Meet the Team: Spencer Raymond

To start us off, tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into sports production, and how you came to join the Studios team at IMG. 

I’ll never forget the first time I was in a TV truck. Hearing the director count down gave me goosebumps, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do. In high school, I produced live streams of my school’s football and basketball games before attending Syracuse University, where I majored in Broadcast Journalism. I got my freelance start as a utility for ESPN Big East football and basketball. Later, I spent time working on air at local public radio stations. 

Career highlights along the way include on-site work at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. When I got the call to join IMG’s MLS production team, I didn’t hesitate. I already knew some of the team and jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. 

You’re part of the Studios team delivering broadcast and production for MLS on Apple TV. What role does the team play in bringing the league to fans each week? 

We’re primarily responsible for ensuring crews are properly positioned and able to carry out their respective duties for up to 15 matches per matchday across 30 MLS markets in North America. That means overseeing large-scale staffing, scheduling and operational execution across an entire league, week after week. 

Our team ensures each match broadcast runs smoothly and tells a compelling story. We take pride in deploying some of the best producers, directors, associate producers, assistant directors, and production coordinators in the country within defined budgets and tight timelines. 

It’s truly a team effort within our Match Department. Dozens and dozens of freelancers rely on us to set clear expectations, maintain production standards, and make real-time decisions in service of MLS’s and Apple’s broadcast goals, balancing quality, resources and logistics. That work directly shapes the fan experience, whether viewers are watching at home or on the go. 

MLS’s partnership with Apple has raised the bar for consistency and production quality across an entire league. From your perspective, what goes into maintaining that standard across a full season of live matches? 

Consistency is key, and for us that starts with people. When the same core crews can work together week after week, the shows get better. Teams build chemistry, learn each other’s rhythms, and improve with every match.  

At the same time, resources aren’t unlimited. That means making the most of what’s available, whether it’s the number of cameras on a show or the overall footprint of a production. Our crews do a fantastic job telling the story of the match using the tools at hand, and that consistent pursuit of excellence is what sets our productions apart. From the Production Management side, we do everything we can to support and enable that success. 

Working with a global, digital-first platform like Apple TV comes with different expectations to traditional broadcast. What have been some of the most interesting challenges or learnings from producing in that environment? 

Apple sets a very high bar, and that’s immediately evident in their commitment to 1080p production, which distinguishes streaming from the traditional 720p standard on linear cable. Practically speaking, that means cleaner sets, cleaner lenses, and a much higher level of attention to detail. 

Streaming also creates opportunities for new and innovative sponsored elements and in-app features that simply aren’t possible in traditional broadcast. We’ve had to learn to adapt quickly, and our crews have been outstanding in delivering on both MLS’s and Apple’s evolving expectations. 

Is there a particular moment, match or achievement from the MLS production that stands out as a personal highlight so far? 

I have two. Working on-site for Lionel Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami was an absolute career highlight. I don’t think any American sports fan can fully understand the “Messi Effect” until they experience firsthand the atmosphere and intensity his presence creates. All eyes were on our broadcasts that first summer in 2023, and it was a privilege to be part of those shows. 

Secondly, I once had the opportunity to drive some of our on-air talent in a police-escorted motorcade after a match. Zipping down the highway between two police cars is an experience I’ll never forget! 

Projects at this scale rely heavily on collaboration. How do teams across production, technical, editorial and operations work together to ensure everything runs smoothly on matchday? 

We’re all in this together, and collaboration is foundational to making a project of this scale work. We partner closely with NEP, along with a wide range of local and national crewing companies, to staff matches consistently across the league. Part of our role is aligning all of those groups around shared standards, clear communication and realistic execution plans. Everyone double-checks everyone, and there truly are no dumb questions. 

That openness matters when you’re producing more than 600 matches across 30 cities in North America. At any moment, I can pick up the phone to resolve an issue, confirm a detail, or adjust a plan, and that trust and clarity across teams is what keeps matchdays running smoothly. 

Looking beyond MLS specifically, what trends or innovations in live sports production are you most excited by right now? 

I love asking the question, “Where haven’t we put a camera before?” Audiences want the familiar, but they also want to see the game from new perspectives. Even subtle changes in camera placement can create real “wow” moments. 

The introduction of the Ref Cam is especially exciting. In recent tests, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It offers such a compelling, immersive view of the game. I’m also excited about 4K broadcasts, which are stunning visually, and I hope to see them become more common. 

That said, I don’t believe AI is necessarily the answer for top-tier sports production. It can certainly help in specific ways, but we still need humans to feel the game and translate emotion, context and storytelling into television for fans. 

Has anything you’ve worked on recently changed the way you think about storytelling, technology or the fan viewing experience? 

REMI (Remote Integration Model) technology has matured significantly, particularly in reducing latency and improving reliability. At this point, most fans would never know whether a match is produced remotely or on-site, and that’s a testament to how far the tools and workflows have come. 

From a production leadership standpoint, the key is being thoughtful about where REMI adds value and where on-site presence still matters. Used responsibly, these efficiencies can lower costs and expand access, allowing more matches and more leagues to get on the air. That creates meaningful opportunities for minor league, college and high school sports that may not otherwise have the resources for traditional broadcasts. 

Our job is to balance innovation with quality, sustainability and human storytelling, to continue serving fans with the best possible viewing experience. 

From your vantage point in Studios, how do you see the role of production teams evolving as fan expectations continue to grow? 

It’s no longer enough to simply meet fans where they are. Everyone is overwhelmed with notifications, apps and subscription options. The role of production teams is to cut through that noise by delivering consistently excellent content. Content that earns loyalty and rewards repeat viewing. That means strong storytelling, thoughtful presentation and production decisions that respect both the sport and the audience. When we do that well, fans don’t just show up once, they keep coming back. 

For someone looking to build a career in sports production or broadcast coordination, what advice would you give based on your own experience? 

Work as much as you can, in as many roles as possible. Start as a utility and learn the fundamentals, like how to properly over-under a cable. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty. Ask questions! People in a truck are almost always happy to explain what they do. 

It’s not only about the big leagues. Find your local community access station, church broadcast or school studio and start getting reps. That experience is invaluable. Be kind to everyone, work hard and never be afraid to ask for a raise. 

Quickfire 

Favorite MLS moment? Messi’s debut match for Inter Miami 

Go-to pre-match meal? Biscuits and gravy  

Most listened to song on your playlist? “Over Your Shoulder” by Chromeo