In an interview with CTSCC intern Claire Walla, producer Ian McFadden explains what it takes to make a good sports show.  From filming all of the action courtside, poolside or on the field, to sitting infront of a computer screen in the CTSCC editing room, McFadden has managed to get his dream up and running, and on TV. 

CTSCC: What motivated you to start your show, “Preps… with Julie Jag”?

Ian McFadden: I wanted to introduce Santa Cruz County to some of its star athletes. I’ve seen high school sports on TV, but they hardly ever talk about Santa Cruz sports.
Especially watching my daughter do sports and school at the same time—that was one motivation for me to do the show. High school athletes ought to get recognition for the effort they put into it.

CTSCC: You are heavily involved with producing the show, but Julie Jag—sports writer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel—is the on-camera host. How did you two get involved?

IM: I wanted a woman sports writer because I was concerned that a man would be talking football the whole time. (laughs) I’m being a little facetious.
So I emailed her and said, “This is my idea I’d like to talk to you.”
I thought she would think, “Who is this kook?” But she liked the idea, and I think she’s really enjoying working on the show.

CTSCC: What can viewers expect when they tune in to an episode of “Preps”?

IM: We try to get at least one coach and one player on the show, and at the end each individual player will get introduced. Julie likes to discuss the team’s season and how the leagues are structured. She also likes to talk to individual players and ask what their role is on the team.
But three to five minute highlights really make the show. Now it’s softball and baseball season and there’s not a lot of scoring, which is not great for highlights. So spring sports are proving to be really difficult.

CTSCC: What’s been the hardest part of producing a show?

IM: It’s a lot of work. But people who were in my orientation class will tell you, I was thinking about doing the show from the very beginning.
Sometimes I take time off from work to go film games because there’s no one else available and I don’t want to use just anybody.
I actually like doing it, but it helps to really like sports. I can’t just get anybody to help with the show, I’ve gotta get someone who knows the game.

CTSCC: What’s your advice for those who want to start shows of their own?

IM: My best advice is for people to crew on other people’s shows, and see how other people put it together. Having a good crew with good chemistry is almost the most important thing. I have a very good crew and I appreciate them a lot; it’s not possible without them.