ESPN creates new studio environment for coverage of FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 in Brazil
ESPN weaves a common thread throughout its coverage of global soccer competitions: authenticity. From its presentation of matches on the field to capturing the atmosphere and culture in each event’s host country, authenticity is the driving principle that continues to elevate ESPN’s coverage. This attention to detail is evident in the design of ESPN’s studios and graphics for major events.
Last summer, ESPN created a unique studio environment for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship that highlighted host countries Poland and Ukraine. The company is employing a similar strategy for the two-week FIFA Confederations Cup, which begins in Brazil on Saturday (opening match: Brazil vs. Japan, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
The brainchild of Executive Producer Jed Drake, the look of ESPN’s studio captures the essence of one of Brazil’s most picturesque destinations: Rio de Janeiro. During ESPN’s studio coverage of the event, fans will see images of the city skyline, complete with tropical colors, scenic beaches, and more. They might even hear the sound of waves crashing.
Creative Director Noubar Stone, featured in the video above, discusses how ESPN’s Creative Services and Studio Operations teams accomplished this feat, while Amy Rosenfeld, senior coordinating producer, and others discuss the soccer production team’s approach to this event.
The Confederations Cup studio is utilizing a 1.9mm LED screen, the highest-resolution screen ever used by the company. There is also an anchor desk, a touch-screen and an informal interview area.
The studio will be the home base for host Bob Ley and a rotating group of analysts — Alexi Lalas, Steve McManaman, Everton FC Manager Roberto Martinez, Jose Antonio (Tato) Noriega and Rubens Pozzi — through June 30, when the winner of the tournament is crowned.
Editor’s Note: Here is more information on ESPN’s coverage plans for FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, the warm-up tournament for next summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Video produced by Dave Williams and Tonya Malinowski
