Cejih recaps being on set

Good morning. 

Today we peel back the curtain on how video content and commercial shoots work. Here's a fun fact: To produce a :30 second commercial spot, did you know it takes a crew of around 25 people?

During my time as a sports agent I've been able to attend production shoots for companies such as: Google, Toyota, ADIDAS, AirBnB, Dick's Sporting Goods, NBC and many more. Do you ever hear the phrase "the team behind the team?" Nowhere is this more evident than on a set during an athlete video production day.

You know the athlete commercials you see on tv? Here's a snapshot of what it takes for one of these to come together.

The coach and athlete collaborate to find time in their training schedule for the production day. The athlete's agent communicates to the sponsor. The sponsor usually has a separate marketing agency who is leading production (everyone's got an agent ha). 

The production team coordinates with the facilities and shoot locations. Meanwhile the marketing agency is creating the storyboard for the commercial. This is then approved by the sponsor with input from the athlete's agent (hi, that's me).

All of these parties come together to work in harmony for a 6 to 8 hour production day. I love seeing 25-30 professionals who are all experts at their craft working together. Gets me every time I see it.

Over the years, I've distilled my role on production day to three things:

  1. Make sure my client has food;

  2. Make sure my client has ample coffee;

  3. Make sure my client is comfortable during the down time.

These are the only things I can control on production day that will help the result. Outside of that everything else is in the planning and prep work.

These days are a lot of work, but they are also special (to me). They represent months of hard work that go into getting everyone in the same room together. My fellow business owners and salespeople who are reading this all know what that takes.

What I enjoy the most is seeing the pride in the crew's face and body language, knowing that they are working with an Olympian or Paralympian. I see it every time. There's an extra kick in their step. An extra level of focus they bring to the set. 

Being able to have a small part in the Olympics and Paralympics is always something to be proud of. 

Until next week - have a great Wednesday folks! 

Cejih

OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:

  • Our friends at Red Bull are hiring for their athlete marketing teambased out of Chicago! If you or anyone you know is in the greater Chicago area and loves sports (ideally while drinking Red Bull), then there is an exciting role open right now! The Influencer Relationship Manager will lead the Regional team and support the National team in shaping creator strategy in the US. Learn more about this exciting role online now! 
     

  • Are you a writer? Are you a lover of the Olympics? Would you like to combine those passions into one? Look no further than Olympics.com! The team at Olympics.com are seeking passionate writers who are interested in writing about American Olympic hopefuls and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Any interested individuals can review the job posting and apply online today!

P.S. Nervous about missing upcoming news from CG Sports? Follow us on Instagram (@cgsportsco), Facebook (CG Sports Management), and, of course, our weekly newsletter.

Jack Wallace joined the players from the New Jersey Devils and the National Hockey League for some outdoor hockey at the MetLife Stadium! 

Visit Jack's Instagram page to view photos and videos from the day! 

McKenzie Coan and Colleen Young have been named to the 2024 U.S. Paralympics Swimming National team! The roster is comprised of 51 athletes (32 women and 19 men), many of whom competed at either the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships or the 2023 Parapan American Games. 

Click here to read the full announcement from U.S. Paralympics Swimming and to learn more about the athletes named to the National Swimming team! 

Managing Multiple Editing Projects

In addition to being the editor of our weekly newsletter, I am also the Head Editor for CG Sports Publishing. It’s honestly one of the coolest gigs one could ask for because I get paid to read books, write about sports, and help people achieve their dreams of publishing a book.

2024 is going to be a bangin’ year for CG Sports Publishing with 7 books currently projected to be released. This means that I sometimes have multiple books in the queue to work on and, since editing is more than just a one-and-done read, there are a few things I need to do to stay organized:

  • I create timelines. This starts with the full team (client included) working backwards from a goal publishing date and is super crucial. Timelines ensure that all of the team has the necessary time with the book without being rushed. After I receive a manuscript and the team has created a goal publishing date, I can then create my editing timeline (typically 6-8 weeks minimum). This editing specific timeline allows for the following: time to read the manuscript multiple times and dive into the nitty gritty of the details, send editing suggestions/feedback to the client, meet with the client, and more.

    Note: timelines can and do change. Putting forth the best product that the client loves is the most important thing.

  • I block out reading time in my schedule. Books are not edited in a day and editing a book for structure, clarity, and more requires a lot of active reading. Each manuscript that passes through my desk is read multiple times, which is why the editing timeline is a 6-8 week minimum. This includes time for multiple reads, but also meetings with the client to discuss edits and time for the client to approve edits and/or add to areas that may need revision.

  • I am addicted to sticky notes. Yep, I’m that person. (Don’t believe me? Ask Cejih about our last CG Sports Publishing summit sometime.) And while owning 5+ colors of sticky notes may seem chaotic, it is ridiculously helpful in keeping notes for multiple manuscripts organized (hello, color coordination)!

The next time you find yourself with multiple projects, I highly suggest you do the following: Pause; clarify the timeline you have to work with; create a system that helps you work; and then crush it.

Welcome to CG Sports Brand Camp Dare Rose!

@d_rose1000 has been swimming since he was a toddler and now has many achievements to be proud of! He has represented the USA at World Championships, won medals, and currently competes in the NCAA at UC Berkeley. 

We are so excited to work with Dare to create his brand!

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Champion's Mojo, Episode #248: "World Champion Angela Staab: It's Not How Old You Are, It's How You Are Old!" 

Meet Angela Staab, the octogenarian dynamo whose running shoes have blazed a trail through the world of track and field, capturing 16 national titles after lacing up for the first time at the tender age of 57. Her zest for life and competition has not only shattered records but preconceptions about what it means to grow older with gusto. In our conversation, Angela opens up about her late bloom into athletic prowess fueled by her daughters' encouragement and a desire to live life to the fullest. Her tale is peppered with milestones, like that unforgettable marathon alongside Mickey Mouse, and brimming with wisdom on how to approach each day with vitality and verve.

Angela's narrative isn't simply one of physical triumph; it's a masterclass in the art of defying odds and the alchemy of motivation, grit, and unwavering support from those we hold dear. She shares insights into overcoming health hurdles such as hypothyroidism and her philosophy that incremental gains are the building blocks of monumental success. It's more than a story of running—it's a lesson in living, punctuated by a mantra that will have you rethinking the possibilities of your golden years: "It's not how old you are but how you are old." Join us for this episode that does more than just inspire—it invigorates the soul and prompts a renaissance of the spirit, demonstrating that true greatness knows no age limit.

Catch up on EVERY episode at ChampionsMojo.com.

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