Titus Hill, Executive Producer at Sunset+Vine Productions, has now ventured into the world of chess with the inaugural season of the Global Chess League (GCL).
Known for broadcasting major sporting events like the Cricket and Football World Cup finals, his company is now working with the GCL, treating fans to the fast-paced format of chess.
“With 20 minutes per player and no time increments, the clock is now king,” a visibly excited Hill tells The Bridge.
Describing it as a fresh experience, Hill said, “The level of excitement and anticipation here is palpable.”
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Embracing the challenge of chess
For Hill, GCL has been a refreshing and exciting journey, with the rapid format of the game being particularly thrilling.
“This is my first season working on chess, and I love it. The unique dynamics of the chess league, particularly the fast-paced nature of the time control, have been exciting.”
Hill is impressed with how quickly the players have adapted to the format.
“The time control makes the games exciting, and we’ve had some spectacular match endings, with players trying to play multiple moves with no time left on the clock,” he adds.
The rapid format, combined with the league’s star-studded lineup, has made this a memorable experience for Hill, who was initially only familiar with Magnus Carlsen.
“The only player I knew about before was Magnus Carlsen, so it’s been great to see him in action,” he admits.
One of his favourite moments was watching Carlsen’s clash with Hikaru Nakamura on Day 4, a match that showcased the intensity and brilliance of top-level chess.
“The level of chess played in that match was incredible, watching that match live was a real privilege,” Hill reflects.
The joy of sports production
Hill, who is passionate about sports, has always loved being part of the sports industry.
“If I had been good enough at anything, I would be playing, but being involved in producing sports has allowed me to follow many different games closely.”
Over the years, Hill has worked on broadcasts for prestigious events like the Tour de France, World Championship athletics, and the Commonwealth Games, but GCL stands out for him for its uniqueness.
“It has been exciting to work with a team who are trying to break down barriers and allow more people to understand this wonderful game.”
Hill appreciates the league’s innovative franchise format, which aims to bring chess to a broader audience.
Challenges of broadcasting
Hill, who has been in the sports broadcasting business, acknowledges that it is no easy task, and he knows this better than most.
“No matter how much you plan, things will go wrong at some point,” he says, explaining his approach to managing the inevitable hiccups.
“The best way to handle it is to stay calm. If things go wrong on air, viewers aren’t stupid, they know something happened,” he explains, emphasising that it’s always best to own up to mistakes to gain their trust.
His ability to adapt and communicate effectively has been key to Sunset+Vine’s success in working with GCL.
“We’ve had a great relationship with the GCL team, and it’s been a pleasure working with them. Communication is key, and so far, it has worked well,” he remarks.
A memorable journey with GCL
Although Hill hasn’t had much interaction with the players, his experience with the GCL has deepened his appreciation for chess and its community.
“The other day, I met Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand; he is a true gentleman,” he says, emphasising that the chess world is filled with players who are gentle and kind.
When it comes to his contribution to the league, Hill emphasises that balancing content is essential for engaging everyone.
“All we’ve tried to do is produce coverage in a way that’s accessible to everyone, without being annoying to the super fans,” he explains.
As someone who has covered a wide range of sports, Hill finds the teamwork in GCL unique and fascinating.
“What I love about working in sports is the importance of teamwork, and that’s true for GCL as well. Even though players compete individually, their teams are always there to support them.”
All said and done, GCL has been more than just another project for Hill as it has given him a chance to contribute to something new and exciting in the world of sports broadcasting.
“It’s been a pleasure working with a team that’s trying to do things differently. I hope we’ve produced a great product that brings more people into this wonderful game.”