My Dream Team

I arrived at Forsyth Barr Stadium with a camera, a charged battery, and no rugby boots. My whole life I’d dreamed of being a Highlanders team member. I just never thought it would be as the media guy. But that couldn’t wipe the gigantic grin off my face. I learned fast that eighty minutes disappears fast in the content world. The game never stops to get the shot, so neither could I.

I dashed down the sidelines, danced with fans, waved plenty of flags, and earned my space in the Zoo. Once the Zoo fans felt I was one of them, the footage leveled up. I could get close, catch raw emotion, and stitch those moments into quick pre-edits. Film, dump, export, upload all before the final whistle blew. I tightened my workflow, labeled hard, backed up fast, and kept a spare battery on me at all times.

With every match, it got smoother. Reps and consistency beat nerves every time. I built relationships with sponsors who I produced for, and with players and staff whose friendships hold true today.

I got to be a part of my dream team.