Frank Scacciaferro: 2021 U.S. Tennis Open

What did the 2021 US Open have besides fans?  Enough rain to move Noah’s Ark.  Robo-cam operator Frank Scacciaferro joins Joe to share his 2nd stint at the Open, future plans, & driving in a flood.

Key Takeaways:

  • Frank Scacciaferro traveled from working the Summer Olympics in Tokyo to New York to work the US Open as a multi-camera operator, and the return of live fans created a noticeably more energetic atmosphere.
  • He worked closely with the director and had increased creative freedom to capture stronger, more dynamic shots.
  • The production scale was intense: about 14 courts were built out with four cameras each, requiring a highly experienced crew to pull off.
  • A hurricane caused equipment damage, but the team secured what they could and kept the production going.
  • After the tournament, Frank and colleagues experienced a serious flash flood in Queens, with water entering their car; they made it to safety and the incident was captured on video.
  • The story emphasizes how unpredictable live event work can be and why adaptability and resilience are crucial in live production.
  • Frank remains open to future opportunities (including possibly the WTA tour) and received a meaningful souvenir from a young player, hinting at future potential.