ESPN’s “Images of the Year,” as featured in the video above, introduces a fresh, immersive storytelling experience by featuring SportsCenter anchors Randy Scott and Gary Striewski.
For the first time, SportsCenter talent take center stage in this annual production, filmed using cutting-edge Extended Reality (XR) technology. The dynamic piece allows Scott and Striewski to interact with virtual environments in real-time, offering viewers a new way to relive the top sports moments of 2024.
“It’s surreal to be part of this year’s Images of the Year, a project that I’ve admired for years,” Scott said. “The SCEU team’s hard work and creative vision made this a truly special experience.”
“The adults in the room decided it was best to keep us contained to one awesome studio,” Striewski said. “We didn’t even need passports for our virtual road trip.”
Beyond showcasing the best highlights, the segment highlights the creative efforts of ESPN’s SportsCenter Enhancement Unit (SCEU), who worked closely with Scott and Striewski to craft seamless virtual worlds that enhance the storytelling.
The innovative production even sparked a playful reaction from SEC Network analyst Tim Tebow, who jokingly expressed his jealousy over the duo’s “road trip” as seen in video below.
https://www.tiktok.com/@espn/video/7450863378735566111
The groundbreaking use of XR technology has inspired new creative possibilities for future productions utilizing Bristol Studio C space, currently the home of the SCEU CFB Gear Up franchise.
The 2024 “Images of the Year” segment will air on SportsCenter Christmas Eve and will be available on social and digital platforms for the first time.
Q&A WITH THE “IMAGES OF THE YEAR” PRODUCTION TEAM
How did the production team work together to bring this to life?
The process began in February when Content Associate Danny Barletta conceptualized the idea. In July, Associate Producer Blake Grudzien joined the project, and the plan started to take shape. Initially, they intended to shoot Randy and Gary in various locations, supplementing with stock footage. However, through Blake’s connections with Fresh Features, the team had the opportunity to film at the Studio Lab XR Stage in New Hampshire.
Danny and Blake collaborated on scripting and scene planning, while Supervising Video Editor Nick Mainville helped integrate virtual and real-world elements to bring the story together.
You mention the feature was shot on an extended reality (XR) stage. Can you share more about that unique production experience?
The decision to use an XR stage was driven by logistical challenges in filming at multiple locations. Director of Photography Tom Furcillo and Director Matt Allen of Fresh Features, an out-of-house production team who collaborated with ESPN on the project, recommended shooting everything at the Studio Lab XR Stage.
This allowed the team to create immersive virtual environments using LED screens that blended seamlessly with practical elements. For example, Randy and Gary filmed in a vintage van, while digitally generated backgrounds made it appear they were traveling across the country. The XR technology enabled real-time interaction with these virtual environments, adding dynamic realism to the experience.
Hey @RandyScottESPN & @garystriewski
Road trip? pic.twitter.com/7XZeuL68FX
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 20, 2024
Why was including the SportsCenter anchors significant?
Originally, the plan didn’t specify which talent would be involved, but the team quickly realized that including SportsCenter anchors would elevate the entertainment factor.
Randy and Gary were chosen for their excellent on-air chemistry, which would bring humor and energy to the production. Both were immediately on board, and their spontaneous ad-libs and natural camaraderie added a comedic layer that made the project stand out. While a script was in place, many of the funniest moments were unscripted, created on set through their improvisation.
How did the production team collaborate with the larger ESPN team to ensure that this was a well-rounded sports review of 2024?
Starting in February, Danny Barletta curated hundreds of sports moments for potential inclusion in the ‘Images of the Year’ segment. He continued this process throughout the year, collaborating with other SCEU team members. In early December, a work-in-progress version of the feature was shared with ESPN’s Features Unit and the Inclusive Content Committee (ICC) for feedback. This collaborative approach ensured that the piece was not only entertaining but also comprehensive.
Executive Producers
Mike Foss
Julie McGlone
SCEU Managers
Ben Hobbs
Temi Anjou
Producers
Blake Grudzien
Danny Barletta
SportsCenter Talent
Randy Scott
Gary Striewski
Editor
Nick Mainville
Audio sweetening
David Jaunai
Color finishing
Andy Sharp
Director
Matt Allen, Fresh Features
Director of Photography
Tom Furcillo, Fresh Features
Location/XR Stage technical
Studio Lab
SCEU Production Coordination
Danielle Gansert
Erika Vingiano
Music Department
Manoj Gopinath
Ian Shoioshan-Stoller
Laura Frometa
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