From the ice to Riley’s mind: Explore the real-time animation behind ESPN’s Inside Out Classic
ESPN and Disney are teaming up for the third time for a real-time animated NHL presentation, with the Inside Out Classic featuring the Washington Capitals versus New York Rangers on Sunday, April 5 at 7 p.m. ET.
ESPN Director Ashley Ward and Producer Andy Jacobson shared what it takes to translate live hockey into the world of Inside Out — and what fans can expect when the puck drops on Hockey Island.
“I think the pace of the game will pose one of the biggest challenges for us,” Jacobson said. “Hockey is all about short shifts, getting players on and off the ice quickly. We know we want the emotions to have a big impact on the game — so we’ll have to be diligent in getting them on the ice when impactful moments occur.”
That fast pace also changes how the show is built.
“On these animated telecasts — thanks to our brilliant Creative Team — we literally have hundreds of elements that we want to air,” he added. “So, after every whistle, we’ll be ready with some form of content that’s authentic to the Inside Out brand.”
“The entire environment is built around the world of Inside Out, with the game taking place on Hockey Island inside Riley’s mind,” Ward explained. “Even when we’re covering the game in a relatively traditional way, the viewer will still be immersed through the design, the graphics or just the overall feel of the broadcast.”
With hockey’s speed in mind, she noted that “most of the in-action moments will be focused on the ice, similar to a traditional broadcast,” adding, “It’s during stoppages that we’ll be able to fully incorporate the incredible creative elements our team has been building.”
“From a gameplay perspective, our partners at Beyond Sports have come such a long way in their ability to make it all look so smooth,” Jacobson said. “We’ll take viewers all around Hockey Island — not just inside the arena and on the ice.”
Ward pointed to one visual fans won’t miss: “Rather than sending our players to a traditional penalty box, the players and characters will have to spend time in the penalty jar, which is an actual glass jar at center ice.”
What do Jacobson and Ward hope first-time hockey viewers take away from the Inside Out Classic? Jacobson said: “We hope to bring the magic of Disney into their living rooms and introduce the game of hockey to them in a way they never imagined. If those viewers learn a little — and smile a lot — it will be a huge success.”
Ward added: “What we hope for the Inside Out Classic is that it gives fans a fun, accessible way to experience hockey. Movies are magical, sports are magical and we’re so thrilled to combine that magic in this incredible Inside Out environment. These projects don’t happen without the hard work of so many different people and departments. It’s truly all hands-on deck and requires the effort of every person involved.”
