The team behind the scenes: ESPN Creative Services and Content Operations

Before and after shots of Chickieâ€™s & Peteâ€™s (site of First Take, Mike and Mike & Outside The Lines remotes) The NFL Draft qualifies as a marquee event in the sports world. Fans - like the thousands gathered Thursday night in Philadelphia for the first round - flood the host city and millions more watch on TV in anticipation of every draft pick. It should be no surprise that a now-gargantuan, annual affair requires a similarly large collaboration across ESPN's production units throughout the day and night to make it all happen. For instance, this year Mike & Mike, First Take and Outside the LinesÂ televised live shows from Chickieâ€™s and Peteâ€™s in Philadelphia around the draft (see above). ESPNâ€™s Studio Design and Development group is responsible for scouting possible locations that can accommodate production needs and lookÂ aesthetically pleasing on-air. ESPN's main desk at the 2017 NFL Draft Theatre at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The company's Content Operations and Creative Services teams play a vital role in delivering a compelling, informative and engaging telecastÂ over the multiple days of coverage. The Remote Operations group ensures that everything from staffing to equipment is on-site and functioning properly. This production called for 200 staff members, six production trucks, 22 cameras and roughly 20,000 feet of tactical fiber optic cable. The aerial view of the NFL Draft site and more. The Creative and Studio Direction group is focused primarily on the aesthetic, ensuring that the look is vibrant both in person and for those watching from home. Set design and location, camera angles and staging are also handled by this group.

ESPN’s main desk at the 2017 NFL Draft Theatre at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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