ROSE BOWL REPORT

Among the cameras ABC will use Thursday will be one called “Cablecam,” which will run up to 30 mph along a cable strung from one end of the stadium to the other about 25 to 30 feet above the west sideline.

The camera, developed by Jim Rodnunsky of Vail, Colo., has been used for such sports as horse racing, downhill skiing, track and field and ESPN’s Summer and Winter X Games, but never for football.

ABC game director Chip Dean said the camera will be used on a limited basis on kickoff and punt returns.

“The effect we’re looking for is like the one seen in the movie ‘Forrest Gump,’ where the camera moves with Tom Hanks as he runs for a touchdown,” he said.

Dean said the camera also will be used for live shots on goal-line situations, for replays that isolate on a player such as Woodson, and as a scene-setter.

Dean said there have been discussions about using the camera since October, but approval from the Rose Bowl Committee and other entities didn’t come until Dec. 22.

“We’ll start slow with it, and if it does not interfere with the game and adds something to the telecast, you’ll see more of it in the second half,” Dean said.