'30 for 30' an informative look at sports
Ken Schmidt
Issue date: 11/9/09 Section: Entertainment
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It was almost a poetic showdown of biblical or Homeric proportions.
Sports have the ability to make epic storylines transform into back page headlines. Though the Phillies vs. Yankees 2009 World Series showdown will most likely not be considered one of the most memorable sports moments of all time, ESPN has been taking a look at some of the best sports storylines that have withstood the test of time.
ESPN columnist Bill "The Sports Guy" Simmons laid the groundwork for a series of hard-hitting documentaries by sending an e-mail to the "powers that be" in 2007. Simmons had one idea in mind: "I love documentaries."
In celebration of ESPN's 30th anniversary the idea was hatched. The concept was 30 documentaries covering the most intriguing sports storylines of the last 30 years. "The goal of a well-written piece and a well-done documentary is fundamentally the same: you pick a story that hasn't been fully explored yet, you throw yourself into it and you make it sing," Simmons said.
Simmons wanted three main concepts for the series. He wanted to do something special to celebrate the historic anniversary of the sporting news powerhouse. Second, he wanted to cover 30 different stories from the era. And third, he wanted the series named "30 for 30" because it "rolls off the tongue. I remember trying to chest-bump myself when I thought of it."
With these three main theories in place Simmons enlisted friend and co-worker Connor Shell of "Cheap Seats" fame for his opinions. Shell added another key concept for the series. He wanted to bring in 30 different directors from outside of ESPN to develop each of the 30 separate documentaries. With that final tidbit of wisdom the series was born.
ESPN brought in some of the most distinguished personalities to help with the series. Some of the biggest names include Mike Tollin, Ice Cube, Kirk Fraser and Peter Berg. Even Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash will make his filmmaking debut.
See 30 for 30 on Page 10
From 30 for 30 on Page 8
He is directing a film about cancer patient Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, expected to debut sometime in 2010.
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