Podcast Summary
Evolution of Sports Documentaries and the NBA: Jason Harrison discusses his career in sports docs, the recent sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the NBA's business landscape, while touching on betting opportunities and the Ringer Podcast Network.
The sports industry, specifically sports documentaries and the NBA, have seen significant evolution over the past few decades. Jason Harrison, a friend of Bill Simmons and a key figure in the sports doc world, shares insights from his career starting in the mid-2000s. The discussion also touches on the recent sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves to Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, which raises questions about the team's financial stability and the NBA's future business landscape. The episode also mentions various betting opportunities through FanDuel and promotes responsible gaming. Additionally, the Ringer Podcast Network is discussed, with upcoming episodes featuring movies like "Shot Caller." Overall, this podcast episode explores the intersection of sports, documentaries, business, and entertainment.
Taylor family rejects $3 billion offer for Navarro Stars: The Taylor family turned down a $3 billion deal for the Navarro Stars due to unfulfilled buyer commitments, potentially missing out on a significant expansion fee as NBA teams' values surge
The Taylor family, who own the NBA's Navarro Stars, have announced they will not be selling the team and are moving forward despite reportedly receiving offers for over $3 billion. The Taylor family alleges that the buyers did not fulfill their commitments, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. With the NBA's expansion and media rights deals on the horizon, the value of NBA teams is expected to increase significantly. If the expansion teams are valued at $9 billion each, the Taylor family would have missed out on a substantial expansion fee, leading to speculation that they may have wanted to sell at a higher price. The league, which shares the media rights and expansion fees among all teams, is expected to prioritize the highest bid to make up for potential losses. The identity of the buyers for the potential expansion teams has not been disclosed, but it is clear that the stakes are high, and the negotiations will be intense.
NBA's Media Rights Deals Bringing in Significant Money: Advanced metrics and intelligence from streamers like Amazon and YouTube are driving up NBA media rights deals, potentially impacting traditional broadcasters, and teams with star players are valuable investments.
The NBA's media rights deals are expected to bring in a significant amount of money due to the advanced metrics and intelligence streamers like Amazon and YouTube provide. This is a game-changer for teams and leagues, and it's likely that the NBA will secure deals with these streamers, which could potentially impact traditional broadcasters like TNT. Additionally, the current situation with the Minnesota Timberwolves, involving a potential sale of the team and a legal dispute, adds complexity to an already intriguing time for the NBA, as they are also in the process of figuring out media deals and expansion plans. The value of a team with a star player, like the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards, can skyrocket during their tenure, making them an attractive investment for wealthy individuals. Overall, it's an exciting time for the NBA as they navigate the future of media rights and team ownership.
Exciting potential sale of Minnesota Timberwolves and involvement in sports betting: From teaching himself editing at NBC to working up at HBO, the speaker shares his career journey in sports documentaries. He emphasizes the importance of learning on the job and staying informed in the dynamic sports and business worlds.
The world of sports and business can be full of unexpected twists and turns, as evidenced by the ongoing story of the sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA team. The speaker expresses his excitement about potentially being involved, but acknowledges the complexities and potential issues behind the scenes. He also promotes FanDuel's sports betting platform, sharing his plans to bet on college hoops and women's hoops. Looking back, the speaker shares his career journey in sports documentaries, starting from teaching himself how to edit at NBC in the late 90s, to working his way up at HBO in the 2000s. He emphasizes the importance of learning on the job and being persistent, even when starting from the bottom. Overall, the conversation highlights the dynamic nature of both the sports industry and business world, and the importance of staying informed and adaptable.
A groundbreaking sports documentary series: The producer's bold vision and HBO's support led to the creation of '24/7', a groundbreaking sports documentary series that attracted wider audiences and set new standards for sports coverage.
The creation of HBO's "24/7" series, which provided an intimate look into the lives of boxers leading up to their fights, was a pivotal moment in sports television. The producer, who started as a low-level employee, was given a blank slate and a prime time slot after the success of the countdown show for the Delahoyde and Ortiz fight. The show's unique style, inspired by "Gladiator" and "Friday Night Lights," was a departure from traditional boxing coverage and attracted a wider audience, including non-boxing fans. The show's success led to the evolution of sports documentaries and non-scripted sports content, which became increasingly popular in the mid-2000s. The producer's bold vision and the support of HBO executives resulted in a groundbreaking series that set new standards for sports coverage.
