Meet some of the behind the scenes stars in ESPN’s All-Women NBA Broadcast

For the third consecutive year, ESPN’s NBA coverage will celebrate International Women’s Day with an all-women led broadcast – in front of and behind the camera – on Friday for the Minnesota Timberwolves at Cleveland Cavaliers game and extending to NBA Today and NBA Countdown. It also marks the fifth time this season that ESPN has deployed an all-women’s commentator team for an NBA game.

Every event at ESPN requires countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, and Friday includes the added complexity of bringing together teams across NBA coverage on one night.

Front Row asked ESPN Production Operations leaders critical to the annual telecast’s formation and success about their team’s role and what it means to them.

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Deanna Benjamin: REMI Supervisor

Team overview: We are responsible for scheduling, technical planning, operational oversight, and support for operators who execute the events. We work closely to ensure that all positions are staffed and that we have the proper facilities and technical workflows in place. Friday’s game is an opportunity to strategically schedule the women who support the NBA on a regular basis.
On Friday’s game: This will be my first time in an all-female control room after 11 years in the industry. As I recently transitioned to ESPN, this will be a monumental start to my next phase. I’m excited to showcase the many talented women across our live events. I’m hopeful that we can inspire younger generations of women to pursue careers in broadcast and ensure that we continue to bring in diverse perspectives and talents.

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Kim Conrad: Remote Production Operations Coordinator

Team overview: We support our operations staff in the field that executes our NBA productions to alleviate some of the tremendous workload. This might include setting up necessary shipments to and from the game and replenishing items on-site based on feedback from the Field Operations Staff. We are the liaison between our Field Operations Staff and many different groups.
On Friday’s game: We are all excited because it is a place to showcase women in this industry who have flourished and are elite in their field. Women are still a minority in broadcast sports. This provides a platform not only for the women to shine but also provides hard evidence to any female to see that she, too, has a chance to make her dreams come true (no matter how impossible they might seem).

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Mary Payne Dillard: Technical Director

Team overview: We are responsible for the technical elements of our show. We ensure every aspect is ready for air, including bringing in camera feeds, checking graphics, setting up the monitor walls, and coordinating with other crew members. I’ll be executing the director’s instructions in real time. Using our production switcher, I use over 1,300 buttons to go between camera feeds and incorporate other visual elements.
On Friday’s game: I’m most excited to see the hard-working women I get the privilege of working alongside highlighted. This is something most of us do multiple times a week, not just for the International Women’s Day broadcast, so to have our work recognized is extremely special. It’s an honor to get to work on the NBA project with some of the most incredible people at our company.

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L.J. Harrington: Field Operations Producer

Team overview: We are the go-to people on site between the teams, arena, production, and technical crew. I’ll be fulfilling the tech role for this game, working closely with the truck engineering team, department heads, and technical team for troubleshooting. I’ll also guide the crew on where our cameras will go and what enhancements we will add, such as a conversation between our reporter and the Cavs coach.
On Friday’s game: This will be my second year in the tech manager role for this game. I’m looking forward to having a deeper involvement on the technical side. I’m also happy to be able to mentor an up-and-comer, Katherine White (Sr. Remote, Audio Comms) for the game. Maybe one day it will just be a typical Friday where it so happens the crew is all women.

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Candice Manning: Crewing Supervisor

Team overview: Crewing is responsible for hiring our technicians across all collegiate and professional sports. Our team works closely with production and operations to ensure we are meeting budget and securing the most skilled crew members. The team is always adapting to change, whether it’s for a last-minute show/game add or crew complement change. For Friday’s games, our team hired a total of 20 operators and worked with them on travel, logistics, and compensation.
On Friday’s game: I’m very excited about the spotlight being on International Women’s Day and this now being a yearly initiative on the NBA side. There’s a lot of amazing women who work on this project, and I feel thankful to be a part of a team that recognizes their hard work and dedication. I’m also looking forward to seeing what our producer, Laurie Privitera, shares with the audience of behind-the-scenes coverage.