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Covering major events from remote locations often presents unique challenges for broadcasters as they try to set up sophisticated production equipment and endeavor to make it work. Such was certainly the case for Turner Network Television (TNT)'s, production division, Turner Production, and senior lighting director John Luegering during the recent Winter Olympics.
Upon arriving in Nagano, Luegering fully expected to have his work cut out for him. What he didn't count on was a troublesome outdoor set-a bare structure, with limited protection from the elements-that required an experienced and resourceful technical crew able to tackle large obstacles on-the-fly.
"We had various on-site problems," Luegering says. "There are always things that you can plan on, but once you get there unforeseen issues invariably come up."
Production for the 50 hours of TNT Olympic coverage from Nagano involved over 250 employees and the construction of an outdoor, mountainside set located approximately six miles from the network's control room in the International Broadcast Center.
Although it used CBS' feed of the various venues, TNT's Turner Sports had its own live studio production originating from the IBC. The facilities necessitated months of pre-production planning by Turner Productions. Japanese company Nagano Buttai was contracted for construction.
Turner Sports decided to use a set that was not entirely enclosed because they wanted an "outdoor feel," so...