Pac-12 Networks Timelines Q&A With Associate Producer Frank Martin

Timelines is currently the 12-show package feature from the Pac-12 Networks that looks back at the successes of each conference member last season. We got a chance to talk with one of the producers of the show about the process it took to create this series. (Watch a sample below from Oregon's football season.)

(Thanks to Emily McLaughlin at Pac-12 Networks for setting up this interview!)

Associate Producer Frank Martin was the lead producer over the entire project. He oversaw the creation and production of all twelve shows while he directly controlled Colorado and Utah's highlight shows. Five others created the remaining ten shows: associate producer Colleen Farrell was responsible for the Arizona, Arizona State, and USC episodes; associate producer Justin Nelson spearheaded the Oregon, Oregon State, and UCLA episodes; associate producer Zohra Ziani produced both Stanford and Cal's shows; production assistant Chris Hunt created the Washington State show, and production assistant Kate Rooney directed the Washington episode.

1. How difficult is it to fit a season full of highlights into a half-hour package? How much do you have to cut out to get to these final reels?

Martin: As you know, Pac-12 Networks produced 550 sporting events last year - the majority of those being live - so we had a lot to choose from. You never want to leave a "special" moment out, but our goal was to highlight only the best of the best. It was very difficult selecting what would be featured in each show and unfortunately, that meant some memories were left on the 'cutting room floor,' so to speak.

2. Is it harder to create a program that has a lot of success (since there's not enough space to fill all the footage and there have to be decisions on what to cut), or a program that hasn't seen a lot of success (where it's hard to find enough highlights to fit within a half-hour set)?

Martin: First off, this is the Pac-12 - Conference of Champions! Who are you saying didn't have success last season?? Just kidding.

But every show presents its own set of challenges. For example, a program focusing on a school who won multiple league and NCAA titles, requires a more crisp and concise script than a school who's best moments were limited. The trade off is that those shows give us more opportunity to go 'in depth' and really develop the stories we tell.

3. Which three team-dedicated programs really caught your eye in terms of being the most compelling to watch?

Martin: This is the hardest question so far... All the shows are really good. Our team looked under every rock to find the most compelling stories, so it's hard to pick which ones stood out.

But since you asked, I'd have to say Arizona, ASU and Cal... No, check that... Colorado, Oregon, OSU... Wait! I mean Stanford, UCLA and USC... Or was it Utah, Washington and WSU??? You know what, I can't remember. I'll have to get back to you.

4. If there was a moment you most remember about this Pac-12 season, what would it be and why?

Martin: It would have to be August 15, 2012, our launch and first broadcast. I know that sounds self serving, but I grew up as a fan of this conference. To see a network dedicated to the team(s) I love rooting for and against was very exciting (and long overdue). To be a part of its launch made the moment even more special.

5. What are the moments that really were underrated or cool to pick out for these year-in-review highlight packages?

Martin: How much space do we have? There were a lot. Some of my favorites include, the OT ending in the Apple Cup, Colorado's comeback at the NCAA Ski Championships, how the Territorial Cup was decided and Yovan Vavic coaching both his son and daughter to NCAA water polo titles.

Timelines should air regularly on the Pac-12 Network.