2020
VIRTUAL NFL DRAFT
The CHALLENGE
The NFL Draft is one of the most important live events in the NFL’s annual calendar. It’s where the entire league participates in what is now an entertainment extravaganza business meeting, to select players who will drive their teams toward future growth and success.
When the pandemic threatened the cancellation of this event, the NFL enlisted Van Wagner to help solve the challenge of remotely conducting the Draft securely and effectively while maintaining full production control, flexibility and broadcast quality. This was the first time in history a live presentation with this level of security and quality was conducted.
THE CHALLENGE
The NFL Draft is one of the most important live events in the NFL’s annual calendar. It’s where the entire league participates in what is now an entertainment extravaganza business meeting, to select players who will drive their teams toward future growth and success.
When the pandemic threatened the cancellation of this event, the NFL enlisted Van Wagner to help solve the challenge of remotely conducting the Draft securely and effectively while maintaining full production control, flexibility and broadcast quality. This was the first time in history a live presentation with this level of security and quality was conducted.
OUR SOLUTION
Van Wagner was an essential member of the NFL presentation and the broadcast team, acting as the main hub for each team official, entertainer and NFL staff member. A camera kit was sent to key personnel including each team’s GM and head coaches. All camera feeds were sent directly and securely to our production studio where Van Wagner composed various combinations of shots as the network directed/needed and provided broadcast-quality composed feed for global distribution.
OUR SOLUTION
Van Wagner was an essential member of the NFL presentation and the broadcast team, acting as the main hub for each team official, entertainer and NFL staff member. A camera kit was sent to key personnel including each team’s GM and head coaches. All camera feeds were sent directly and securely to our production studio where Van Wagner composed various combinations of shots as the network directed/needed and provided broadcast-quality composed feed for global distribution.
THE RESULTS
The 2020 NFL Draft virtual presentation was the most watched ever, shattering viewership records. Over 55 million viewers tuned in to watch the first-ever virtual NFL Draft with overwhelmingly successful press regarding the execution after the fact.
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro stated in an ESPN article that this year’s draft took on a much greater meaning because of the pandemic, and expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts during this challenging time.
The 2020 NFL Draft virtual presentation was the most watched ever, shattering viewership records. Over 55 million viewers tuned in to watch the first-ever virtual NFL Draft with overwhelmingly successful press regarding the execution after the fact.
ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro stated in an ESPN article that this year’s draft took on a much greater meaning because of the pandemic, and expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts during this challenging time.
