Spice of life: Behind the scenes as MNF captures New Orleans’ ‘scenics’

The band Dukes of Dixieland performs in Jackson Square. ENG videographer Barry Butcher is seen holding the camera and capturing the video. NEW ORLEANS - As part of the presentation of the Detroit Lions-New Orleans Saints game tonight, ESPN's Monday Night Football (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) will use video elements to highlight the flavor and spirit of the host city. Each week, the group thatâ€™s responsible for producing the local scenics includes director Chip Dean, operations producer Matt Kwok, ENG videographers Joel McKee and Barry Butcher and editor Jim Dove. Throughout the week, the team is in constant communication to determine special ways to showcase the essence of the MNF city and the surrounding community. With 30 years of experience, McKee is MNFâ€™s resident historian. He knows what stories have been covered previously and new ideas that can be explored. â€œJoel knows all the little nooks and crannies of each NFL city to get good skyline shots,â€ adds Butcher. â€œI represent the new generation by bringing all the new camera rigs, battery operated lights and I use the internet to research points of interests, local talents and events.â€ Much thought and consideration goes into highlighting each city, and McKee is quick to note that the impact he and Butcher have goes far beyond the images people see on TV. â€œWeâ€™re ambassadors for the show,â€ McKee says. â€œWe deal with people in the community. How we represent ourselves is a reflection on Monday Night Football.â€ After capturing the sights and sounds of the city, McKee and Dove begin editing. â€œThe picture clarity is essential to the quality of our broadcast,â€ Dove notes. â€œMy job is to ensure what Barry and Joel shoot is portrayed in the highest quality possible.â€ The video and pictures in slideshow above highlights elements of The Big Easy that could be part of tonightâ€™s telecast. Video produced by Joel McKee Butcher captures artist Frenchy hard at work in his brand new gallery at 8314 Oak Street. Frenchy was formerly the offical team artist for the New Orleans Saints. Said Butcher: â€œWe use some of the best equipment available in the industry. It's a Freefly Movi-10 with a Sony FS7. It's a Frankenstein-type creation and always turns heads. Holiday lights shine in the French Quarter. Jacques-Imo's owner Jacques Leonardi presents a plate of barbeque shrimp. The view from Washington Artilliary Park sparkles with St. Louis Cathedral in the background. Thousands gather to conduct a candlelight vigil and sing Christmas carols in Jackson Square - a 58-year tradition. Across the bridge from downtown New Orleans, the camera sits on driftwood on the bank of the Mississippi River.

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