YES Network’s Refreshed Nets Graphics Highlight Brooklyn, Team

New package is designed for both game and studio broadcasts

YES Network has spent much of 2018 creating new graphics for its coverage of the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Nets, the latest efforts debuting at last week’s 2018-19 NBA season tipoff. Given that the previous Nets package had been created in 2012, it was time for a new look and feel.

“We had six years of great design and were pleased with it,” says Rick Deutschman, senior director, creative design, YES Network. “But the rebranding of the Yankees graphics last spring gave us an opportunity to align our overall brand look.

“The previous Nets package was unique and stood the test of time while winning three New York Emmys,” he continues. That package was created ahead of the Nets’ settling into their new city, Brooklyn, and new arena, Barclays Center.

New graphics for Nets games feature iconic images of Brooklyn landmarks.

“The previous graphics didn’t celebrate the players as much as we wanted,” Deutschman explains. “The new show packages for both game and studio broadcasts celebrate the players being interwoven into the fabric of Brooklyn. We are in the number-one market in the world; it was essential to celebrate Brooklyn and its iconic scenics.”

A new music theme track was produced by Manhattan Production Music to go along with the new package. “The new track has a more modern, ‘sportier’ feel, giving the broadcasts a big-event feel,” he says.

The YES Network partnered with Drive Studios, based in Los Angeles and San Diego, on a package designed to highlight the community feel of the team. Photos of Brooklyn landmarks — the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, and others — were combined with players of an up-and-coming young team poised for success given salary-cap space at the end of the season.

Oh, and remember: there may be one New York City, but Brooklyn is not Manhattan, which is home to the New York Knicks. “We know that Brooklyn has a big brother next door. There are no visuals of Manhattan in this package,” says Deutschman. “We wanted to celebrate Brooklyn and the players.”

Drive Studios relied on Maxon’s Cinema 4D and Adobe After Effects to create the package and also worked closely with the YES Creative Group, a new division that brings creative support for all network divisions under one roof. The team at Drive Studios worked closely with Deutschman, under the supervision of YES Network President, Production and Programming, John Filippelli; VP, Creative Services, John Zeigler; and the staff of the new division. The result is a consistent look from sales presentations to the on-air graphics and promotions and social-media platforms.