ESPN brings on Top Names to Helm ’30 for 30′ Docs

ESPN has embarked on a fascinating new project that will have well-known filmmakers take on stories within the realm of sports that they are passionate about. The ambitious series will consist of thirty one-hour documentaries on a wide-range of sports, with each being helmed by a different filmmaker.

The first episode will air this fall, followed by new ones on a regular basis through 2010. So far, the following roster has been lined up…

• Barry Levinson (Wag the Dog) will tackle the Baltimore Colts sudden move to Indianapolis in 1984.
• Barbara Kopple (Havoc) will look at the Steinbrenners and the transfer of owner ship from George to his children.
• Albert Mayles (Gimme Shelter) will focus on the 1980 match between the champ Muhammad Ali and the young Larry Holmes.
• Dan Klores (Crazy Love) will look at the Pacers’ Reggie Miller and his eight-point explosion against the Knicks in the 1995 playoffs.
• In addition, Spike Lee, Mike Tollin and Richard Linklater will also be adding their two cents to the mix with their own episodes.

[source: Hollywood Reporter]