HBO vs ESPN: Groundbreaking Sports Documentaries in the Early 2000s: HBO set the bar high for sports documentaries, but ESPN's unique access and focus on boxing made their content stand out in the early 2000s, offering viewers rare insights into athletes' lives before YouTube and social media.
The early 2000s saw HBO and ESPN competing to produce groundbreaking sports documentaries. HBO, known for its high-quality productions, set the bar high with shows like "24/7" and "Sports of the 20th Century." Brian Bilox's dream was to work on such projects for HBO. However, by 2003-2004, HBO's sports documentaries became formulaic. In contrast, ESPN, with its access to big names like 50 Cent, produced content that stood out, despite being annexed off from the rest of the company. The success of these documentaries can be attributed to the fact that boxing was still a significant part of pop culture, 20 years removed from its glory days, and viewers had limited access to athletes outside of fights or interviews. Without YouTube or social media, these documentaries offered unique insights into the lives of athletes.
Revolutionizing Sports Storytelling through Documentaries: HBO Sports documentaries, particularly the 30 for 30 series, changed the game by offering unprecedented access to athletes' lives, creating captivating narratives, and inspiring a new generation of content creators.
The HBO Sports documentaries from the early 21st century, particularly the 30 for 30 series, revolutionized the way sports stories were told through television. These documentaries provided unprecedented access to athletes and their lives, creating engaging and compelling narratives. The influence of these documentaries was significant, inspiring a new generation of content creators and setting a high standard for sports storytelling. The HBO Sports team, which included talented individuals like Ezra Edelman, was a dream job for many in the industry due to the flexible schedule, resources, and creative freedom it offered. These documentaries left a lasting impact on sports media and continue to be influential today.
Staying open-minded leads to unexpected opportunities: Being adaptable and open-minded can lead to new experiences and opportunities, even when initially hesitant. Awareness of industry trends can also lead to new approaches in storytelling.
The importance of being adaptable and open-minded in both personal and professional pursuits can lead to unexpected opportunities and experiences. This was evident in the story of how the filmmaker met Jalen Rose and became involved in the production of ESPN's "The Fab Five" documentary. Initially, the filmmaker had reservations about Jalen but saw an opportunity to be a part of a 30 for 30 project, which was a dream for him. During their first meeting, they bonded over shared experiences and interests, rather than discussing the movie. The conversation went longer than expected, and the filmmaker left the meeting with a greenlit project. This experience demonstrates the value of keeping an open mind, even when faced with uncertainty or initial reservations. Additionally, the emergence of a new model for celebrity documentaries, where the celebrity is involved in the production process, highlights the importance of being aware of industry trends and adapting to them.
Producing a documentary under tight deadlines: Building relationships with talent and adapting to unexpected events are crucial for successful documentary production. Despite the challenges, staying focused and dedicated can lead to valuable training for future projects.
Creating a documentary, especially under tight deadlines, requires intense focus and dedication. The speaker shares his experience of producing a 30 for 30 documentary about the Detroit Pistons' Bad Boys team, which involved rushing to meet deadlines when a planned interview with Jack Nicklaus fell through. He recalls the blur of constantly going back and forth to the edit room, eating unhealthily, and having multiple edit rooms running at once. Additionally, he shares an unexpected turn of events when Chris Webber convinced his interviewees to join him at his apartment instead of the planned interviews, leading to an unplanned party and delay. Despite the challenges, the speaker saw it as valuable training for future projects. Another key takeaway is the importance of building relationships with talent, as the speaker's chance encounter with Jalen Rose in his office led to the start of a successful podcast collaboration.
Unexpected obstacles can lead to better outcomes: Be adaptable and resourceful when unexpected obstacles arise in documentary production, they can lead to improved stories
Sometimes unexpected obstacles can lead to better outcomes in documentary filmmaking. The speaker shares an experience where Chris Weber, a potential interviewee, backed out last minute, freeing up budget for interviewing other key figures and creating a more layered story. This unexpected turn of events was a blessing in disguise, teaching the speaker a valuable lesson that has happened numerous times in their career. Documentary production is full of uncertainties, and it's essential to be adaptable and resourceful when things don't go as planned.
