We are going to take a break from the player profiles
and pre-season interviews today in order to address another very exciting change
within the CXBL this year. As many of you know, GoPro has decided to become a
platinum sponsor of the CXBL, thus changing the way the Elite matches will be
filmed this season. In order to get all of the details, I have taken the
opportunity to speak with representatives from GoPro, Backline Media, and
Outdoor Gear Canada (the Canadian distributor of GoPro products).
When asked why GoPro has decided to become a Platinum sponsor, Eric Mayeu, the marketing representative from Outdoor Gear Canada, explained “The CXBL showed they were the best league in Canada to work with GoPro through the quality of their events and media (through Backline Media).” He went on to say, “Since they are the official professional Xball league in Canada, we chose that it would be very good for both parties if they could have a partnership.” The particular sponsorship for the CXBL includes the use of GoPro Hero II cameras. According to Mayeu, “GoPro cameras are used by more professional athletes, sports filmmakers, and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. The HD Hero II camera is the most advanced GoPro camera yet: wearable and gear mountable.”
The name of the camera itself suggests that it is designed to capture heroic images and Mayeu explained that, “We (the distributor) also believe that Xball goes along with GoPro because when you’re playing Xball at any level, you feel like you’re the HERO. Whether your goal is to capture a great day out with friends or you’re gunning for the cover of a magazine, the GoPro products will help you nail it and look like a HERO!”
When GoPro was contacted and asked what makes their cameras different, Dustin (GoPro support) said, “What sets our cameras apart is that it allows a variety of limitless mounting options, while at the same time providing both high quality film and still photos.” Dustin also mentioned that the GoPro Hero II has some interesting qualities like “the 10 photo burst mode (this allows for 10 photos to be taken in one second) and the timelapse mode for every .5 seconds (this sets the camera to take a photo every .5 seconds).” Other features of the GoPro Hero II cameras as stated by Eric Mayeu (OGC) are: “It’s waterproof (can go as far as 60 meters underwater with any of the OEM cases), it comes with most of the accessories you’ll be using, it’s price wise (HD Hero IIs are retailing at $349.99-369.99), and 16 resolution options from 30 FPS to 120 FPS.”
These cameras certainly have some exciting features that will allow them to capture all of the action on the field and should have the durability needed to film paintball matches! Mayeu also gave me a sneak peek into what new products we can expect to see this summer! According to Mayeu, GoPro will be coming out with a Wi-Fi BacPac & Remote combo that he says, “will let you control up to 50 cameras with the remote and with the Wi-Fi kit you’ll be able to stream online through a network what the camera is capturing LIVE!” With this kind of product on the market, I don’t think it will be long before the CXBL is able to make the switch to airing matches live online!
When asked why GoPro has decided to become a Platinum sponsor, Eric Mayeu, the marketing representative from Outdoor Gear Canada, explained “The CXBL showed they were the best league in Canada to work with GoPro through the quality of their events and media (through Backline Media).” He went on to say, “Since they are the official professional Xball league in Canada, we chose that it would be very good for both parties if they could have a partnership.” The particular sponsorship for the CXBL includes the use of GoPro Hero II cameras. According to Mayeu, “GoPro cameras are used by more professional athletes, sports filmmakers, and core enthusiasts than any other camera in the world. The HD Hero II camera is the most advanced GoPro camera yet: wearable and gear mountable.”
The name of the camera itself suggests that it is designed to capture heroic images and Mayeu explained that, “We (the distributor) also believe that Xball goes along with GoPro because when you’re playing Xball at any level, you feel like you’re the HERO. Whether your goal is to capture a great day out with friends or you’re gunning for the cover of a magazine, the GoPro products will help you nail it and look like a HERO!”
When GoPro was contacted and asked what makes their cameras different, Dustin (GoPro support) said, “What sets our cameras apart is that it allows a variety of limitless mounting options, while at the same time providing both high quality film and still photos.” Dustin also mentioned that the GoPro Hero II has some interesting qualities like “the 10 photo burst mode (this allows for 10 photos to be taken in one second) and the timelapse mode for every .5 seconds (this sets the camera to take a photo every .5 seconds).” Other features of the GoPro Hero II cameras as stated by Eric Mayeu (OGC) are: “It’s waterproof (can go as far as 60 meters underwater with any of the OEM cases), it comes with most of the accessories you’ll be using, it’s price wise (HD Hero IIs are retailing at $349.99-369.99), and 16 resolution options from 30 FPS to 120 FPS.”
These cameras certainly have some exciting features that will allow them to capture all of the action on the field and should have the durability needed to film paintball matches! Mayeu also gave me a sneak peek into what new products we can expect to see this summer! According to Mayeu, GoPro will be coming out with a Wi-Fi BacPac & Remote combo that he says, “will let you control up to 50 cameras with the remote and with the Wi-Fi kit you’ll be able to stream online through a network what the camera is capturing LIVE!” With this kind of product on the market, I don’t think it will be long before the CXBL is able to make the switch to airing matches live online!
Thank you Eric and Dustin for your insight into this
product! I think I can speak for the entire CXBL community when I say that we
cannot wait to see what the GoPro Hero II cameras can do! Thank you for
believing in the sport that we love and encouraging our players through your
sponsorship.
I also had the opportunity to interview Jim Baker from Backline Media
and he was able to give me a great idea of the changes that we can expect to
see this season as a result of the GoPro Hero II sponsorship. Read on for some
of the exciting things we can look forward to in the 2012 CXBL season.
- If I am not mistaken, Backline used to use an XHA1 camera and an AX10 camera at all of the events. What changes can we expect to see with the switch from these to GoPro Hero II equipment? How do these cameras compare? What advantages will the switch to GoPro give?
