From prep and camera setups, to making split-second decisions in real time, directing live sports demands a unique creative skill set on a massive scale. On February 25, DGA members learned more about this fast-moving world when the Latino Committee meeting featured the discussion, Directing the Game: What’s Covered and Where We’re Headed.
During a conversation moderated by 2nd AD Jessica Rae, Associate Director/ Eastern AD/SM/PA Council Chair Tony DeSanti and DGA Assistant Executive Director Vada Hedgeman broke down how directing in live sports currently works, what the DGA contract covers, and where both the craft and the game are headed next.
During the discussion Hedgeman provided a history of DGA representation in sports, how these agreements differ from other genres, and how the DGA is approaching efforts to increasing coverage.
DeSanti shared stories of his journey building a lasting career, and how he sets the tone for his staff even when things go awry. “Everyone’s playing off my energy, so I try to be calm in every situation” said DeSanti. “With audio sources connected to each camera, if you lose a camera, you lose the play-by-play. So, we stay calm, keep the analysts informed on what’s happening and keep the broadcast going to the best of all our abilities. Being calm and getting us back online is the strongest thing I can do as a leader.” DeSanti also noted that he’s seen a major shift in opportunities for women in sports and highly encourages women DGA members to pursue this work as representation has increased in the field.
For more information and dialogue, the DGA encourages members to attend the Eastern or Western AD/SM/PA Council meetings. Visit them on their web pages at
Eastern AD/SM/PA Council and Western AD/SM/PA Council
ABOUT THE PANELISTS:
 Associate Director/Producer Tony DeSantiDeSanti is an award-winning broadcast producer and creative storyteller with over 35 years of experience crafting compelling content for some of television's most prestigious networks, including CBS Sports, ABC News, NBC Sports, and the Big Ten Network. As a founding production team member at BTN, he helped shape the creative vision of a groundbreaking sports network across live sports, breaking news, and documentary development. DeSanti has been a DGA member since 1994 and currently serves as Chair of the Eastern AD/SM/PA Council. |
 2nd AD Jessica Rae (moderator)Rae’s credits include the feature Raise Your Hand, the short film Girl in Tank and production work on Bosch, True Blood, American Horror Story and J.J. Abrams’ feature, Star Trek Into Darkness. She is currently the game day Producer at for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rae has been a DGA member since 2021. |
 DGA Assistant Executive Director Vada HedgemanHedgeman serves as the staff liaison to the Western AD/SM/PA Council and is one of the key executives responsible for representing DGA members working on non-dramatic programs. He began working at the DGA in early 2022 as the Administrator of the Residuals Enforcement. |
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:
The Latino Committee was created as a networking group to advance career and job opportunities for Latino DGA members by improving craft skills, networking, and making Latinos better known to the Hollywood creative community.
