Behind-the-Scenes with Two of Chicago’s Hometown Heros

On a frigid January Monday, The Wall Productions had the privilege of bringing a dream project to life: a vibrant and unforgettable shoot for ESPN’s Entertainment Issue at Resolution Studios in Chicago. The day was as iconic as the city itself, featuring two legendary Chicagoans who infused the set with pride, energy, and a shared love for their hometown.

The buzz around this production was electric. Chicago’s deep ties to both Chance the Rapper and Jimmy Butler set the tone, while photographer @ericraydavidson’s dynamic vision brought it all together. With a crew of over 20, two major personalities to coordinate, motion and BTS footage to capture, and countless details to manage, the day was a testament to teamwork and creativity at its finest. It was the kind of shoot that leaves a lasting impression—one we’ll be talking about (and blogging about) for years to come. 😉

Among the highlights was the stunning artistry behind the shoot’s backdrop, showcased in the featured video on our homepage. The team worked late into the night, painstakingly crafting a set that was as bold and dynamic as the story we were telling. Their dedication transformed creative ideas into tangible magic, proving once again that passion and hard work are the heart of every memorable production.

Jimmy Butler and Chance the Rapper make their mark on our epic backdrop.

What brought a hip-hop artist and a basketball superstar together for this cover story? As Chance explained, “To me, I feel like basketball and hip-hop have always been kinda conjoined because they’re very similar in their competitive nature, you know what I’m sayin’? It’s about technical skill, and then there’s just God-given talent.” That unique blend of skill, charisma, and heart made Chance and Jimmy the perfect duo for ESPN’s Entertainment Issue.

For Chance, Chicago is more than just his hometown; it’s part of who he is. As he passionately stated in the accompanying article, “I’m tired of people talkin’ about Chicago like it’s a Third World country.” His words are a rallying cry, celebrating the resilience and beauty of a city that refuses to be defined by stereotypes.

Jimmy Butler’s departure from the Bulls didn’t dampen his connection to the city or the legacy of his nickname, “Jimmy Buckets,” coined by Stacey King in true Chicago fashion. On set, Butler’s positivity and grounded perspective shone through. “It’s not all fine and dandy, but a smile can go a long way,” he once said, and he embodied that philosophy, lifting spirits and keeping the energy light.

Behind-the-scenes with Jimmy & Chance

At the helm of it all was our Executive Producer Shel, whose leadership and laser-focused attention to detail ensured everything unfolded seamlessly. From the first call sheet to the final wrap, her steady hand guided us through a day of big personalities, tight timelines, and creative triumphs.

This project wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about celebrating the soul of Chicago. The strength, the artistry, and the people who make this city shine were on full display—and we were honored to help tell that story. If we left the studio a little tired but with hearts full and smiles brighter, we like to think Chicago did too. ✨

Check out the full project, including more behind-the-scenes images by visiting thewallproductions.com/chicago.