ESPN's Creative Content Unit Led by Vice President Craig Lazarus and Julie McGlone, senior coordinating producer have prepared a very special holiday presentation with another Disney partner: the Muppets.
“[The CCU] can make a big splash with the tease for a game, but we’re also capable of thinking so much larger,” McGlone explained.
For instance, senior associate producer Bryan Rourke came up with the idea to title some elements Muppet Night Football, and senior managing producer Aimee Stokes suggested the team ask for more on-air real estate to create two unique pieces before the game begins. From there, the project blossomed into a full holiday-themed takeover of the night where there will be elements from the Muppets several times throughout the game.
Starting at the top of the telecast (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy will make their debut in the broadcast booth while Fozzie Bear reports from the field, Statler and Waldorf join from the stands, and Animal comes in with the drums. Then, right before kickoff, the Muppets will return for a Carol of the Bells music video.
“I think they’re the best in the business,” McGlone said of her team. “To bring the Muppets to life in a pandemic was a huge challenge.
Check out a promo for the event below:
Instead of traveling to a studio, everyone set up shop at home, including the Muppets, who have become adept at having the puppeteers record themselves on green screens in their homes with help from their families.
In the midst of the shoot day, McGlone’s children popped into the guest bedroom – her work-from-home station – to say hello to their mom after getting off the bus.
On that particular day, McGlone’s son, Tommy, was wearing a Dunder Mifflin T-shirt – referencing the classic “The Office” sitcom.
Statler saw him and asked playfully, “Who’s the little one? We didn’t order any paper!”
Miss Piggy drew McGlone’s daughter, Katie, into the conversation, too, calling her by name and asking if she was a football fan.More info From ESPM Front Row.
“The Muppet crew are the kindest people, and they are so genuine with those characters and with the way they produce content, being authentic to their brand and to their show,” McGlone observed. “The Muppets have been incredible, committed partners in production from concept through every final detail in post-production with editor Justin Belcher.”
Even before this process began, she noted the CCU has always been Muppet fans.
“Who’s not a fan of the Muppets?” McGlone said. “I think they transcend generations.”
You can watch Monday Night Football Muppet Night Football tonight at 8PM on ESPN.
In case you missed it here's are a few clips from their appearance:
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