Indiana University Athletics, IU Radio/TV Services and The Media School have joined forces to create a new IU Athletics-housed, sports-centered video production entity called Cream and Crimson Studios.
According to an IU release, the goal is to improve the video board shows and live event streams of IU Athletics' varsity sports programs while also creating real-world broadcasting opportunities for Indiana University students.
"IU Radio/TV Services has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to share the amazing things that our student-athletes and programs are doing with Hoosier fans all around the world," said IU vice president and director of athletics Scott Dolson. "Now, that goes to a whole new level with the introduction of Cream and Crimson Studios. I'm incredibly excited for this new venture."
While Cream and Crimson Studios is new, IU Athletics' relationship with IU Radio/TV Services is not, according to the release. The two departments have extensive experience collaborating in this space, as IU Athletics has contracted with Radio/TV Services in past years on more than 150 events on an annual basis.
"While that made IU Athletics the biggest client for Radio/TV Services, the relationship didn't include Radio/TV Services staff members who were singularly focused on the needs of IU Athletics," the release stated. "That all changes now, as seven Radio/TV Services staff members will form a new unit within The Media School, embedded in IU Athletics to focus all their attention on the IU sports realm."
The Cream and Crimson Studios staff will be housed in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, in a newly-remodeled, westside space that is conveniently located next to the Mark Cuban Center for Sports Media and Technology. Senior associate athletic director Jeremy Gray is the senior manager in charge of the new space, while assistant director of video aervices Dani Malakoff will assist with Cream and Crimson Studios' day-to-day operations. Malakoff is a three-time Emmy Award winner who has extensive video board show experience from multiple intercollegiate athletic departments.
The Cream and Crimson Studio staff will continue to work extensively with Media School students, who will be able to get the type of real-world, live broadcast experience that will prepare them well for professional opportunities after they graduate. the release stated.
"This partnership opens even more doors for Media School students to gain hands-on sports media experience on the national stage," said Media School dean David Tolchinsky. "By leveraging the talent and expertise of the Cream and Crimson Studios professionals and the unbeatable energy of IU Athletics, we're creating experiential and career preparation opportunities students won't find anywhere else."
"Our partnership with IU Athletics is something truly special," said IU Radio/TV Services director of media productions Kevon Wilson. "I am excited to build on this collaboration by enhancing the in-venue experience, expanding our Big Ten Plus livestream offerings, and showcasing the incredible stories of the Indiana Hoosiers. At the same time, we're committed to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for future careers in live production and storytelling. This partnership continues to showcase our shared dedication to delivering outstanding experiences for our community and creating valuable opportunities for students."
In addition to enabling IU to expand the number of live broadcasts that it airs over B1G+ in future years, this new partnership will also create the opportunity to dramatically improve the live game entertainment that Hoosier fans enjoy when they see IU programs in person in Bloomington. The IU Athletics facilities where Cream and Crimson Studios will operate the video boards are: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall (men's and women's basketball), Memorial Stadium (football), Wilkinson Hall (volleyball and wrestling), Bart Kaufman Field (baseball), Andy Mohr Field (softball), Counsilman-Billingsley Aquatics Center (men's and women's swimming and diving, and water polo), Bill Armstrong Stadium (men's and women's soccer), Harry Gladstein Fieldhouse (men's and women's indoor track and field), and the Robert C. Haugh Complex (men's and women's outdoor track and field).
