Beyond the Camera with Memphis Tigers' Video Coordinator - Darby Dunnagan

Where did you start and why?

I got my start at the University of Virginia under Luke Goldstein.  I was actually a manager for my first two seasons with the Cavaliers.  I really enjoyed working in college athletics but didn’t want to stay as a manager so I went upstairs and asked Luke if he had a spot open for me.  I never looked back.  I spent two and a half years in the video office there and then went to Marshall and was a GA for Brad Helton.  I am very grateful to have worked under two of the best in the business and they both prepared me well to be able to take a head spot right out of grad school.  I am finishing up my fourth season at the University of Memphis and I have no idea what I would be doing if I weren’t in this business.

Favorite part of the job?

One of my favorite parts of this job is working with students and seeing them really develop and find their own in the video world.  I also really enjoy being part of a team.  I know at the end of the day I did everything I could do to make my team better prepared.  Besides, who wouldn’t want to be paid to watch football all day!      

Least favorite part of the job?

Last minute requests and the Memphis heat during fall camp.

Best changes you’ve seen happen?

I think internet exchange has been one of the best changes that has happened in the sports video world since I have been a part of it.  P2 technology has also changed our workflow for the better.

Favorite memory from a CSVA convention

My favorite night of the convention each year is the awards night.  Not everyone who sees highlight tapes understands the work that goes into them and it’s nice for people to show their video to those who understand.  I also think it’s great to recognize the conference and national video coordinator award winners.  This is often a thankless job and to be recognized by your peers is important.

Most interesting moment from a CSVA convention

I don’t think it’s appropriate for this Q&A session.  Let’s just say job offers come at strange times and places during the convention.  

Best thing about CSVA convention

It’s great to finally put names to faces and meet new people who do the same thing you do day in and day out.  I also think it is a tremendously helpful convention for new/young video coordinators to go to.  The training sessions and round table discussions are invaluable to our day to day tasks in the office and on the field.  Every convention I have gone to I have walked away from as a better video coordinator.      

Video Staff Moto?

Video coordinate like a champion today!

Do you recommend joining CSVA and why?

I think it is very important for all video coordinators and others associated with team video to join CSVA.  These are your counterparts at other schools and I think it is vital to form relationships with them for many reasons.  As such a small group we work together constantly and we can only get better as we learn from each other.  CSVA gives you the opportunity to meet other VCs and also offers a platform to exchange ideas and discuss shared issues.

What sports are you responsible for?

My office handles all football video responsibilities.  In addition we are responsible for men’s and women’s soccer and women’s basketball game film.  We shoot and produce highlights for all 19 sports teams here at the University of Memphis.  We also webstream all major sporting competitions that are not televised and play an integral part in populating our athletic website with videos and coaches’ shows.  

What would you recommend to anyone trying to get into this business?

A psychological exam.  Really though, I would recommend that they understand what they are signing up for and that it’s really something they want to do.  There are many sacrifices made when making a commitment to this job and if you are able to get past those sacrifices the rewards of the job are even stronger.