BACKSTAGE PASS
THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM
The game is what you see. The work behind it is what makes it possible.
Backstage Pass: The Team Behind the Team is a documentary series that uncovers the unseen side of sports-following the people who arrive first, leave last, and keep everything running.
Through real-time moments and behind-the-scenes access, the series reveals the effort, problem-solving, and dedication that rarely gets recognized but is essential to every game.
THE TEAM
Prepares and manages all player equipment, ensuring everything is game-ready before each skate and puck drop. His role requires long hours, constant attention to detail, and the ability to adapt quickly behind the scenes.
Assistant Equipment Manager Cleveland Monsters (AHL) Matthew Wentz
President Windy City Bulls (NBA G League)Brad Seymour
Oversees all aspects of the organization’s operations, balancing leadership, strategy, and fan experience. His work goes far beyond the game itself, shaping how every part of game day comes together.
Kieran Murphy
Director of Marketing & Special Events Loyola Athletics (NCAA Division I)Plans and executes in-game promotions and entertainment, coordinating timing, production, and fan engagement. His role sits at the center of game day, where every moment must run seamlessly under pressure.
Social Media Coordinator Chicago Wolves (AHL)Abby Ettel
Creates and manages real-time content during games, capturing key moments and sharing them across platforms. Her role demands speed, creativity, and quick decision-making to tell the story as it unfolds.
BACKSTAGE
PASS
BACKSTAGE PASS
BACKSTAGE PASS - Trailer
Assistant Equipment Manager Cleveland Monsters (AHL)
A look into the fast-paced world of an equipment manager, where preparation, precision, and long hours behind the scenes keep the team ready for every game.
Episode 1 - Matthew Wentz
President, Windy City Bulls (NBA G League)
An inside perspective on leading a professional sports organization, balancing business operations and fan experience to bring game day to life.
Episode 2 - Brad Seymour
Director of Marketing and Special Events Loyola Athletics (NCAA Division I)
Following the coordination of in-game entertainment and promotions, this episode highlights the planning and execution that shape the fan experience.
Episode 3 - Kieran Murphy
Social Media Coordinator, Chicago Wolves (AHL)
A behind-the-scenes look at real-time social media coverage, capturing the speed, creativity, and pressure of telling the game’s story as it happens.
Episode 4 - Abby Ettel
Project Impact
Backstage Pass: The Team Behind the Team was created to highlight the people in sports whose work often goes unseen but is essential to every game. As someone who has experienced athletics firsthand, I’ve seen how much happens behind the scenes, and this project was an opportunity to tell those stories.
By focusing on equipment managers, media professionals, and operations staff, the series aims to shift how audiences view game day - moving beyond what happens on the ice or court to recognize the individuals who make it all possible. The goal is simple: to create a greater appreciation for the work, dedication, and impact of the team behind the team.
My Role
“Backstage Pass was a fully independent project where I handled everything from concept to final delivery. I coordinated interviews, planned logistics, filmed in live game environments, captured audio and visuals, and edited each episode into a cohesive story.
During the first semester, I focused on pre-production-locking in interviews, planning shoots around game schedules, and building out shot lists and ideas. Filming took place from December through January, with editing running from February through April as I shaped each episode through storytelling and pacing.
Working across different locations and roles, I focused on creating a consistent style while adapting to the fast-paced nature of live sports. As a former NCAA Division I athlete, this project was especially meaningful to me-it allowed me to combine my firsthand experience in sports with my passion for creative storytelling.
This project represents a year-long capstone as part of my Master’s in Digital Media & Storytelling at Loyola University Chicago.”
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this project. I’m especially grateful to the individuals who shared their time and allowed me to capture their work behind the scenes, as well as the organizations that made this access possible.
