Speaker Profile

Phil Orlins is the vice president of production technology and innovation for ESPN,leading the company’s efforts in advancing technology and innovation initiatives and priorities for ESPN across properties. In his role, Orlinsdrives the development and implementation of cutting-edge production tools, alternative telecasts, and emerging technologies that enhance the viewingexperience for fans.

A leader in sports media innovation, Orlins has played a pivotal role in introducing and expanding ESPN’s use of real-time data visualization, augmented reality, advanced camera systems and immersive viewing experiences. His contributions include pioneering a variety of alternate telecasts such as theMNF Playbook with Next Gen Stats, StatCast, KayRod Cast and KidsCast. Orlins also helped integrate K-Zone Live and K-Zone 3D, in addition to leading efforts for ESPN to revolutionize in-game access with live, mic’d up in-game player conversations, now a staple for nearly all of its MLB telecasts.

Orlins was the coordinating producer for Toy Story Funday Football, the first-of-its-kind real-time, animated NFL game, in October 2023, which went onto win three 2024 Sports Emmys for Outstanding Studio or Production Design/ArtDirection, The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award and OutstandingGraphic Design – Event/Show.

He previously worked as a producer in ESPN’s MLB coverage from 1991-2003, producedSunday Night Baseball from 1994 to 2003, and led ESPN’s baseball coverage from2014 through 2024.

Orlins joined ESPN in 1988 and has produced a variety of marquee ESPN events, including serving as the coordinating producer for the X Games franchise, where he led ESPN’s Emmy-winning innovation in 3D and immersive coverage from2009-12, including X Games 3D: The Movie. The 2011 and 2012 Winter X Games were recognized with an Emmy award in the category of Technical Team Remote for the combined 3D and 2D coverage of the event.

Additional industry honors include a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Tech Achievement for Front Row Cam in 2017 as well as for K-Zone 3D in 2018, a Sports Emmy Award for Cal Ripken’s record-breaking game in 1996 and two CableACE Awards for theJackie Robinson anniversary game and for Sunday Night Baseball, both in 1997.

A native of South Orange, N.J., Orlins graduated from Ithaca College with aBachelor of Science degree in TV/Radio.

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