Father, Son Team Up For NFL The Art Of Success: Ed and Steve Sabol's films reveal football's drama, passion.(LEADERS & SUCCESS)

Byline: MICHAEL RICHMAN

To see a pro football game live, simply flip on the TV. For a cinematic version of the same game, watch an NFL Films show.

That's how Ed Sabol and his son, Steve, have shaped the TV production arm of the National Football League over the years. Using creativity and innovation, the tandem has given the game a theatrical touch unlike that of a live broadcast.

"There's magic in the sport, and we're there to reveal it, document it and preserve it in our film," Steve Sabol said. "We're not journalists; we're storytellers, we're romanticists. We're really in the business of mythology."

The Sabols design shows to bring out the sincerity, authenticity and passion in the game. Microphones and close-up camera shots capture the emotions of everyone involved: a coach going irate on the sidelines, a player imploring his teammates to show pride, a fan frozen in suspense of what will happen next.

The father-son team makes the spirit of the game come alive. The Sabols have used slow motion, for example, to dramatize scenes: a receiver flipping over a defender and landing on his head or a hard hit that vividly displays the ferocity of football. Players' breath can be seen on cold days. Blood and sweat are visible. Music is blended with narration and special effects.

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