Inner Space Center Media Production in the Cloud: Adapting Ocean Science Communication for the 21st Century

The Inner Space Center (ISC) is a leader in using cuttingedge telepresence technologies to support live ocean exploration and connect scientists and other audiences on shore with ocean science activities at sea. During a standard ocean exploration season, the ISC provides telepresence engineering and media production support for vessels such as NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and E/V Nautilus to facilitate, capture, produce, and promote underwater exploration in real time. Although 2020 was a nontraditional exploration season in many ways, the ISC was well positioned to meet many of the challenges associated with remote networking and ocean science engagement during the pandemic. To further media and production efforts during the pandemic, the team connected with existing partners to talk about engagement priorities and remote programming considerations. Members of the media and communications industry were also contacted to better understand the production tools and techniques they used for virtual engagement.