Why are Party TV Events always so poorly done?

You would think that the largest online site would make some decent broadcasts of their events, but they are always awful.

First they had those european events with the 6 man tables that were like watching paint dry. Now they have the Canadian Poker Championship (not certain in what respect this is Canadian) and it is brutal. I couldn't watch the entire show. To get through this production I have to watch some ugly chick riding on a bus and kissing a dolphin for a few minutes (I assume an attempt at local colour -- look, here's a tourist doing touristy things). I have to suffer through some awful visuals -- scrolling text on the bottom of the screen, 1/3 of the screen covered to make it look futuristic (I suppose), board cards showing on the computerized graphics before being seen live on the board. Even worse is the audio -- can't even hear what the players are saying, all you can hear are the commentators telling you what the players just said -- which makes the computerized graphics all the more distracting.

I have to assume that Party has no stake in the TV revenue for these events or they would put some more effort into them. In comparison, as a viewer, I though that the Stars EPT events were very well done.

Comments

  • While I agree that the show has its problems, I for one love Dave Scharf's commentary. I've talked to quite a few people about it, and the concensus is that love the show or hate the show, Dave is doing a fantastic job.
  • I agree with GTA. THe show looks awful. Dave's is doing a great job but it is hard to ignore all of the other bad aspects.
  • Didn't mean to slight Dave's efforts, he is doing a good job, but the show is awful.

    Can anyone tell me it what respect this is a Canadian event?
  • There's a Canadian host.
  • but there's no Igloo or beavers ?
  • I have to agree with the production quality of that event. They couldn't even bother to clean the place up. If you look in the background of the shots you can see piles of follded up tables and chairs.
  • but there's no Igloo or beavers ?

    Technically, Dave counts as a beaver.

    It's on tomorrow at 1pm (I think, maybe 2pm) on Global.  Those who haven't seen it should check it out, and those who have should give it another shot.  I expect that it will improve every week.
  • all_aces wrote:
    but there's no Igloo or beavers ?

    Technically, Dave counts as a beaver.

    It's on tomorrow at 1pm (I think, maybe 2pm) on Global.  Those who haven't seen it should check it out, and those who have should give it another shot.  I expect that it will improve every week.
    lol

    i've seen both episodes thus far

    WSOP TOC is on TSN tomorrow 3/19 :D


  • WSOP TOC is on TSN tomorrow 3/19 :D

    WSOP TOC is pretty entertaining. Especially if you like Matusow and Hellmuth at the same table.
  • huh, I did not mind it. Poker on television, any poker, is fine with me no matter the quality, I just use it to learn.
  • I saw one of the CPC episodes today. Dave, you were beautiful.

    The audio and video of the players was terrible. Next time, take ol' DEVO with you. Why were the players miked if the audio wasn't used?

    I kinda liked the graphics. They were useful but took up a bit too much of the screen. The running ticker at the bottom - I could do without that.
  • DEVO woulda shot the shit outta that show.

    That ticker bugs me too. It's like you can either listen to Dave or read the ticker. You can't do both. Also, it moves too slow. Also, when they're going to cut away from the "ticker" screen, they should plan it so the ticker is finished its "thought" instead of cutting away mid-sentence.
  • I only caught a few minutes of it here and there... It was refreshing to have a host that knows poker talking about the hands. Dave mentioning the remaining outs etc.
    I think if he had a side kick that didn't know shit about poker it would have been better. :)
  • I appreciatte everyone's comments. There are problems, to be sure.

    The biggest (mentioned by several) is the player audio. It should be possible to juice the audio for the players. I can hear it clearly when I am voicing my portions. This has bugged me too. I will pass long the comments from this thread to the director/producer.

    Episode 4 (this weekend) sets up some interesting drama for a future episode. Pay close attention to Webber Kang's play.
  • Hey Dave,

    I agree with some of the criticisms of others, but agree that you have done a great job commentating the CPC.  I agree the audio stinks.  Are these guys all boring or can you just not hear them?  That isralia guy from the first episode was hillarious and that kid from Detroit seemed like he had a personality.  Other than that the players and poker play itself has been mediorce at best.  I'll watch any type of poker though.  Are any of the players shown people that make it to the final table?

    Glen
  • Yes, some final table players have been at the feature table.

    Everything you have seen so far is from the first day in the Bahamas.

    There is very little interesting "player audio" but there is some. It is, of course, no good if you can't hear it.

    Oh... and for the record, the CPC girls were hot contrary to GTA Poker.
  • Hey Dave,

    In what form is this event Canadian?

    Just wanted to reiterate that you are doing a great job, just other areas of the production are lacking.
  • Promoted on Canadian tv prior to the event.

    Canadian production crew, etc.

    Airing on Canadian TV.

    That's about it, really. Being in the Bahamas made it possible to deliver for the sponsor "Party Poker." I do not think it is possible to put "poker.com" on the table felt at a Canadian casino.

    I am trying to deliver some Canadian content in the show. Your point is, however, valid. In fact, the field was 20% Canadian.
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