Unexpected challenges during the making of the Fab Five documentary: Despite unexpected setbacks like Jawaan Howard's broken nose and Webber's demands, the Fab Five documentary was completed and became a huge success, shedding light on the team's story and dynamics.
The making of the "Fab Five" documentary was filled with unexpected twists and turns. One such incident involved Jawaan Howard, a key player on the team, breaking his nose just before they were set to shoot his interview. This incident caused a delay and added uncertainty to the production. Another surprise came when Webber, the team's star player, demanded certain conditions to be met before he would participate, including firing the composer, a full-page ad in ESPN magazine, and hosting the premiere party. These requests added to the production costs and logistical challenges. Despite these hurdles, the documentary went on to become a huge success, with a long-lasting impact on viewers. It not only showcased the Fab Five's story but also highlighted the complex dynamics among the team members, particularly between Jalen and Chris. The documentary's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to captivate audiences and provide insights into the lives of these iconic athletes.
Athletes as Producers: Impact on Documentary Authenticity: The involvement of athletes in producing documentaries about their own careers raises questions about authenticity and objectivity, but these films can still provide valuable insights and change perceptions.
The involvement of sports figures as producers in documentaries about their own careers has become a topic of debate, with some arguing it compromises the authenticity and objectivity of the film. This was a theme that emerged during a conversation about the impact of sports documentaries, specifically the documentary on Michael Jordan's career, "The Last Dance," and Jalen Rose's documentary on the 1990s Michigan Wolverines basketball team, "The Fab Five." The speakers discussed how their perspectives on these athletes shifted over time, from questioning their motivations and actions during their playing days to recognizing their talents and impact on the game. However, the issue of athletes' involvement in the production process has led to criticism that these documentaries are less objective and more promotional in nature. This was a concern raised during the making of the Reggie Miller documentary and was particularly pronounced during the production of the KJ documentary on the Sacramento Kings. Despite these challenges, the speakers emphasized the importance of these documentaries in changing perceptions and shedding new light on the past.
A city's deep connection to its basketball team: The Sacramento Kings' documentary highlights the emotional impact of losing a sports team and the community's resilience in preserving it.
The Sacramento Kings' "Save Our Team" documentary is more than just a sports story. It's about the deep connection between a city and its basketball team, and the impact that losing that team can have on the community. The film, which took almost a year to produce, was pitched to the filmmakers by Vivek Ranadive, the Kings' owner, and Adam Mendelsohn, LeBron James' media strategist. Initially, they were hesitant, fearing it would be a vanity project. But as they delved deeper into the story, they realized it was about the city's trauma after the Lakers stole the 2002 playoffs from them and the potential loss of the team. The film, which has been seen by only a few hundred people, shows the community's resilience and the role of key figures like David Stern and Kevin Johnson in keeping the team in Sacramento. The documentary is a reminder of the power of sports as an identity and the importance of preserving that connection.
Finding joy in the process of creating: Creating projects brings joy and value, even if they don't reach their intended goal. Friendships and experiences made during the process are worthwhile.
The process and creation of a project, rather than its final outcome or recognition, can bring immense joy and value. The speaker shared an experience of creating a documentary about the Sacramento Kings, which was set to air on ESPN but was ultimately halted due to negative feedback. Despite the disappointment of the documentary not being aired, the speaker found solace in the friendships and experiences made during the creation process. The speaker also reflected on other projects that didn't come to fruition, but emphasized that the lessons and memories from those experiences were still worthwhile. Ultimately, the speaker emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey and the people involved, rather than solely focusing on the end result.
Staying adaptable and up-to-date leads to success: Embrace change and evolution to stay competitive in sports, technology, or business. Adaptable partners can help navigate challenges.
Adaptability and staying up-to-date are essential in today's fast-paced world. Whether it's in sports, technology, or business, keeping up with the latest trends and innovations can give you a competitive edge. For instance, the Nissan Rogue's integration of Google into its infotainment system allows drivers to stay informed without the need for a connected phone. Similarly, documentarians must adapt to new opportunities and projects, as ESPN's "Last Dance" team did when they secured an interview with Michael Jordan, which required them to put their work on Andre the Giant on hold. In both cases, being open to change and evolution led to success. Additionally, having reliable partners, like State Farm for insurance or HBO for documentary production, can help navigate the challenges of adapting to new situations.
