GoPro : Getting the Shot with USA TODAY Network and GoPro Fusion Getting the Shot with USA TODAY Network and GoPro Fusion

words by David Hamlin, executive producer, VRtually There
When NASCAR and USA TODAY NETWORK 's VR series VRtually There agreed to work together, there was no doubt the GoPro Fusion was the perfect camera to get us to the finish line. This VR production presented a unique challenge to the production team: we were invited to document the Pocono Overton's 400 and focus on Kyle Larson's team as they arrive, prepare and compete at this unique venue.

NASCAR and Kyle's Team #42 gave the USA TODAY NETWORK production team complete access throughout Race Week: from the hauler truck arrival to the garage to pit road to Victory Lane, the team was offered every camera vantage point you could want. There was a lot of pressure on the team to get it right because of this unique access and the lack of second chances and/or re-takes during a live racing event. Therefore a lot of thought when into our camera choices and GoPro's Fusion was the clear winner.

We needed a small profile camera to rig in tight spaces like race cars, cramped garages and chaotic pit stops. We needed excellent resolution (5.2K) and seamless autostitching. We also wanted slo-mo capability so we could capture the pace and energy of NASCAR and Kyle's team racing at full throttle. When we considered all these issues, only the Fusion offered the versatility and excellence that we needed.