• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

2

Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock

3

Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026

1

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

2

Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock

3

Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026

ESPN Aimed 360-Degree Cameras on This Top NFL Prospect

By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
John Gaudiosi
John Gaudiosi
Down Arrow Button Icon
April 12, 2016, 9:00 AM ET
ESPN/Foglight Entertainment
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

ESPN is the latest media company to experiment with virtual reality storytelling. The Disney-owned (DIS) sports empire is going all-in with former North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, who is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2016 NFL draft in Chicago later this month. In addition to featuring the Bison standout on the cover of ESPN: The Magazine this week, the company is showcasing him on TV, across social media, and in its first 360-degree video segment.

“We saw 360-degree video as one of the next big opportunities for storytelling,” says Lindsay Rovegno, associate director of original digital video at ESPN. “In the past we’ve experimented with 360-video clips, but have yet to use the medium to tell a narrative story. 360-degree video allows us to place the viewer in the environment in which we filmed and experience the story as if they were on-site, in this case in the FargoDome with Carson Wentz.”

The Fargo, N.D., shoot was captured on Mar. 22 using Nokia’s new Ozo broadcast camera through a collaboration between ESPN and production company Foglight Entertainment. The 360-degree video can be watched across any virtual reality headset, including Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, Facebook’s Oculus Rift, and the HTC Vive.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

“It was a cool experience–definitely different, but enjoyable,” Wentz says. “I believe it will be very cool to watch and see exactly how the camera captures everything around it.”

Evan Kanew, director of the project at Foglight Entertainment, says developing the story was no different than any broadcast journalism story.

“Working in 360 requires lots of planning and control,” Kanew says. “It’s not easy to run and gun and ensure you get quality VR—but that’s just what we had to do with Wentz. Although he was generous with access just before his Pro Day, certainly one of the most important weeks of his life, we had to move quickly to document his story amid many media and training demands.”

Rovegno says since 360-degree video is interactive, ESPN saw this as an opportunity to give viewers control of what they experience within a narrative feature.

“As a native of North Dakota, Wentz could provide a window into life in the Midwest,” Rovegno says. “We used Wentz’s story to immerse users in an environment they might not otherwise experience.”

For more on virtual reality and pro sports, watch:

The experience allows viewers to explore the flatlands of North Dakota, take in Wentz’s practice in the FargoDome, and watch Wentz break down film with his coaches. The user is able to control which part of each scene they experience by rotating the camera to see a different viewpoint.

“ESPN is always looking to expand our multiplatform reach and attract new audiences and Wentz was a great opportunity to try something new,” Rovegno says.

Kanew says 360 video allows fans to get closer to athletes than ever, to sense what it’s like to be in their shoes, and to experience sports in a more sensory way. The medium offers a new perspective that engages viewers to make choices. To take an example from the ESPN story: Should the viewer turn and follow the pass Wentz just threw on the practice field or stay on him to see how he goes about his business preparing for the next drill?

“Beyond that, 360 stories allow for the use of a lot of data and analytic tools that can be really powerful for marketers too,” Kanew says.

Within the sports world, itself, virtual reality is opening up new tools for football coaches to train athletes using both 360-degree video through STRIVR and computer-generated imagery with EON Sports.

Although he hasn’t tried any of the virtual reality training simulations, Wentz believes VR could be a huge training aid when it comes to teaching the game of football.

“It also will be huge in helping quarterbacks see certain defensive schemes happening from a new perspective and be able to key in on different people,” Wentz says. “They will then be able to go over countless reps in their ‘film’ room as if they were going through it on the field. It could be a great addition to preparing players for the game.”

And companies such as NextVR are experimenting with the livestreaming of sports, including college basketball, boxing, golf, and NASCAR with Fox Sports.

“Eventually the fans will be able to see the games and events from an entirely new perspective,” Wentz says. “VR will also give fans a new appreciation for athletic events.”

About the Author
By John Gaudiosi
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in

Current refi mortgage rates report for June 24, 2026
Personal FinanceReal Estate
Current refi mortgage rates report for June 24, 2026
By Glen Luke FlanaganJune 24, 2026
14 minutes ago
Current ARM mortgage rates report for June 24, 2026
Personal FinanceReal Estate
Current ARM mortgage rates report for June 24, 2026
By Glen Luke FlanaganJune 24, 2026
14 minutes ago
Now she’s worth $200 million. But Sarah Jessica Parker says being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ growing up created her work ethic
SuccessCareer Advice
Now she’s worth $200 million. But Sarah Jessica Parker says being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ growing up created her work ethic
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 24, 2026
14 minutes ago
Mortgage rates today, June 24, 2026
Personal Financemortgages
Mortgage rates today, June 24, 2026
By Glen Luke FlanaganJune 24, 2026
14 minutes ago
Tesla cofounder JB Straubel’s first pitch to Elon Musk failed. Then he turned his ‘hobby’ into a $1.3 trillion success
SuccessBrainstorm Tech
Tesla cofounder JB Straubel’s first pitch to Elon Musk failed. Then he turned his ‘hobby’ into a $1.3 trillion success
By Rachel VentrescaJune 24, 2026
15 minutes ago
Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth sit next to each other at a dark wooden table.
EconomyIran
The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion,but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting
By Jacqueline MunisJune 24, 2026
15 minutes ago

Most Popular

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
Success
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 23, 2026
19 hours ago
Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock
Banking
Markets tumble worldwide as Fed resets expectations: $400 billion wiped off SpaceX stock
By Jim EdwardsJune 23, 2026
21 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 23, 2026
18 hours ago
Meet the 2 men putting New York's $300 billion pension fund in play for the first time in 20 years
Investing
Meet the 2 men putting New York's $300 billion pension fund in play for the first time in 20 years
By Nick LichtenbergJune 22, 2026
2 days ago
Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
Success
Former U.S. Secret Service agent says bringing your authentic self to work stifles teamwork: 'You don’t get high performers, you get sloppiness'
By Sydney LakeJune 21, 2026
3 days ago
Texas and Charlotte used to build huge McMansions—now they're copying the California design tricks they once mocked
Real Estate
Texas and Charlotte used to build huge McMansions—now they're copying the California design tricks they once mocked
By Sydney LakeJune 22, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.