Collaborative documentary-making: A team effort: Effective collaboration, fine-tuning details, allowing director's vision, creative problem-solving, and striking a balance between context and storytelling are crucial for successful documentary-making.
The collaborative process of creating documentaries, with a team that is fully invested and engaged, can lead to a product that is greater than the sum of its parts. The speakers in this conversation shared their experience of working on two documentaries, Andre Agassi and Michael Jackson, concurrently. They discussed the importance of fine-tuning every detail, from the length of certain scenes to the overall pacing of the documentary, to ensure that the audience stays engaged. They also highlighted the importance of allowing the directors' vision to guide the project, even if it means taking risks and deviating from the conventional structure or pacing. The speakers emphasized that the most enjoyable part of the process was the creative problem-solving and the shared sense of excitement and accomplishment that came from bringing the project to life. They also acknowledged the challenges of maintaining audience attention in an era of short attention spans and the importance of striking a balance between providing enough context and moving the story forward. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks in the documentary-making process.
The pressure to conform in sports and documentary filmmaking: Creators must balance user data with creative freedom to make unique and engaging content.
The landscape of filmmaking and content creation has significantly changed in recent years, particularly in the sports and documentary genres. With the rise of streaming platforms and the availability of user data, creators are increasingly expected to conform to certain formulas and structures to appeal to audiences. However, this can come at the cost of creative freedom and the risk of losing the unique energy and excitement that comes with trying new things. While the intelligence gathered from user behavior can be valuable, it's important for creators to trust their instincts and not let it completely dictate the creative process. The future of content creation will likely continue to evolve, and it's crucial for creators to adapt while holding onto the essence of what makes storytelling special.
The importance of perseverance and adaptability in creative projects: Unexpected challenges can lead to unexpected successes. Stay focused and adaptable to make the most of difficult situations.
Unexpected challenges and changes can lead to unexpected successes in creative projects. The Last Dance documentary, which faced numerous obstacles including production delays and the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately became one of the most successful sports documentaries of all time. The speakers in this discussion reflect on their experiences with both enjoyable and difficult projects, noting that the challenges they faced made the end result even more rewarding. They emphasize the importance of staying focused on the work and being adaptable to changing circumstances. As one speaker puts it, "You can't ever stop. Whatever it is, you gotta keep going." This idea is reinforced by the sponsor messages in the podcast, which encourage listeners to keep moving, whether that's through exercise or trying new foods. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in creative projects and in life more broadly.
Navigating challenges in creating a documentary: Creating a documentary involves managing pushback from various entities, including athletes and teams, while dealing with complexities like musical choices, interview subjects, and multiple sets of notes and feedback from stakeholders like Netflix, ESPN, production teams, and the NBA.
Creating a documentary involves a complex and intricate process, filled with numerous challenges and obstacles. The discussion highlights the experience of a filmmaker who faced pushback from various entities, including Michael Jordan's team, when creating a documentary about the 1998 Chicago Bulls season. The filmmaker's intent was to show the harsh realities of hazing and bullying that executive Deon Kakuros endured to keep the team together. However, Michael's team objected, fearing it would portray Michael in a negative light. The filmmaker faced similar pushback regarding musical choices and interview subjects. Managing multiple sets of notes and feedback from various entities, including Netflix, ESPN, production teams, and the NBA, added to the complexity of the process. Overall, creating a documentary requires navigating a myriad of challenges and stakeholders, making it a significant undertaking.
Making a Michael Jordan Documentary: A Two-Year Journey: Creating a high-profile documentary takes extensive time, resources, and patience. Interviewing a famous subject requires preparation and expertise.
Creating a high-quality documentary, especially one featuring a high-profile figure like Michael Jordan, requires an immense amount of time, resources, and patience. The speaker shares his experience of working on a documentary about Jordan, which involved managing multiple edit rooms and dealing with numerous notes from various entities. The process was grueling, taking over two years to complete the first episode and only 12 days for the last one. The speaker also reflects on his experience interviewing Jordan, noting that his fame and significance made the encounter surreal, and that his prior experience and knowledge were essential to making the interview effective. Overall, the documentary-making process was a challenging but rewarding experience that showcased the team's dedication and expertise.
Documentary's creation involved interviews with key figures, some with initial skepticism: The Last Dance documentary showcases Michael Jordan's career through interviews, highlighting his journey and the Bulls' team dynamics.
