Hello, welcome to SportsGrad! 👋 

Here you’ll find interviews with (almost) every job in the sports industry.
We ask people living the dream:
“How did you get your job?” and “What does it actually involve?”
So that you can land a dream job in sports too.

Enjoy!

"I wouldn’t change my job for the world. Traveling, working with top athletes, and being part of live sports broadcasts—it’s a dream come true."- Hudson James-Everton

Meet Hudson James, Sports Graphics Operator at Virtual Eye.

Hudson plays a crucial role in bringing sports to life on-screen, providing real-time 3D graphics and animations for major sports broadcasts worldwide. From golf tournaments to international cricket, his work enhances the way fans engage with their favourite events.

With a background in sport and exercise science, Hudson started out as a performance analyst for the Highlanders before making a leap into sports broadcasting. His journey saw him go from interning at Virtual Eye to being flown to America within weeks of joining the team. Now, he’s travelled across the globe, working on high-profile sports events and collaborating with elite athletes.

If you’re someone who loves sport but isn’t sure what career path to take, Hudson’s journey is full of insights. Learn how he transitioned from university to the fast-paced world of sports media, why networking changed his career, and what you can do to stand out in the industry. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work in sports broadcasting—mistakes, long hours, and all!

🔥 Quickfire Questions

1. What inspired you to work in sport? 
   I always wanted to be a professional athlete, but when that dream ended, I found another way to stay in the game.

2. What was your first ever sports-related role? 
   Running the flag at a local footy game, but my first real job was working as a picker packer in a supermarket!
   

3. After high school, what extra study did you do? 
   I completed a degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Otago, then a Master’s in Performance Analysis.
   

4. What’s one interview question you were asked for this job? 
   Funny enough, I never had an interview! I interned at Virtual Eye and just transitioned into the role.
   

5. A book or podcast recommendation that’s helped your career? 
   Atomic Habits by James Clear and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.
   

6. If you could try another job in sport for a day, what would it be? 
   Something in commercial partnerships—I’d love to see how major sporting events land their sponsors.

🔥 Quickfire Journey

1. Early Passion – Wanted to be a professional cricketer but switched to sports science after high school.

2. University Exposure – Studied at Otago and got hands-on experience with high-performance athletes.

3. Internships with the Highlanders – Worked as a performance analyst, gaining critical sports industry knowledge.

4. Discovering Sports Graphics – Attended a Virtual Eye presentation at university and instantly knew it was the right fit.

5. Taking Initiative – Asked for an internship, got trained up, and was on a plane to the US within two weeks.

6. Full-Time Role at Virtual Eye – Now works on global sporting events, creating real-time sports graphics for live broadcasts.

💬 Quotes from Hudson

"I wouldn’t change my job for the world. Traveling, working with top athletes, and being part of live sports broadcasts—it’s a dream come true."

"I started out just loving sport, but now I get to be behind the scenes, shaping how millions of fans experience it."

"From running a flag at local footy games to standing inside the ropes at a PGA Championship—it’s been a wild ride."

"I never imagined my career in sport would take me around the world, but saying yes to every opportunity made it happen."

"In sports broadcasting, you learn fast. When you make a mistake live on air, you never make that mistake twice!"

"Networking isn’t just about getting jobs—it’s about earning trust, building relationships, and opening doors you didn’t even know existed."

"I thought I’d graduate uni and walk straight into a job. Turns out, it’s all about connections and taking every chance you get."

"Working with legends like Michael Hussey and Brian Lara still feels surreal. I used to watch them play—now I get to work with them."

"The best advice I got? Just be yourself. The sports industry is tough, but being authentic and working hard will always set you apart."

"I used to think ‘high performance’ meant being the best. Now I know it’s about consistent improvement, teamwork, and attention to detail."

Career Journey: How did Hudson get here?

Early Passion for Sport

Like many young athletes, Hudson grew up dreaming of playing professional sport. His first love was cricket, and he pursued it competitively through high school. However, as he neared graduation, he realised that a professional playing career wasn’t likely. That turning point led him to explore other ways to stay connected to sport.

