How to Produce a Tennis Tournament in 3D

Take a look at the view from each of the camera positions on the U.S. Open Center Court by clicking on the red dots on the photo above.

“We exceeded our expectations by far,” says Ken Aagaard, EVP of engineering, operations, and production services for CBS Sports after the first-ever 3D U.S. Open Tournament. “[Tennis is] definitely the definitive sport for 3D because you can get close to it with the confined area. Even without getting the best camera positions, it is an incredible show.”

When CBS Sports undertook its latest 3D challenge during the US Open tennis tournament during the first two weekends of September 2010, fans worldwide were able to see blistering 130-mph serves, swerving top-spin lobs, and dancing drop shots in true “you are there” fashion. With the help of PACE CEO Vince Pace and his team, as well as NEP, CBS Sports produced coverage that allowed tennis fans to see on-court coverage in an entirely new way, Of course, there were challenges but as a unique, one-week long production “experiment” the U.S. Open proved to be a veritable research lab for 3D production techniques, new technologies and workflows. As such, this first 3D Live Playbook will serve as an ongoing resource for anyone, anywhere in the world who wants to venture forth with their own tennis 3D production.  SVG intends to make this the first in an ongoing, online series of 3D tutorials that will document the evolution of this exciting new creative opportunity for sports producers and directors.

Thanks to CBS Sports, PACE and NEP for contribution to the content of this Playbook as well as to Panasonic for underwriting its production.