The production of the "The Last Dance" documentary required extensive research and validation from key figures in Michael Jordan's career. Some, like Phil Jackson, initially showed skepticism but eventually agreed to participate. Others, like Scottie Pippen, had a more negative reaction and their relationship with Jordan seems to have been affected. The filmmakers went to great lengths to provide context for Pippen's decisions, including his upbringing in poverty. Despite some controversy, the documentary followed a classic sports movie narrative where Jordan is the hero and those opposing him are not villains but part of the competition. The film dedicated episodes to key figures like Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Dennis Rodman, with Pippen's episode highlighting his difficult background. The documentary's success brought renewed attention to the era and the dynamics of the Chicago Bulls team.
Michael Jordan's Return and Steve Kerr's Controversial Decision: The Last Dance documentary explores Michael Jordan's return to the Chicago Bulls and Steve Kerr's controversial decision to defer during a crucial moment in the 1994 playoffs, showcasing the team's dynasty and the pressures of leadership.
The documentary "The Last Dance" not only focuses on Michael Jordan's return to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 but also highlights the team's dynasty. During Jordan's absence, Steve Kerr stepped up as the team's leader, but fans and media criticized him for not taking the last shot during Game 5 of the 1994 Eastern Conference First Round against the New York Knicks. Kerr felt pressured to be the go-to player in Jordan's absence, and when the opportunity arose, he deferred to a teammate who had previously made a similar shot. The documentary covers Kerr's perspective and the controversy surrounding his decision. Additionally, the use of iPads for interviews in "The Last Dance" was a unique approach, providing a more engaging and personal experience for viewers. Overall, the documentary provides a comprehensive look at the Bulls' dynasty and the complexities of team dynamics.
The power of visual storytelling in igniting competition and motivation: The Last Dance documentary showcased MJ's competitive spirit, inspiring younger generations and fueling the 'goat' conversation between MJ and LeBron.
The power of visual storytelling in igniting competition and motivation was highlighted in the conversation. Michael Jordan's competitive spirit was fueled when he saw footage of his past battles, and this concept was effectively applied in the making of "The Last Dance" documentary. The documentary's impact extended beyond the basketball community, captivating younger generations who were previously unaware of the iconic moments and players from the 1990s. The competitive nature of the "goat" conversation between MJ and LeBron was also discussed, with the release of the documentary potentially influencing LeBron's perspective on his place in basketball history. Overall, the conversation emphasized the importance of compelling storytelling in connecting people to the past and inspiring them for the future.
From The Last Dance to new projects and collaborations: The documentary's success led to new opportunities and collaborations for creator Jason Hehir, including exploring history and racism through a true crime documentary.
The documentary "The Last Dance" about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring new projects and opportunities for those involved. The creator of the documentary, Jason Hehir, shares how it has evolved into a symbol of endings and new beginnings, leading to various collaborations and stories he never imagined. He also discusses the impact of the project on him personally, as he delved into the making of "Murder and Boston," a true crime documentary examining the history of racism in Boston through the lens of a compelling murder case. The cyclical nature of the entertainment industry brought him opportunities he could not have foreseen, and he reflects on the importance of holding a mirror to history and examining the past to understand the present.
Balancing Creative Expression and Social Responsibility in Tragedy Porn: Discussing the intensity of tragedy porn, the potential impact on audiences, and the importance of seeking help for gambling issues, industry professionals emphasize the need for balance between creative expression and social responsibility.
While it may be possible to pitch a tragedy porn series to Netflix, it's important to consider the potential impact and sensitivity of such content. The discussion highlights the intensity of the genre, with episodes featuring a lot of blood and crying. However, it's essential to remember that such content may not be suitable for all audiences and could potentially contribute to problem gambling or other negative behaviors. The conversation also underscores the importance of being mindful of state regulations regarding online sports wagering and gambling help resources. The speakers encourage listeners to seek help if needed and provide various resources for those struggling with gambling issues in different states. Additionally, the conversation showcases the camaraderie and lightheartedness among industry professionals, despite the serious nature of the topic at hand. They express their hope to collaborate again in the future, before retirement, and look forward to their upcoming podcast episodes. In summary, the discussion emphasizes the need to balance creative expression with social responsibility and offers valuable resources for those dealing with gambling-related issues.
