SNY's Cinematic Approach Transforms Mets Broadcasts
Mets fans are increasingly captivated by the behind-the-scenes artistry of their broadcasts.
While the team's performance may not be stealing headlines, the SNY production crew is gaining attention for its stunning in-game cinematography, drawing inspiration from beloved films like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Planet of the Apes.”
Celebrating its 20th season, the SportsNet New York team is embracing a viral trend they call #baseballiscinema, showcasing cinematic flair throughout their telecasts.
“You want the show to be the main event,” said John DeMarsico, SNY’s broadcast director. “Some of the devices we’ve implemented make baseball feel like a primetime spectacle.”
Viewers have noticed an added layer of creativity in the broadcasts, with references to cinematic classics such as “Kill Bill” peppered throughout the game. This season, for instance, SNY transitioned relief pitcher Edwin Díaz from black and white into vibrant color, echoing Dorothy’s entrance into Oz.
In another nod to film, they captured a shot reminiscent of the iconic ending of “Planet of the Apes,” framing the field through a fan’s foam Statue of Liberty headband.
DeMarsico, a self-proclaimed “film buff” and baseball enthusiast, is at the helm of these creative endeavors. “I consume way too much film,” he admitted. “I’m not a passive viewer; I take notes and screenshots for future ideas.”
His notebooks are filled with concepts waiting for the right moment to shine. Technical Director Seth Zwiebel plays a crucial role in executing these ideas, ready to deploy effects at just the right time, sometimes holding onto them for months.
During a recent visit to Queens, the production team showcased their work from a slender truck behind Citi Field, filled with numerous screens displaying live action.
Inside, an eight-member team led by DeMarsico and Senior Coordinating Producer Gregg Picker operates with precision, making rapid decisions that match the pace of the game.
Picker likens his role to that of a coach, while DeMarsico serves as the quarterback, orchestrating which shots air and when. Their communication resembles a unique language, allowing them to navigate through the chaos of live broadcasting seamlessly.
“It takes a village,” Picker noted, referencing former Mets pitcher Ron Darling’s famous phrase. “The connectivity we have is akin to teams that have played together for years.”
The energy in the production truck is described as “kinetic,” fostering an environment where creative risks are encouraged. This spirit extends to the camera crew, who often capture spontaneous moments that resonate with viewers.
For example, during a recent game, SNY aired an extraordinary shot of the field through a fan’s eyeglasses, seizing an opportunity that arose during a lull in play.
Unique moments abound; one cameraman captured a pink heart-shaped balloon drifting across the moonlit sky, while another shot perfectly overlaid a full moon onto a baseball resting on the field.
“How can you not be romantic about baseball?” DeMarsico tweeted, catching the attention of filmmaker Edgar Wright and social media platform Letterboxd.
The goal remains clear: to present fresh ideas that engage a diverse audience and draw them into the game. “We don’t want to force anything on viewers,” DeMarsico explained. “But sometimes we do things to jolt people out of their seats.”
The production team continuously seeks innovative angles for pregame segments, whether it’s showcasing vintage footage or surprising fans with interviews featuring former players like Jose Reyes.
In keeping with the Mets’ whimsical legacy, SNY’s crew prioritizes enjoyment in their work. “We aim to do one extraordinary thing every broadcast,” Picker concluded. “Finding time to laugh and pushing each other beyond our comfort zones is essential.”
