espnW Presents - Being Believed: A Conversation with Sister Survivors
A searing, unflinching account of systemic rape culture & the profound costs it exacts on survivors' lives. Rather than sensationalizing trauma, the program centered survivors' voices & their efforts to dismantle sexism, abuse, & entrenched privilege.
Development & Pre-Production
An all-women editorial team built trust with survivors over months, drafting intentional questions & establishing protective boundaries—including never using Larry Nassar's name, keeping the focus on survivor power rather than perpetrator notoriety.
Production Design & Crew
The EP assembled an all-women crew & held pre-production forums on language, etiquette, & expectations to ensure a sensitive, trauma-informed filming experience. They reimagined ESPN's NFL studio with thoughtful design choices: covered tally lights to reduce surveillance anxiety, blacked-out camera bases for visual calm, casual props to soften the space, & an hourglass nodding to the "Time's Up" movement.
Post-Production & Ethics
Custom warm bulb graphics replaced monitor images, avoiding re-traumatization & denying Nassar further screen time. Every editorial decision prioritized survivor dignity & agency.
Impact
The program demonstrated how intentional production design & trauma-informed storytelling can honor survivors while holding systems accountable.