University and Discovering Sports Science:

Determined to carve out a career in the industry, Hudson studied Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Otago. A defining moment came when he visited New Zealand’s AET Millennial High Performance Centre, sparking his passion for working with elite athletes. During his studies, he was exposed to high-performance environments, which later became a foundation for his career.

Internships and the Highlanders:

While completing his Master’s in Performance Analysis, Hudson secured an internship with the Highlanders rugby team. Over two years, he worked as an analyst, helping coaches and players assess performances. This hands-on experience reinforced his understanding of sports data and performance technology, but it also made him realise that his true passion lay elsewhere.

Discovering Virtual Eye and Taking Initiative:

Hudson’s career took an unexpected turn when he attended a presentation by Virtual Eye during a university event. Seeing their work in sports graphics fascinated him. Recognising an opportunity, he approached the head of sport at Virtual Eye, expressing his eagerness to get involved. His initiative paid off—he was invited for training and, within two weeks, was flown to the U.S. to work on a live golf broadcast.

Breaking into Live Broadcasting:

Hudson quickly adapted to the high-pressure world of live sports broadcasting. He learned to manage complex graphics systems, collaborate with producers, and operate in fast-paced environments. The steep learning curve meant making mistakes, but he thrived under pressure and gained confidence in the industry.

Global Experience and Career Growth:

Since joining Virtual Eye full-time, Hudson has worked on major sporting events worldwide, providing real-time graphics for golf, cricket, and other sports. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting, including working alongside cricketing legends like Michael Hussey and Brian Lara. His ability to build relationships, take initiative, and embrace new challenges has been key to his success.

Networking and Future Aspirations:

Hudson credits networking and seizing opportunities as crucial factors in his career. By saying yes to experiences, building connections, and continually learning, he has positioned himself in a role he never initially considered. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his impact in sports technology and innovation, while eventually shifting into a role that allows for more stability alongside his passion for sports broadcasting.

Role Overview: What does Content Creator actually involve?

Hudson’s role at Virtual Eye is all about enhancing live sports broadcasts with real-time 3D graphics. His work ensures that fans at home get the best possible viewing experience, using animations and statistical overlays to tell the story of the game.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Event Setup: Before a tournament, Hudson and his team travel to the event location to map out the playing field. This involves surveying the venue, gathering course or stadium data, and capturing detailed images. These assets are then sent back to the Virtual Eye headquarters in New Zealand, where developers construct a precise 3D model of the environment.

Rigging Equipment: The team sets up all required technology on-site, ensuring that their graphics systems are fully integrated with the broadcast network. This process includes connecting computers, networking with production trucks, and aligning data inputs with camera feeds to enable seamless real-time overlays.

Live Production: During a broadcast, Hudson operates the graphics software, updating visuals as the game unfolds. Whether it’s tracking a cricket ball’s trajectory or overlaying distance markers on a golf course, his job requires precise timing and accuracy. A split-second delay or a mislabeled stat can disrupt the flow of the production.

Collaboration with Producers: Hudson works closely with television producers and directors to determine how and when graphics will be used. This means adjusting visuals in response to live commentary, reacting to key moments in the game, and ensuring that graphics enhance rather than distract from the viewer experience.

Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Live sports broadcasting is unpredictable, and any mistake is instantly visible to millions of viewers. Hudson has learned to work efficiently under high-pressure conditions, quickly troubleshooting technical issues, adjusting graphics on the fly, and ensuring a smooth broadcast even in challenging environments.

Questions asked by Members

1. How exactly did you land your first role at Virtual Eye?

2. What technical skills do you need for a role in sports graphics?

3. What’s the hardest part of working in live sports broadcasting?

4. How do you prepare for a major tournament like The Masters or an Ashes series?

5. What’s the best advice you’ve received about working in sport?

6. How do you balance work, travel, and life on the road?

7. What’s a common misconception about your job?

8. How can someone break into sports broadcasting without experience?

9. What’s the coolest event you’ve worked on so far?

10. What’s next for you in your career?

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