"BECOMING," AN INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE PROFILE SERIES
FROM THE PRODUCERS OF "30 FOR 30" AND
EXECUTIVE-PRODUCED BY LEBRON JAMES,
TO BE PRESENTED ON DISNEY XD
Disney XD has ordered "Becoming," a series from ESPN Films of inspiring athlete profiles executive-produced by one of today's most accomplished sports stars and flourishing entertainment producer LeBron James and his Springhill Production Company. "Becoming" is set to premiere on Disney XD later this year.
"I'm excited about 'Becoming' because it's something every young kid can relate to. It shows them that everyone faces adversity and challenges while growing up -even their heroes," said James. "I'm so proud that Springhill Production Company is a part of this project that reaches kids in such a positive way, and there's no better partner than Disney for this inspirational series."
Created for kids and families, the half-hour show will feature extraordinary stories of athletes from around the world. The "Becoming" pilot aired in October 2014 and told the story of LeBron James' trajectory to the top, including some of the most defining moments of his life.
Marc Buhaj, Senior Vice President, Programming and General Manager, Disney XD said, "We are thrilled to continue working with ESPN Films and LeBron James on 'Becoming.' This unique sports-focused series gives our worldwide audiences the inspiring and entertaining personal stories from some of the biggest athletes in the world."
"In 'Becoming,' we are excited to create aspirational stories for kids using our signature '30 for 30' style," said Connor Schell, Vice President and Executive Producer of ESPN Films. "By allowing the athletes and those who influenced them to tell their own stories, we hope to create an inspiring, inside account of how each athlete reached the top of their sport."
In addition to executive producer LeBron James and Maverick Carter of Springhill Production Company, the series is executive-produced by Connor Schell, Bill Simmons, Libby Geist and John Dahl, the team behind ESPN Films' Peabody and Emmy Award-winning "30 for 30" series. Gentry Kirby and Erin Leyden are the producers.
Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-11, hyper-targeting boys and transporting them into worlds full of humor, unexpected fun and inspiring action-filled adventures. Disney XD-branded content spans television, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser-supported network that reaches over 80-million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 31 Disney XD channels available in 25 languages around the world.
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched its signature 30 for 30 film series, which has since won a Peabody Award, Producer's Guild Award and an Emmy Award. Inspired by ESPN's 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically-acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the Webby Award- and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 Shorts.
Springhill Production Company is the entertainment and content company created by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Named after the public housing complex where James grew up in Akron, Ohio, Springhill Production Company develops creative content across a variety of platforms including digital, documentary and feature films, and scripted and unscripted TV. Springhill Production Company has offices in Los Angeles and Akron.
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