NHL Puck Drop 2024: ESPN's Remote Operations Team Ramps Up for Another Stanley Cup Run

08/10/2024

NHL Puck Drop 2024: ESPN's Remote Operations Team Ramps Up for Another Stanley Cup Run By Jason Dachman, Editorial Director, U.S.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - 5:51 pm

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The puck drops on the NHL 2024-25 season tonight with tripleheader headlined by the debut of the Utah Hockey Club and ESPN's operations team is raring to go. ESPN coverage of the opening night tripleheader will be centered in Salt Lake City, where ESPN's NHL studio show, The Point, is emanating live from the Delta Center with a College GameDay-style atmosphere celebrating the highly-anticipated franchise debut of the Utah Hockey Club.

ESPN's NHL studio show, The Point, is emanating live from the Delta Center with a College GameDay-style atmosphere

ESPN's NHL coverage this season will be comprised of multiple different show levels throughout the season, including a variety of REMI and REMCO production models. According to Senior Manager, Remote Operations, Erin Orr, this flexible strategy ensures ESPN can deliver the best possible viewing experience, regardless of the game's profile. In addition, ESPN will roll out a host of unique cameras for its coverage this year, starting tonight with a MindFly bodycam on Utah's backup goalie during the morning skate and warm-ups.

NEP trucks on hand at the Delta Center production compound

For high-profile NHL games, ESPN's average camera complement will include around 10+ cameras. Senior Remote Operations Specialist Jeff Werner says this can vary based on the specific event and production needs. The standard broadcast has the primary cameras used for main coverage along with 2-3 robotic cameras positioned for unique angles and automated movements. In addition, some broadcasts will feature an RF Skate Cam (with operator on skates), shallow depth of field cameras, and a variety of super-slo-mo cameras.

Werner says this combination of standard and specialty cameras helps create a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience, capturing the fast-paced action of NHL games from multiple angles.

The team is always exploring ways to use technological enhancements to elevate our NHL broadcasts whether it be new camera technologies, enhancing audio placement, various data integrations, and so forth, adds Orr. The innovations are designed to create a more engaging and informative viewing experience, making this season particularly exciting for fans and audiences alike.

ESPN's production team is pulling out all the stops for the debut of the Utah Hockey Club on opening night

Since ESPN regained the NHL broadcast rights in 2021, its production operations for NHL coverage have evolved significantly. For example, ESPN has leaned heavily into remote production and cloud-based workflows. This approach was partly driven by the pandemic but has continued as a cost-effective and flexible solution for live events. It also allows the integration of real-time graphics and replays.

ESPN's NHL coverage now extends well beyond live games. The network has also invested in creating more digital and social content around the NHL, with highlights, analysis, and original programming available on ESPN+ and across social media platforms.

This has created a more consistent presence for the NHL on ESPN's platforms, ensuring fan engagement even when games aren't on, says Orr. These innovations reflect ESPN's commitment to adapting its operations to new technologies and building a comprehensive NHL brand that resonates with a diverse fan base.

The excitement around the debut of the latest NHL franchise is palpable in Salt Lake City.

Along with Werner and Orr, the NHL on ESPN operations team this year consists of Jon Winders (Operations Specialist), David Walker (Operations Producer), Katy Abbott (Operations Producer), Andrew Schneider (Operations Producer), Matt Pecarovich (Operations Producer), Jake Mankin (Operations Specialist), Phil Erwin (Operations Producer), Jen Vanderbilt (Operations Producer), Lisa Hartley (Operations Producer), and Seth Shore (Operations Producer).

I am particularly proud of my team, whose hard work and commitment to excellence have driven our progress, continues Orr. Their ability to adapt and innovate has been instrumental in enhancing our coverage, and I look forward to seeing how we can build on our achievements from the previous seasons. Their dedication, creativity, and collaboration have truly set them apart. Each member has contributed to our growth and development, and it's inspiring to see how everyone's hard work pays off. Together, we aim to deliver a compelling and engaging product that resonates with fans and showcases the excitement of the NHL.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/10/08/nhl-puck-drop-2024-espns-remote...
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