We never stand still – what’s new for Sky Sport production - Sky

Meet the Megalodon. Recently deployed in the USA, the Megalodon is the nickname given to a special style of camera which has made a super splash in the USA’s NFL and UFC. 

Brian Hitchcock, Sky Sport’s head of production says, “over the last 12 months we’ve rolled out the brilliant RovaCam, Player Cam and new and improved drone to give fans even more access to action on the field of play.  The Megalodon takes us in a whole new direction giving viewers a cinematic view of key moments in a game. 

“In a nutshell, the camera enables us to get really up close and personal for occasions that really matter.  

“It makes sense that the first time we tested the camera was when the Chiefs and Blues women made ‘herstory’ in the first ever Super Rugby women’s match.  We’re delighted to share a clip of Les Elder dotting down a try – and the powerful reaction from her teammates.  The camera focuses on the athletes – meaning we’re really highlighting the pure emotion and excitement they feel in that moment.”

The Megalodon will be deployed for the inaugural Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa Final where the Gallagher Chiefs are aiming to knock the record-holding Crusaders from their well-earned perch. 

For a technical explanation on how it works, head here.

Getting inside their heads 
Even more player insight is on the cards this weekend and beyond as current players join Sky Sport on the sideline to add their voice to our commentary team’s expertise.  Highlander Aaron Smith is first off the bench – he’ll be sideline for the Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa Final to give fans a unique view of what it’s been like at the back of a scrum this season.  

And, in June, the team will be joined by All Blacks skipper Sam Cane.  

Hitchcock says, “We thought while Sam’s sidelined to rest and repair for a few months, his up-to-the-minute knowledge of what’s going on inside the camp will be enormously interesting for Sky Sport fans, as the teams from Aotearoa meet their Australian counterparts in the Sky Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.  

While viewers are now very used to seeing Honey Hireme-Smiler and Ruby Tui on the Sky Sport commentary team, Kendra Cocksedge (Kelvin Tremain Memorial Trophy winner and world-leading rugby player) has taken up a microphone already for the team and will be joining as an card-carrying crew member for the ‘SSRTT’.  

“It’s important to our customers and our team that we continue to innovate and try new things.  Sport is changing and the way we present and consume it is also changing.  We’re determined to be at the forefront of this and we’re going all out to ensure our coverage here in Aotearoa is fresh, exciting, equitable and rewarding for everyone.”