Swiatek to Gauff, Sinner to Medvedev: Behind the scenes at Tennis Channel's "Open" IW shoot
New player portraits, including a set inspired by Agassi's acclaimed autobiography, will hit live broadcasts over the coming weeks.
INDIAN WELLS, Calif.—“What are we doing?” asked Daniil Medvedev when he arrived to close out day four of Tennis Channel’s specialty shoot as stormy weather took over the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
“We’re having a party,” joked producer Matt Josselyn.
The snacks inside could have given off that impression when cameras weren’t rolling. “Can I have a peanut M&M?” requested Andy Murray to an obliging yes.
Medvedev and Murray were among nearly 90 of the most recognizable ATP and WTA stars to come through TC’s tent at the BNP Paribas Open. The objective: capturing a new slate of stunning player portraits for a variety of live coverage elements to begin folding into broadcasts as early as this weekend.
For creative director Shelby Coleman, her inspiration for this year's shoot theme derived from Andre Agassi’s acclaimed autobiography “Open” and the Hall of Famer's candidness with the ups and downs of life on tour.
“I wanted to take a moment not to look at these people as the phenomenal athletes that they are, but instead as people. Up close and personal,” Coleman said.
To achieve that look, a camera was rigged to a sliding dolly to get the framing within inches of a player’s face. All participants had advance warning from Josselyn and colleague Benji Lee with just how close the camera would be approaching.
As Danielle Collins described the setup, “It was fun. A bit of it felt like a dental exam at times.”
After picking up serious and smiling shots, both in normal and slow-motion speeds, players were eventually set free to open up to the moving contraption. A secondary "B" camera also captured their unique personalities.
The behind-the-scenes gallery that follows gives a small taste of the serious and playful sides coming to your screen this season:
