Interview: Vizrt’s head of sport on skills development and the role of the Viz Libero certification programme

Vizrt is offering a free version of Viz Libero, its leading sports analysis tool, alongside a new operator certification programme. Head of sport Andrew O’Neil explains all about the initiative including its aims to make industry-grade tools and expertise more accessible to freelancers, students, and professionals and what the certification process entails.

SVG Europe: Tell us a bit more about what was behind the decision to offer a free version of Viz Libero and why this is needed in the industry.

Andrew O’Neil: Viz Libero is a leading sports analysis tool, used by many sports broadcasters, leagues, partners, and productions all over the world. Its usage is far and wide, but often, operators need to be working for these groups to gain access to the tool – and this is the motivation behind developing Viz Libero Free, the desire to make sports analysis more accessible than ever. This way, freelancers, operators between jobs, or even simply those interested in sports analysis can learn and sharpen their skills.

This is a competitive and difficult industry to enter without the right skills, and it’s important to help level the playing field, so the best talent can develop and bring innovation to sports broadcasting.

How will certification add to this offering and why is it needed?

The Viz Libero Operator Certification programme makes it simple for operators to ensure their level of expertise, testing their skills against the needs of the market. It can save broadcasters time in the hiring process as well, as it expands the community of operators, allowing broadcasters to use the analysis tools and scale faster.

What does the certification process look like?

The certification is obtained after taking an exam, which is strongly recommended to be taken after successfully completing either the Viz Libero Basic or Advanced operation courses. While the courses are free, the exam requires a fee, and anyone can take part.

The exam consists of questions and assignments, with each assignment including a final output video as a reference for what the learner needs to recreate. The learner will be graded in both their methods and efficiency in delivering the assignment. Viz Libero Free can be used to obtain the certification – an accessible option for those not able to practice in a fully licensed Viz Libero.

Who do you expect to gain certification and what benefits will it offer them?

Because the talent in the industry goes far and wide, the Viz Libero Operator Certification programme is a comprehensive assessment designed for professionals, coaches, freelancers and students, or in-house operators seeking to validate their expertise in utilising Viz Libero.

A certification provides a certain level of proficiency with the leading sports analysis tool, a benefit for both the operator and the production hiring the talent. It gives talent the security that their skills are recognised and gives productions the security that they are choosing the right professionals necessary for their broadcast.

Is it an ongoing process?

Yes, this is an ongoing process designed to support and ensure talent stays ahead in sports analysis production. The certificates are valid for two years, after which candidates have the opportunity to recertify. Recertification ensures they are always up to date with the latest software advancements, enhancing their skillsets and improving their career prospects.

This approach also allows us to integrate new features and updates into the certification process, keeping skillsets relevant and aligned with the latest advancements in the software. By staying current, the candidates can continue to deliver high-quality productions and maintain their competitive edge, while benefiting from the latest technology advancements, and a streamlined and focused recertification process.

How important is developing this pool of talent for the wider industry?

Developing and supporting the creator community is at the heart of what Vizrt does. Ensuring greater accessibility to an important software like Viz Libero is a key step in professional development – especially since sports broadcasting thrives on innovation that comes from that creative talent. In addition, providing our broadcasters and partners with trained talent they can hire is equally as important to support their productions.