What goes into filming Pac-12 Networks’ ‘The Drive’?

The second season of “The Drive” premiered on Pac-12 Networks Wednesday night, focusing on UCLA’s training camp at Cal State San Bernardino earlier this month.

For the most part, the 26-minute episode was spent setting the scene for the Bruins’ season: Players get settle into their dorms, and hit the field while mic-ed up coaches bark instructions. Head coach Jim Mora gave a few inspirational speeches, and all was well.

One interesting scene was when cameras followed Mora on one of his runs in the San Bernardino hills. You could hear Mora trying to catch his breath as he waxed on about his coaching philosophy — making for an up-close slice of his daily routine. The Pac-12 Networks crew had noticed Mora jetting toward the trail after practices. When they asked about it, he told them, “You can shoot it, but I don’t think you can keep up.”

To make sure they didn’t fall behind the obsessively in-shape 52-year-old, “The Drive” needed three cameras: one at the bottom of the hills, one mid-way up the trail, and a GoPro strapped to show narrator Yogi Roth. Continue reading “What goes into filming Pac-12 Networks’ ‘The Drive’?” »

Pac-12 announces 11 a.m. TV window for football to reduce night kickoffs

The Pac-12 announced Sunday that it will introduce an 11 a.m. PT television window to reduce the number of night games that conference teams play this upcoming football season.

The morning kickoffs will replace an evening time slot on Pac-12 Networks, though exactly how many there are will be determined as the season progresses.

“This is a positive step for Pac-12 fans across the Conference,” Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said in a statement. “There has been an adjustment over the last two years with our new television agreement, and we believe fans — both in our stadiums and in the television audience — will benefit.”

The change is a move away from Scott’s stance last season, when he repeatedly defended the league’s frequent late starts by deferring to TV numbers. Continue reading “Pac-12 announces 11 a.m. TV window for football to reduce night kickoffs” »

UCLA to be featured on second season of Pac-12 Network’s ‘The Drive’

The UCLA football team will be featured on the second season of “The Drive,” the Pac-12 Networks announced today at L.A. Live.

Cameras will follow the Bruins through the 2014 season in the behind-the-scenes documentary series that will debut on September — similar to HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Arizona State and Cal were filmed in the series debut last fall.

Asked last week about the possibility of UCLA being featured on the show, head coach Jim Mora didn’t sound enthused — though he said Monday that the Pac-12 assuaged many of his concerns, and gave him complete editorial control over the content. Continue reading “UCLA to be featured on second season of Pac-12 Network’s ‘The Drive’” »

Pac-12 Networks reaches deal with AT&T

Pac-12 Networks have reached a deal with AT&T, the conference announced Saturday morning. AT&T U-verse will carry three of the network’s channels, giving subscribers access to the 700-plus remaining event on the 2013-14 schedule — including 31 football games.

AT&T will provide the Pac-12 with wireless services and receive marketing rights at all athletic events. Continue reading “Pac-12 Networks reaches deal with AT&T” »