COVID-19 topics are dominating the headlines. However, during these challenging times, ESPN’s digital platform The Undefeated – dedicated to the intersection of sports, race, and culture – got creative in its production of the “Overcome” music video seen above.
Hip-hop artist Easy McCoy, who penned the lyrics to “Overcome,” is featured in the video shot in Portland, Ore. In between shots of McCoy’s performance are clips of more than three dozen athletes and other celebrities using their social media handles as a form of encouragement.
“We had to be innovative and collaborative in how we would shoot and edit this piece,” said Sharon Matthews, The Undefeated’s Video Director, as the team worked remotely while practicing social distancing. “I’m thankful Easy McCoy trusted we would capture and maintain the spirit of his original track and grateful to Mac House Productions, [ESPN] Music Director Kevin Wilson and producer Jeff DiNicola for helping put this together.”
The Undefeated's Video Director Sharon Matthews consults with her dog, Bear. (Sharon Matthews/ESPN)
Mahred Hidalgo, from Mac House Productions,works on the video edit. (Mahred Hidalgo)
Deputy Editor Sharon Matthews and Digital Associate Producer Jeff DiNicola collaborating on the video edit.
Rapper Easy McCoy takes a break during the shoot.Today, the two-minute video aired during the noon ET edition of SportsCenter and is housed on theundefeated.com.
ESPN Senior Vice President and Editor-In-Chief of The Undefeated, Kevin Merida, said: “We all need inspiration during this time, and to be reminded of what we can achieve together as a human race. We are proud at The Undefeated to introduce a new music video featuring artist Easy McCoy in hopes that it will uplift some spirits. Music is the feel-good language of the world.”
Sharon Matthews and Jeff DiNicola produced the videos.
Mac Nwulu contributed to this post.
