Students Find Success Through Varsity Production Team
The Saints Varsity Esports Production Team has elevated not only the production value of Saints broadcasts, but also their career opportunities both behind the scenes and live on camera.
Honing their skills as first-year students in the Esports Administration and Entrepreneurship Program, five students displayed ample prowess in broadcasting, sound mixing, in-game observing, asset creation and live commentary. These students leveraged those skills into forming the St. Clair Saints first-ever Varsity Production Team, complete with scholarships.
The group, consisting of Nicholas Tesolin, Preston Calcutt, Daniel Menna, Colin Moore and Michael Di Giovanni, went on to overhaul how the Saints streamed their varsity matches on Twitch. Improving production value under Production Manager Daniel Banner, the group broadcast nearly every Saints match of the season along with implementing new features such as live replays, pre- and post-match segments, picture-in-picture and more.
“It was awesome being able to lead a production team like this. They have shown that you don’t need to be a player to earn a scholarship and be part of the Saints,” said Banner. “They are a great inspiration for those looking to get involved on the broadcasting side of esports here at St. Clair College.”
Continuing to improve their skills under Esports Broadcast Professor David Rabinovitch, the group found opportunities and gained recognition through the Upsurge Premier League.Through Upsurge, they were given the chance to broadcast and commentate several matches including Rainbow 6 Siege and League of Legends featuring academy teams from powerhouse esports organizations including 100 Thieves.
"They have taken their teachings within the classroom, and catapulted themselves at lightning speed into the industry. It is not only what they know, but their work ethic that continues to drive their success. Not only am I proud of what they have accomplished, I am proud of the direction they are headed and have no doubt they will be broadcasting to thousands before their diploma is finished," said Rabinovitch.
Following their first year in the program, the group has worked on a number of projects individually, and as a group. Calcutt, Di Giovanni and Tesolin have focused on broadcasting and observing for organizations such as eFuse, Collegiate R6, Team Liquid, Risen Esports and Waves Gaming. Most recently, they were involved in broadcasting the PAX Arena VALORANT Invitational to over 4,500 live viewers. Moore has been commentating Call Of Duty and Overwatch for Nerd St. Gamers, College COD League and GLGaming Lounges. While Menna has found casting and voice-over opportunities with Team Liquid, Team SoloMid, and more.
If you are interested in being a part of the Saints Varsity Esports Production Team, Contact Dan Banner on Discord: Danners#1338.