To further complicate the filming process, the shoots all took place during the middle of the COVID pandemic.
Following the COVID safety protocols was of the utmost importance for the shoot as everyone remained socially distanced and masked at all times. There was a COVID safety official on-set to ensure the health and safety of others. “We had to get a space large enough to be aesthetically pleasing for the director and it had to be big enough for us to be socially distanced and be safe,” said Jeff Atkinson, President of FDM.
Throughout the whole project everyone had to overcome obstacles in order to create the video, For instance, Eddie Coughlan (Director of Photography, Ravens Productions) often had to run a two camera shoot by himself for the interview segment with Ravens players, the head coach, and general manager.
To fully comprehend the emotional reach of Mo, we prioritized acquiring essential shots of Baltimore city and the surrounding areas. “Mo is Baltimore, Baltimore is Mo,” said Atkinson.
On the FDM side, there were five days of shoots where we travelled around for B-roll and interviews. There were exterior shots of Mo’s house, Mo’s school, M&T Bank Stadium, 105.7 The FAN radio studio, Baltimore City and the greater Baltimore area. Location Scout Caprice Ericson was very helpful in coordinating the requirements for all the scenes.
When a team is on shoots irregularities occur and a team must be ready to adapt to the occasion. “One day a location didn’t work out so we had to, on the fly, find another space to film in,” said Jon Firman, videographer. “It ended up working out really well with the skyline shot of Baltimore.”
Winning a National Sports Emmy is a wonderful accomplishment, but the most important aspect is to honor the memory of Mo Gaba. “You want it to be a memory of him that outlasts all of us,” said O’Brien. |
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