ESPN Films’ 30 for 30 Shorts series took home an Emmy for Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program Saturday night at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmys. This was the first nomination and first win for the documentary series, which is from the creators and producers of ESPN’s critically-acclaimed 30 for 30.
30 for 30 Shorts was nominated alongside other popular programs “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee,” “COSMOS: A National Geographic Deeper Dive,” “I Was There: Boston Marathon Bombings,” “Jay Leno’s Garage” and “Park Bench With Steve Buscemi.”
“ESPN Films originally began with the idea of presenting great storytelling as documentary films, but the progression to a short-format series was natural, and has allowed for a creative freedom among topics and approach that is unique to the short film format,” says Connor Schell, vice president of ESPN Films. “To be honored in this category alongside such successful programs is thrilling and we hope to continue to produce high-quality stories that resonate with our audience, in both short and long form, through the 30 for 30 series.”
Executive producer Bill Simmons said, “When we started planning this series in 2007, we always dreamed of this happening. It has been a seven-year odyssey and we couldn’t be more thankful and humbled that the Emmys gave us this unforgettable honor.”
30 for 30 Shorts will be featured in the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival with a panel discussion called “Focus On: ESPN Films.” The panel, which is part of the festival’s Doc Conference, will feature ESPN Films senior director of development Dan Silver and include the premiere of a new short from director Frank Marshall. Additionally, “Untucked,” from director Danny Pudi, was screened at this year’s Sundance Film Festival as part of the Short Film Program. The most recent 30 for 30 Short “Kid Danny,” about former Little League baseball player Danny Almonte premiered last week on Grantland.com and airs on ESPN on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET.
The next film in the 30 for 30 Shorts series is “Field of Fear,” directed by Academy-Award winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, which premieres on Grantland.com September 17 and chronicles the story of former New York Mets catcher Mackey Sasser who suffered from the “Yips.” Watch previous 30 for 30 Shorts on ESPN.com/30for30/shorts.