Colorado University Athletics
First Episode Of 'Forward' Released
September 03, 2015 | Football
HONOLULU — Colorado football fans anxious for tonight's season debut of the Buffaloes will have a little extra inspiration if desired: tonight will also mark the season debut of "Forward," the latest production of the CU Sports Video department.
"Forward" will be a season-long series that chronicles the progress of the 2015 Buffs. The season debut opens with historical perspective that chronicles some of Colorado's most successful years, then quickly blends into the present — an era when the program aims to recapture some of that glory.
CU Sports Video director Jamie Guy and assistant director John Snelson have been given virtually unlimited access to the team for the series, resulting in behind-the-scenes footage that provides an inside look seldom — if ever — seen by the public.
"I think it tells the story through the eyes of the players and coaches," Guy said. "That's what we're aiming for, is to give people a perspective that they usually wouldn't have the chance to see."
The series debut includes narration from former Buff Lawrence Vickers and interviews with local media personalities, but is truly brought to life by interviews with current players and coaches, as well as tightly angled shots from training camp that put the viewer literally in the middle of the action.
The idea, Snelson said earlier in camp, is to produce regular episodes that will be more than just highlights.
"We want it to be about the team and the season," Snelson said. "We want to show people what a season looks like through the eyes of the guys who are playing and the coaches."
The Sports Video department has won two Heartland Emmys for previous works, "Seasons" and "Forever."
"Forward," however, will include an undetermined number of episodes over the course of the season. Guy and Snelson have not established a set number, as they want the series to "flow" with the season.
"If we need to produce one after a big win, we'll get it out in a few days," Guy said. "If we have a period where it would make more sense to wait and build up over the span of a week or two, we have the option of doing that."
The first episode was screened to the team earlier this week in Hawai'i. It is being made available to the public on the evening of the Buffs' season opener, and future episodes will continue to be posted on CUBuffs.com.
