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I am in my tenth year of working for ESPN and the X Games. Much as I like the work and the people, I got a little depressed about the gig this time around. There is no room to move forward, because I fill a niche that the production team seems to value. I am considered a Stage Manager, but work through the people that hire the runners. So I am given respect and props from the director/producer folks, but still herded in with the newbs from time to time. It may all boil down to my life as a whole, but the experience in L.A. was somewhat jaded.

The action and excitement of being on the ground throughout the events at the Staples Center is always thrilling. Monitoring communication and being vigilant for ways to help the production keep my heart rate spiked and senses sharp. Having the athletes performing at their best on the biggest stage amplifies the experience. Details of the days on the job are many - and boring - so I won't even bother.

The shot above is from a quick trip to the Home Depot Center. The cameraman is Mitch Waters who I work with during the winter games. The shot represents my world. I am usually behind the camera helping to pick out the people they are supposed to be shooting. While this isn't my venue, it is a good visual on how I get to witness the games.