Behind the Scenes: Filming ESPN’s Texans Playoff Pregame Segment

In playoff season, every detail matters — on the field and behind the camera.

Recently, I had the opportunity to film a pregame feature for ESPN highlighting two of the Houston Texans’ defensive stars, Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, hosted by Michelle Buck ahead of the Texans vs. Steelers playoff matchup.

Unlike many sports productions that happen in the rush of game day, this segment was shot a week before the game, allowing us to build a more controlled, cinematic look while still capturing the intensity and personality of the players. That extra time meant we could focus less on reacting to the environment and more on crafting visuals that matched the scale of the moment.

Building the Look

For this production, we worked with a three-camera setup anchored by:

• Two Sony FX9s as our primary cameras for interviews and wide coverage

• One Sony FX3 for dynamic angles and closer, more intimate shots

• Aperture lighting to shape clean, flattering light on talent

• A large LED video wall serving as a bold, modern backdrop that tied the visuals directly to the Texans brand and ESPN’s aesthetic

This combination gave us the flexibility to move quickly while maintaining broadcast-quality imagery throughout the shoot.

Because we weren’t in a live stadium environment, we treated the space like a mobile studio. Lighting was carefully controlled to create depth, separation, and a polished, cinematic feel — while still keeping everything crisp and network-ready. The video wall added scale and visual energy, reinforcing the stakes of the playoff moment without feeling staged.

The Crew That Made It Happen

A smooth production depends on more than just good cameras — it relies on a tight, capable team. On this shoot, we operated lean and efficient with a four-person crew:

• Director of Photography (DP) — leading the visual direction, lighting design, and overall cinematic look

• Camera Operator — operating one of the primary cameras and ensuring consistent framing and movement

• Audio Operator — capturing clean, broadcast-quality sound for both talent and interviews

• Grip — managing lighting placement, stands, modifiers, and rigging to keep the set safe and visually polished

Working with a compact crew meant clear communication, fast decision-making, and precise execution — all critical when working with high-profile talent on a tight schedule.

Working with Talent

Shooting with elite athletes like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter requires efficiency and clarity. Their schedules are tight, so every minute on set needs to count.

Michelle Buck’s hosting also required a balanced approach: dynamic enough for ESPN’s style, but natural and conversational so the segment felt authentic rather than scripted. By locking in framing, lighting, and camera movement early, we were able to let the conversation breathe while keeping the visuals consistently strong.

Why This Matters for Brands

Projects like this highlight what professional cinematography can bring to any story — sports, corporate, or commercial.

When video is thoughtfully designed, it doesn’t just document a moment; it elevates it. Viewers don’t just hear from the athletes — they feel the energy, confidence, and significance of the playoffs through the visuals.

For brands and organizations investing in high-level video, this is where production value makes a real difference. The right cameras, lighting, and creative approach turn information into impact.

I’m proud to have contributed to this ESPN playoff coverage and to bring that same level of craft and precision to every project I take on.

If your brand is looking to create broadcast-quality video that stands out, let’s talk.

— Kirby Clarke Director of Photography Clarke Productions