“First of all thanks for the opportunity to talk about some of the changes to the filming of the CXBL.
In the past we have used a Canon XHA1 to capture the games. Using the Canon was always a natural choice for me. I have been using Canon cameras for many, many years filming all kinds of crazy extreme sports from Skateboarding, Wakestocks, Sky Diving even Warp Tours you name it. I grew up with Canon and knew they could easily stand up to the abuse of a paintball match so it was a natural selection.”
“This season we’ll still be using the same Canon as our main close up camera, but we’re excited to be introducing everyone to the GoPro HD Hero II. When we first started searching for cameras to make the dream production come true, it didn't take long to say yes to the GoPro product. We needed to find a way to maximize the number of cameras we could acquire, while at the same time keep a quality that matched today's best HD cameras. The GoPro HD hero II stood up to the task easily. It's shooting in HD it's recording at 60 fps, and built to take hits, rain and record for hours with a 170 degree lens. They are priced at a point where having multiple cameras could be a reality. Now finally with the addition of these cameras to our roster, we can show the world our sport like never before.”
- The press release from the league stated that "all CXBL Elite games will be filmed entirely using the versatile GoPro Hero II cameras elevating the existing coverage and providing viewers with an even better seat to Canada's premier paintball sporting league." How will these cameras "elevate the existing coverage"?
“That's 100% right; in 2012 we want to come closer to what the dream has always been - and that's full matches online for everyone to enjoy at no cost. Well how do we do that? First we needed a ton of quality cameras and secondly we needed the experience with the players and fans to really evaluate what makes our sport exciting.”
“We took a good look at what was making today`s web casts so special. The PSP and accesspaintball.com are doing ground breaking things with stats and visuals. So we drew on that inspiration, but then asking what can we do in the CXBL that`s unique and our own. We developed a new format for a show that will showcase the full match like our audience have come to expect, but on a much more intimate level. We`re excited to finally put the drama and emotion captured in the past to full match coverage. With the support of GoPro we have new ways to showcase the game and the support for exciting things in the following seasons.”
- The press release from the league also stated, "All players have the opportunity to use their own GoPro Hero camera on field during their matches." Is this the first time in CXBL history that players have been allowed to collect their own footage during game situations? Does Backline media intend to lend players from various teams their GoPro cameras as a means of collecting in-the-moment footage?
“It is the first time players will be allowed to record their own footage on the field. It’s an exciting decision by the league to allow it. Backline will be busy servicing all their own equipment and will not be bugging players for footage. The player’s footage is their own and they can do with it as they see fit. I do think having a place where all of this great player created footage can be displayed for everyone to enjoy is a great idea.”
- It is rumoured that the use of GoPro cameras will allow for the viewer to watch complete CXBL Elite matches. Is this true? Will we be able to watch entire matches following the events? Can we still look forward to the CXBL event highlight videos?
“It's true because of the power and durability of the cameras we will be able to creatively place many more cameras on the field than ever before. We will capture the matches from the pits, the sky, the dead boxes, the audience, the snake, maybe even on the referees. The ideas are endless. It’s a small logistical nightmare, but in the end we know everyone will be excited by how a match plays out on camera.”
“The highlight videos... For years our viewpoint into the lives of the players has been interviews, and then cut to the action of the match. We have always had a dream to show full matches, but it required time learning the players/culture and most importantly having the right partnerships in place. With years of being with the players and secretly cheering and cringing behind the lens of the camera, we have learned a lot about the heart and passion we all have for this game. We feel that with this new format, moving forward will feel like a natural evolution and the old highlights will not be missed. So much more is now being captured. Never again will that game changing move be missed, that heated smack talk or team blow up. It’s all going to be raw for the world to see.”
- Are there any plans in place for there to be live coverage of CXBL events for viewers at home?
“Let’s take it one step at a time. However, we will say with the power of the GOPro HD Hero II, imagination is the only limit, and the Backline Media team are a very imaginative crew.”
- Is there anything else you can tell me about the switch in equipment and what it will mean for the season ahead?
“I'm more excited about the league and this season than I have ever been before. With the addition of the Elite CXBL the doors have opened wide. Having all the focuses on one field is a dream come true and everyone is in for one hell of a battle this year. I can't wait to see how the season plays out and I expect more competition than ever before. I’m also excited to see more and more quality coverage of the CXBL emerging.”
“Lastly I want to thank all the players and friends I've made over the past 5 years filming the CXBL. It's for the love of the sport and telling our stories that we do this. Feel free to stop by the Backline Media tent at events and leave comments or just talk seasons drama with me, it’s my favorite subject.”
“Thanks Niki for the chance to speak up and keep reporting on the league so the whole world knows what a great thing we have with The CXBL!” --Jim Baker (Backline Media)
Thank you Jim for the interview! I can hardly wait for the
season to begin as it is but with these new plans for filming in place, I am
looking forward to event 1 even more! I am sure all of the players will be
thrilled to be able to re-watch every point after the matches and perhaps teams
can even use this footage to better themselves between each event. Jim, I wish
you and all of the Backline Media crew my very best as you undertake this new
challenge with the help of an amazing new sponsor!
To those of you who would like to purchase the GoPro Hero II
camera for your personal use this season, visit www.buypbl.com
**For more information on GoPro products
please visit www.gopro.com **
I’d love to hear your comments on the new
sponsorship and filming! What do you guys think?
Signing off,
The Paintball Wife
***Note: I have no affiliation with GoPro, OGC, or Backline Media ***
1 comment:
Great information and it sounds like a great step for the league :)
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