By: Ryana Garner

When you think of football, your first thoughts go towards the players and their playing abilities. Often times, we do not think about the hard working people who are behind the scenes of production and other aspects of working in sport. But, I have a plan to create insight into the lives of these important people. Specifically, my penpal, Wendell Mitchem.

Mr. Mitchem is the Head Football Video Coordinator for Old Dominion University. He is an amazing person who takes time and dedication into the art of recording, editing, and analyzing football film. His talents should not go unnoticed, in which I plan to give him his flowers. While also bringing in recognition and attention to his field of work.

As a current Sport Management major and a senior, I have had experience in the past with many of ODU’s sports department. I have met and connected with some of the most talented people that I’ve ever been in contact with. Since many of them work behind the scenes, it’s hard for others to recognize the talent and skill that goes perfectly executing a game. So with that being said, I would like to present the idea of creating a short docu-series about Wendell Mitchem. Since social media is such a popular aspect of everyone’s lives, it would be perfect to make a short, interesting and informational video about what his field of expertise entails.

This will have different impacts on different people. Like, say if a sports management major is struggling to figure out what they want they want to do within the field. They may see this documentary and be inspired to reach out to Mitchem or even find opportunities that are comparable. Also, as I mentioned before it will educate others who might not quite know about the field which would help them to appreciate and understand better. It gives Mitchem a chance to showcase his talents and receive the recognition that he so rightfully deserves.

So here’s my idea pitch:

Title – Beyond the Lens: Life of a Football Video Coordinator

Series Focus – Each episode will focus on a different aspect of Wendell’s field.

Brief Overview:

Episode 1: Wendell – He will speak about his journey and pathway to becoming a Video Coordinator. He will also give a little sneak peak into what job entails. The rest will be given in a later episode.

Episode 2: Staff – The staff will be interviewed and asked questions about their journey. They will also briefly share their job responsibilities and give any advice that they can.

Episode 3: Student Intern – They will speak on the experience they had and give advice to future students. This is where the inspiration for those who are now interested in the field can see where they can get involved.

Episode 4: Game Day Operations – This will be the concluding episode. During this episode, Wendell will take viewers into the workplace with him on game day.

Episode Details

  • It will be filmed documentary style with things such as interviews, footage of game days, practices, planning.
  • Platforms: YouTube (Full Episodes) and Instagram and TikTok (Teasers and Promo)
  • Tone: Inspiring, Lighthearted, Behind-the-Scenes, empowering.

Episode One: “The Man behind the Program | Wendell’s Story”

  • We will open up on a scene with Wendell sitting at his desk staring into the camera.
  • The intro will then play.
  • It will then cut to him in his element. He will be doing something involving his field such as directing others, editing film, using the camera.
  • This is where we cut to a confessional style interview with Mr. Mitchem. We will have him introduce himself and have his name, job and hometown appear at the corner of the screen.
  • Then the interview will be conducted. We will ask him questions, inspire him to tell stories and give advice to future sports professionals who are looking to go into this field.
  • There will be visuals and cuts as he tells his stories of everything football and film. (Maybe get an animator to animate his story as he tells it.)
  • It will then end with him giving an inspirational message along with promo towards the next episode. “Join for the next episode, where you will get to hear from my staff.”

Episode 2 | Unsung heroes: The Video Staff

  • We will open up to a visual of all of the staff standing around one of the huge cameras that they use to film practices.
  • After the intro, it will cut to them sitting in a half circle and they will briefly introduce themselves and speak on their job responsibilities.
  • There will also be different scenes for each staff member. They will briefly share their experiences and stories. Also talk about Wendell’s leadership.
  • There will be cuts to them in their element and giving a crash course on how the cameras work. (Without exposing any of our teams plays of course) Which is really interesting, because their cameras are set up almost like a video game.
  • Then to make it a bit fun, they will play a short game of “Who’s most likely to?” Where the interviewer will ask them a series of questions and will close their eyes, then point to the person who they feel are the answer to the question.
  • It will end with each of them giving their favorite inspirational quote and a bit of advice for future professionals.
  • Also give promotion to the next episode.

Episode 3 | Learning the Ropes: Intern’s Insight (Will be the shortest episode)

  • We will open up with a shot of the intern in a school setting wearing a ODU polo and Khaki pants. (Typical ODU work attire)
  • After the intro, the student intern will give a brief introduction and explain their role.
  • They will talk about what it takes to be an intern for this program and what they have to do academically as well.
  • Also will share an experience that they had.
  • They will provide advice and resources to future sport professionals.
  • There will be cuts scenes to classrooms and them in their element as well.
  • They will do a segment of “Do’s and Don’ts for College Sport Interns.” Where they will give advice on the different aspects of being an intern for a D1 athletics program.
  • They will end will an inspirational quote and promotion towards the last episode.

Episode 4 | Game Time! : The Final Cut: Lights, Camera, Game Day!

  • This episode will begin with Wendell telling his staff the game plan for the day.
  • It will then cut to the intro.
  • After that, it will follow Wendell and his staff throughout the day.
  • It would interesting for it to be filmed “The Office” style. Where they will be doing the tasks for the day, then it cuts to a confessional where they will be talking about their feelings of what just happened in the scene. Will encourage them to really show their personality in this episode.
  • It will also be scenes of them mic’d up on the field doing their jobs.
  • It will then end with Wendell and his staff waving goodbye. They will then tell viewers, “Thank you for watching, I hope that you’ve enjoyed our series! See you at the next football game!”

Presentation

I have created a presentation with visuals for my idea pitch:

Conclusion

Being able to create this documentary for Wendell Mitchem is my way of homage to his hard work and dedication. The inspiration for a documentary style project came from my own personal experience. I find that documentaries can be interesting as well as educational. It is a perfect way for people outside of the industry to get a visual on what it’s like to work in the sports industry.