Last month the NBA hosted their second ever regular season game in Paris, France at the Accor Arena featuring the Chicago Bulls facing off against the Detroit Pistons. 9450 Media had the pleasure of interviewing Detroit Pistons' Social Media Coordinator Tianna-Marie Rosser on her experience visiting the City of Lights to cover the game.
Q: Can you talk about your journey with capturing and creating social media content for the Detroit Pistons and what was your initial reaction to getting the assignment for this event?
A: I honestly was shocked when I found out that I was going to Paris. With only being a Coordinator and working for the organization for about 8 months, I knew that I had to step it up and rise to the occasion to help make this project a success. I never knew nor imagined that I would be put in this situation, and I am so grateful to our leadership team for believing in me to lead the social team for this big initiative.
One of the goals of our social strategy was to give our audience a digital POV experience, so they could feel a part of the squad every step of the way through our content. While I was on the grounds, I wanted to make sure my head was on a swivel and capture any “personality moments” that made our fans feel like they were in Paris.
Q: It must be surreal to be invited to Paris, especially as someone so passionate about both basketball and culture. Can you tell me about what your visit meant to you?
A: The trip to Paris itself was so surreal. I have been to the city before, but I was only 12. With being 26 I was able to truly appreciate the city and its culture.
While growing up watching these NBA international games, I never thought I would be in a position to even be a part of something this big. I am so blessed that I had the opportunity to explore a new city while representing a brand I love.
Q: You and your team did an exceptional job covering the Piston's visit. Were there any challenges covering such a high-profile event?
A: Since this was my first time creating a social strategy for an international sports initiative, I think one of the challenges I had was controlling my self-doubt. I doubted myself and my ability since I was so new to the team. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I did not only want to let my team down but also the leadership who chose me to go. I respect my bosses so much and I just wanted to make them and my teammates proud.
I am thankful or my coworkers Grace and Noah who helped me throughout this whole process. With their support from home, they were able to create content that helped push our numbers while I was on the ground capturing. I feel like our team crushed it.
Q: Where does your trip to NBA Paris rank amongst your career highlights?
A: This has to be the top highlight of my career. Going to any NBA international game is a chance of a lifetime, and I am so happy that I got to experience it. One thing this trip taught me is that I am more resilient than I thought I was. Getting an “in” to the sports industry has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. I remember when I was graduating with my Masters (I got my degree in Media Studies) all I could think of is will I ever get my “in”, and will I ever make it into the industry. I don’t think people understand the multiple types of internships, degrees, and job shadow opportunities I had to do to get to this point as a Coordinator. So, to be picked for a high-level assignment like Paris is just amazing, and it makes me tear up because I have to step back and think, “WOW I JUST DID THAT”.
We want to thank Tianna-Marie for allowing us to interview her and learn more about the behind the scenes of documenting the unique experience of NBA Paris.
Contributor: Josh Laufer (@joshlaufer)
Editor: Josh Bhagratie (@jshyb_)
That’s awesome.