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ESPN Films to launch Errol Morris-directed documentary shorts series ‘It’s Not Crazy, It’s Sports’

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By John McCarthy, Opinion Editor

February 25, 2015 | 2 min read

ESPN Films has developed a new primetime special ‘It’s Not Crazy, It’s Sports’ after enlisting Academy Award-winner Errol Morris to direct.

The push will build upon ESPN’s campaign of the same name with six short films each exploring the inspiring, dramatic and unexpected things in sports that capture the experience of being a fan.

Each piece will be personally introduced by Morris and will be broadcast online on Grantland.com as part of its ‘Errol Morris Week’ after they premier one after another on 1 March.

Morris said: “Sports, as we all know, touches on everything. It provides a way in to our culture and to our dreams. Each one of the six short films involves an obsession - whether it is about a horse, an electric football game, or a sports reliquary won at auction.

“They are all human stories, and it is my hope that we can recognise part of ourselves in each one of them.”

Dan Silver, senior director of development for ESPN Films, added: “One of ESPN Films’ principal edicts is to support distinctive visions, and since the start of his career there has been no more distinctive voice in filmmaking than Errol Morris.

“When we launched 30 for 30, Errol’s point of view, style, and love of his subject matter were benchmarks for us on how a documentary can not only tell a compelling story, but also remind you that there’s a filmmaker behind the camera. Nothing else quite feels like an Errol Morris film.”

The project comes from ESPN's Exit 31 content group and all shorts were produced by Moxie Pictures in association with Wieden + Kennedy Entertainment.

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