How I work
From prep to show call
A practical walkthrough of how I plan, build, and run live graphics and LED content for multi-event arenas — written for producers and venue teams who need someone who can design, operate, and troubleshoot under real show pressure.
This is a composite of typical arena workflows. Client names, venue systems, and confidential deliverables are not shown here.
- 3,000+ live events
- 13+ years sports & entertainment
- Prep → show → wrap one accountable lead
The building
One venue might host NBA, MLB, concerts, and special events in the same week. Each show type uses different display zones, safe areas, and sponsor rules — but the clock and the crowd do not care how messy the handoff was. My job is to keep graphics accurate, readable, and on time across every surface.
Main LED & scoreboard
Full-screen moments, stats, animations, and sponsor loops built for distance and fast game-state changes.
Ribbon & fascia
Continuous loops, tickers, and zone-specific crops — each output mapped to its own resolution and safe area.
Broadcast & inserts
Lower thirds, packages, and cutaway-ready graphics that still read when the director punches in.
Non-game & concerts
Takeover content, VJ-style playback, and show-specific looks when the building flips from sport to stage.
Five phases of a typical show
Every project flexes, but this is the rhythm I use so operators are not guessing on show night.
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Scope & schedule
Lock what ships, when, and on which displays before anyone opens After Effects.
- Run-of-show, game states, and sponsor rotation requirements
- Display list with resolutions, safe areas, and delivery formats
- Broadcast cut list and who approves last-minute changes
- Travel, load-in, and hard deadlines for content lock
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Design & prep
Template-driven packages so updates are fast — not a full rebuild every playoff round.
- After Effects and Photoshop systems with clear naming and versioning
- Stats, lower thirds, full-screen moments, and sponsor loops per zone
- Proof cycles with production and brand stakeholders
- Export specs matched to playback and LED processors
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Tech check & signal path
Graphics only matter if they hit the wall. I verify the path before doors, not after the first complaint.
- Brompton processing, mapping, and color confidence on LED
- Routing, switcher paths, and playback server checks
- Resolume (and similar) compositions aligned to show structure
- MIDI / timecode hooks when the production requires sync
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Show operations
On-show graphics, playback, and calm escalation when something breaks mid-event.
- Pre-show checklist: content, clocks, emergency overrides, sponsor order
- Live updates for stats, penalties, and last-minute sponsor swaps
- Operator-friendly cues — repeatable, not improvised every quarter
- Clear comms with production, broadcast, and display techs
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Wrap & handoff
The next show starts soon. Documentation and archives save the next crew hours.
- Asset archive, version notes, and what changed on show day
- Operator notes for recurring venues and events
- Training or SOP updates when workflows improved
- Quick debrief on wins and what to fix before the next load-in
Under show pressure
What makes it hard
- Minutes between game states, concerts, and changeovers
- Many zones — each with different pixels and sponsor rules
- Operators rotating; workflows must be teachable
- Signal, playback, or content failures with a live audience
How I handle it
- Templates and SOPs so updates are routine, not heroic
- Zone-specific prep sheets and pre-show verification
- Documented rotations, training, and clear escalation paths
- Onsite troubleshooting across content, playback, and LED path
What you get
Creative
- Broadcast-ready CG packages and motion systems
- LED content that reads at distance
- Sponsor and stats content built for live updates
Technical
- Playback prep and show-day operation
- LED processing support and signal troubleshooting
- Integration with production control and display tech
Operational
- Checklists, SOPs, and operator training
- Calm show call with documented handoffs
- One point of contact from prep through wrap
Tools & systems
Stack varies by venue, but this is the core I reach for most often.