Monday, November 22, 2010

My fascination with Split/Second - Explained

So, here we are, over 6 months after release, and those that know me are probably asking - "What's up with this guy and his non-stop rant about a racing game?"

So, thought I'd provide a bit of insight.

Ever since I was a young tyke, I somehow grew attached to car racing. I remember, running around with my "red wagon"; making (and winning) my "Pinewood Derby" car in the Boy Scouts; and the awesome birthday cake my mom surprised me with showcasing a "track" and an actual race car on top.

Fast-forward a bit, and my career life intermixed with broadcast media. I've worked both the radio and television side of it performing a variety of responsibilities. One duty being "technical directing."

For those not knowing what this is - this is the individual that in most cases "switches" camera views during a TV (Live/Recorded) show. Fades to and from black, chroma/alpha keys, instructs VTR/DVR play, and so forth. In a sense, basically edits the show on-the-fly... No margin for error, especially during a live show as whatever mistake made is instantly seen.

You sit in a room, much like this:
Image courtesy of: WKYC - Channel 3

In this image, the technical director is sitting on the left side with that big monster of gadgetry (aka switcher) in front of him. (This is a more elaborate control room, but the switcher I used was similar.) For the duration of the show, you're in the "hot seat." Stress/pressure and occasional confusion is your constant companion.

This was fun, but luckily it wasn't my core responsibility - otherwise I'd be a resident of a white room with a unique jacket to wear.

So, what does this have to do with Split/Second? Given what I've said - the video below should help:


A few more S/S vids were released, much in the same fashion like this "TV/Director" feel... and well, that's all it took. It almost seems like I was destined to play S/S and it's a pretty damn good game to boot!

Disney / Black Rock - you never thought that one day, a while back, when brainstorming what is now "Split/Second" - would hit a positive nerve on an unsuspecting, but thankful fan - huh?

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