Rising Star in Live Sports Production: Makena Arteaga
The Future of Live Sports Production
The live sports video industry is witnessing an exhilarating transformation, with aspiring talent stepping in to shape its future. With a focus on the next generation of professionals, SVG’s Students To Watch series highlights individuals making waves in sports-video production across the nation. From operating cameras to leading broadcasts, students are increasingly integral to bringing live sports experiences to fans.
Meet Makena Arteaga
Background and Education
Makena Arteaga is a first-year master’s student at the University of Southern California (USC Annenberg), hailing from Westlake Village, CA. With roles that encompass directing, producing, and on-air presenting, her journey into sports production has been both passionate and expansive.
Discovering the Passion for Live Sports Production
Arteaga’s affinity for sports was kindled early on, attending L.A. Kings games and participating in various sports throughout her childhood. However, her true passion for live production was ignited the moment she entered USC’s Galen Center control room, where she was captivated by the high standards of production quality. Initially intending to focus solely on on-air roles, an unexpected opportunity prompted her to embrace directing—a leap that transformed her career trajectory. After shadowing a game, she directed her first Big Ten broadcast less than 24 hours later, marking the start of her dynamic role in live sports media.
Key Moments in Her Journey
One of Arteaga’s significant realizations came during her first directing experience. She felt an immediate sense of belonging as she juggled various responsibilities, likening the experience to solving a fast-moving puzzle in real time. Additionally, working as a color analyst for USC women’s soccer on ESPN+ deepened her understanding of the sport, allowing her to convey its intricacies to audiences.
Memorable Projects
One standout experience for Arteaga occurred during an unexpected MPSF water-polo tournament hosted by USC. Over two intense days, she color-commentated on eight games while also managing her commitments to volleyball matches. The challenges of maintaining high energy and accuracy during such an exhausting schedule affirmed her dedication to the field.
Balancing Academics and Live Production
Despite her fervor for live sports production, Arteaga acknowledges the challenges of balancing her academic responsibilities with high professional standards. As an analyst, she invests considerable time researching and preparing for each game, often dedicating more hours to this than her classwork. The demanding schedule—comprising classes, writing for Annenberg, and directing multiple broadcasts—has compelled her to hone her organizational skills and has greatly accelerated her growth as a journalist.
Future Aspirations in Sports Broadcasting
Looking ahead, Arteaga aspires to become a multifaceted sports broadcaster, focusing on roles such as color analyst and sideline reporter, while also remaining involved in behind-the-scenes production work. Her long-term goal centers on establishing herself as a trusted voice in sports journalism, contributing to storytelling and coverage quality, ideally within California, possibly for one of her favorite teams.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
For students entering the field, Arteaga emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges rather than fearing them. She encourages newcomers to remain open to learning, work diligently, and take on opportunities even when feeling unprepared. The keys to standing out lie in preparation, hard work, and trusting that long nights and packed schedules will ultimately lead to fulfilling careers in the sports industry.
For further insights into innovative sports production and student success stories, explore SVG’s extensive archives. If you oversee video production at a college athletic department and aim to spotlight standout students, contact SVG Director of Digital Brandon Costa to recommend a candidate for future features.
