determined market. Develop clients in target categories, including large media/entertainment organizations. 5-7 years of B2B sales experience. Full info HERE (10/4)

SALES PLANNER >>
NEWSMAX/NYC, NY: Work closely with Account Executives and Sales Assistants in a team setting, assist in generating new business and growing existing business. Plan, manage and steward campaigns to ensure all client agreements are fulfilled. 1 to 2 years of experience at a media buying or selling organization & knowledge of WideOrbit preferred. Full info HERE (10/3)

MANAGER VIDEO SYSTEM DESIGN AND PROJECTS >>
AMC NETWORKS/BETHPAGE, NY: Execution projects/business initiatives as directed. Researching industry developments, evaluating the technical impact and implementing the system into the facility. Conducting ongoing broadcast industry research designed to keep AMC B&T on the cutting edge of technology and industry developments. Exp with Master Control/NOC/Uplink systems req. Full info HERE (10/3)

SALES PLANNER >>
MARATHON VENTURES/REMOTE/HYBRID/NY/NJ/CT: Committed to a remote/hybrid work model, Marathon Ventures Media Sales is looking for Sales Planners to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced, innovative environment to provide clients with the highest level of service. Sales Planners ensure the execution of all advertising schedules, partnering with sales teams and ad agencies. Full info HERE (10/2)

MANAGER, INDUSTRY MARKETING & ACTIVATIONS
GSTV
DETROIT OR NYC
Manage execution at industry and sales events and coordinate with Director of Marketing Communications and executive team for industry presentations and halo activations. Oversee participation in industry membership organizations including execution of membership benefits both nationally and regionally. 5+ yrs of related experience required. Full info HERE (10/2)

SENIOR ANALYST, TV AUDIENCE RESEARCH
E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY
ATLANTA, GA
Report & evaluate existing metrics, develop new metrics and reports, & provide strategic recommendations to assist with driving decision-making & measuring performance for key stakeholders. Perform analyses for network programming & competitive analysis for programs on other networks. Minimum 3+ yrs Media and/or TV audience research experience. Full info HERE (10/2)

PRODUCTION MANAGER, LOVE NATURE >>
BLUE ANT MEDIA/WASHINGTON DC: Supports all creative executives in development and production to ensure project plans and resources are aligned to creative needs. Ensures projects are delivered to budget, schedule and contractual requirements. Manages individual show production budgets and schedules. Minimum 3+ years of experience in a Production Management role or equivalent. Full info HERE (10/1)

DIRECTOR OF POST PRODUCTION >>
the hive/KNOXVILLE TN: Oversees all post production activities with an emphasis on scheduling, staffing and workflow management. Director of Post is directly across media prep, media management, offline, online, graphics, post audio, and deliverables departments. A great attitude and willingness to help are a high priority! 5 yrs of post production supervisory exp req. Full info HERE (10/1)

PUBLICIST >>
DISCOVERY INC/LOS ANGELES, CA: Help execute and support publicity for Discovery’s Factual Networks across talent and content. Will work on pitching, building media lists, digital coverage, press tours, and award submissions. Must have 2-3 yrs exp in publicity with great organizational skills and collaboration. Full info HERE (9/30)

DIRECT RESPONSE ADVERTISING SALES ASSISTANT >>
FUSE MEDIA/NYC, NY: Support Direct Response Ad Sales team by working with director and AE to service and maintain agencies and clients on a daily basis. Must be detail oriented w/good comm, interpersonal & organzt’l skills, and able to multitask in fast paced team envir. Wide Orbit & OnAir knowledge a +. Full info HERE (9/30)

DIRECTOR, NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, VFX/PRACTICAL EFFECTS
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
HOLLYWOOD/BURBANK
Generating leads and closing sales for creative service vendor opportunities with regards to design services, practical effects creation, and animation. Building and establishing valuable industry relationships, identify growth opportunities and establishing new partnerships, while maintaining existing ones. Experience in entertainment sales req. Full info HERE (9/30)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AND EXHIBITS >>
THE PALEY CENTER for MEDIA/NYC, NY: Assist in delivering, but not limited to, a relevant programming agenda for the institution & will constantly monitor the progress of program plans & ensure that timelines, deliverables, & best practices are being adhered to & that programs meet a bi-annual calendar. 10+ yrs of producing live productions within entertainment, sports & other media. Full info HERE (9/29)

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROGRAMMING AND FESTIVALS >>
THE PALEY CENTER for MEDIA/NYC, NY: Assist in delivering a relevant programming agenda for the institution and will constantly monitor progress of program plans and ensure that timelines, deliverables, and best practices are being adhered to and that programs meet a bi-annual calendar. 10+ years of producing live productions within entertainment, sports and other media Full info HERE (9/29)

ACCOUNT MANAGER – DEALMAKER >>
MEDIAOCEAN/NYC, NY: Execute a coordinated account plan for driving growth and adoption of Mediaocean solutions. Maintain a regular cadence of on-site visits to consult end users, identify and address business needs and challenges. Act as a trusted advisor and partner with customer contacts. 5+ years of experience in client services or consulting. Full info HERE (9/28)

MBUY MEDIA ASSOCIATE/MEDIA PLANNER/ACCOUNT MANAGER >>
MEDIAOCEAN/CHICAGO, IL: Identify and recommend relevant media opportunities as well as potential upsell opportunities. Assist in management of day to day communication with client point of contact and vendors. Manage implementation of media management tools and software. 2+ years of media experience across planning, buying and optimization. Full info HERE (9/28)

CUSTOMER SUCCESS DIRECTOR >>
MEDIAOCEAN/CHICAGO IL: Prioritize and deliver on key customer objectives: understand business requirements, identify challenges, manage development projects and actively recognize cross-sell and up-sell opportunities. Define desired business outcomes and KPIs for each customer and manage overall customer health. 7+ years of experience in customer-facing role/consulting. Full info HERE (9/28)

SENIOR PRODUCER, MORNINGS ON 1 >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS NY1/NYC, NY: Produces for assigned newscasts and news inserts making decisions on story lineup, video/audio elements, graphics and timing to construct show. Writes news stories for an assigned newscasts; ensuring content is factually correct and written in a clear and concise conversational style. 5+ years of editorial experience required. Full info HERE (9/27)

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST >>
SPECTRUM NETWORKS NY1/NYC, NY: Actively and consistently support all efforts to simplify and enhance the customer experience. Research, pitch, enterprise, write, capture quality visual content, edit news stories and produce creative, original and compelling own stories for multiple platforms. 3+ year of Television News Reporting or comparable experience required. Full info HERE (9/27)

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING INSIGHTS AND ANALYTICS >>
FOX SPORTS/LOS ANGELES, CA: Develop and maintain reports that evaluate marketing and media efforts. Work with internal teams and external partners to maximize revenue from pay-per-events using digital conversion tactics. Identify, stay current on, and educate media industry and consumer behavioral/viewership trends. 6+ years of relevant experience required. Full info HERE (9/27)

MANAGER, MARKETING PROMOTIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS >>
FOX NEWS/NYC, NY: Support in developing collateral, promotion, and recap materials. Manage creative deliverable process for all partners. Maintain monthly updates for distribution partner meetings. Brand and strategic partner research and provide project management support. 2+ years of digital marketing and promotional experience. Full info HERE (9/27)

@{optoutfooterhtml}@