Empowering Women Behind the Camera
In sports production - whether it's independent professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, boxing, or live-streamed athletic events - the energy behind the camera is just as crucial as the action inside the ring or cage. But for decades, that energy has overwhelmingly come from male-dominated crews. From ringside camera operators to graphics technicians to live switch directors, the sports-production world has traditionally been built around networks, mentorship pipelines, and work environments that have not always been accessible to women or minorities.
At Sidekick Media Services, we believe in changing that - not through tokenism or quotas, but through genuine opportunity, skill development, mentorship, and leadership cultivation. We have seen firsthand the transformative power that comes from providing women with hands-on training, real-world experience, and a seat at the production table. And over the last several years, it has become one of the hallmarks of our work in the sports-production industry.
Our production team at Big League Pro Wrestling: Emily Doyle (camera), Missy Sorg (live switch), Katie Dudas (audio)
Today, women are operating ringside cameras at independent wrestling events. Women are managing audio feeds, building graphics packages, running live streaming operations, and directing multi-camera broadcasts in the moment. They’re doing it with confidence, excellence, and professionalism - not because we decided women should be in those roles, but because we invested in the environment that allows them to thrive in them.
Why Representation in Sports Production Matters
Sports production is a demanding and dynamic field. Live shows have no pause button. Ringside camera operators are only inches from the action. Audio engineers must react instantly to levels. Streaming technicians must diagnose issues in seconds. Live directors call camera shots in real time with precision and instinct.
These roles require skill, presence, and grit.
Representation matters not because it checks a box, but because it opens the door for talent that has historically been overlooked or under-supported. When women see other women working cameras at a wrestling show, or running audio for a combat-sports broadcast, or directing a switch for a fast-paced event, it sends a clear message:
You belong here. You can do this. Your skill matters. Your contribution is valued.
Women at the Front Lines of the Action: Ringside Camera Operators
Independent wrestling presents a uniquely challenging production environment. Camera operators must be fast, responsive, and comfortable navigating the unpredictable chaos that can unfold only feet away. It’s physically demanding. It requires intuition for timing and storytelling. And it is often one of the first roles where new team members either flourish or fade.
Our women camera operators put in the work - and it shows. They hustle at ringside, track fast-moving action, anticipate spots, protect themselves, and still land the shot. They collaborate with our directors, communicate with talent, and help shape the visual narrative of every match.
These aren’t “women’s roles.” These aren’t “women’s matches.” These are skilled camera operators working in one of the most demanding technical environments in live entertainment.
Their presence is not symbolic; it is professional. They lead by example, demonstrating to younger trainees -and especially to women beginning their production journey - that mastering ringside camera operation is absolutely within reach.
Behind the Scenes: Women in Audio, Graphics, Streaming, and Live Direction
While ringside is the most visible part of our live-event work, sports production extends far beyond the camera. Women on our teams are also excelling in the technical backbone of our broadcasts backstage.
They manage microphones, mix commentary, troubleshoot equipment, and maintain consistent audio presence throughout the broadcast - a task far more complex than simply adjusting volume levels. Audio can make or break a show, and our audio engineers perform with the professional calm and problem-solving instincts the role demands.
The same goes for our graphics operators. They do more than press buttons. They interpret the flow of the show, anticipate segments, and ensure that every piece of information is accurate and timely.
Streaming technicians oversee and monitor stream health, and solve technical issues under pressure - often while the show is live. This role have been instrumental in our reputation for reliability and high-quality live streaming.
Perhaps the most demanding role of any live broadcast: the switch director. This role orchestrates the visual presentation of the event. They choose shots in real time, communicate with camera operators, and maintain the story unfolding on screen.
We are incredibly proud that women on our team have not only stepped into these positions, but excelled in them. Their leadership is shaping our shows, raising our production standards, and mentoring the next generation of technicians - no matter their sex or gender.
It’s Not About Optics - It’s About Opportunity
One misconception that often accompanies conversations around women in technical fields is the fear that organizations might be “staffing women for the sake of staffing women.” That kind of tokenism is not progress— it’s a disservice to everyone involved. At Sidekick Media Services, our commitment is different:
We don’t hire women to fill a quota. We train women to build careers and opportunities.
We do not frame our approach as adversarial to the broader industry, nor as a critique of affirmative-action initiatives. Instead, we focus on cultivating environments where women and minorities have the same access, the same training, and the same opportunities to excel as anyone else in the field. Skill should always speak for itself - but we also recognize that skill must also be nurtured.
Weekly Training Opportunities: Building the Next Generation of Sports-Production Professionals
One of the most exciting aspects of our work at Sidekick Media Services is our partnership with a local independent wrestling promotion to host weekly hands-on training classes. These sessions open the door for anyone interested in sports production to learn from experienced industry professionals and gain real-world practice. Trainees get to:
Learn camera movement, framing, and live-event tracking
Work ringside during practice matches
Participate in live-switch production sessions
Learn audio equipment setup and live-mixing basics
Build and run graphics packages
Understand how live streaming is built, monitored, and corrected
Shadow our directing team
Gain feedback, mentorship, and skill-building guidance
It is truly a hands-on classroom unlike anything you can experience online. Because sports production is a real-time, real-pressure environment, learning must come from real-world practice - not just watching tutorials. We also find that anyone that can flourish in a fast-paced wrestling environment can transition those skills to other production projects.
And because we are committed to widening the pipeline of talent entering this industry, we especially encourage women to get involved. We want our production teams to open doors.
Internships and Growing Career Paths
Sidekick Media Services also offers internship opportunities for those looking to deepen their skills and gain additional experience. Our interns:
Work live events alongside our technical crew
Learn pre-production planning and setup
Operate equipment with guidance from experienced staff
Build professional portfolios
Get credits for real shows—filmography they can show future employers
Receive mentorship to help them transition into paying roles
We believe strongly in lifting people up, not just training them. Several of our now-senior crew members started as trainees or interns. That is the legacy we want to build - opportunity turning into careers, and careers turning into mentorship for others.
If you are interested in live sports production and want a pathway into the industry, we want to hear from you.
Interested in Training or Interning With Us?
If you're someone who loves live events, storytelling, technical problem-solving, or combat sports we encourage you to reach out. Whether you're new to production or already building your experience, we would love to connect.
👉 Visit https://www.sidekickmediaservices.com/contact
👉 Send us a message about training or internship opportunities
👉 Tell us what you'd like to learn - we’ll help you get started
The future of sports production is bright. Sidekick Media Services is proud to be part of that future - one camera, one trainee, and one opportunity at a time.