By R.L. Bynum
ESPN Films will produce a 30 for 30 documentary on the extraordinary life of UNC alum Stuart Scott, who had many fans of the unique style he brought to “SportsCenter.” He lost his battle with cancer at the age of 39 in 2015.
ESPN announced the documentary Monday but not the air date.
A Chicago native who grew up in Winston-Salem, Stuart graduated from UNC in 1987 with a degree in speech communications and was a news reporter early in his career at WRAL before joining ESPN in 1993.
He was the commencement speaker at UNC graduation in 2001. One of the hosts at Late Night With Roy, Carolina honored him at the 2015 event. Before every men’s basketball game last season, a clip of Scott played on the big screens at the Smith Center of him passionately explaining what Carolina basketball means.
Currently in production, the film tells the story of the trailblazing broadcaster who shattered preconceived notions of how on-air figures were expected to look, talk, act and think. In the process, he helped bring hip-hop and Black culture into the sports media mainstream.
The film’s director, Andre Gaines, says that Scott transcended broadcasting, journalism, sports and culture in various ways.
“He made his mark on so many people, especially young black men, and his legend has only grown since his passing,” Gaines said. “The opportunity I’ve had now to examine his life, visit his home, get to know his daughters Taelor and Sydni, and understand how incredibly vast and rich a life Stuart lived, I can only hope that audiences find the same catharsis I’ve already experienced in making this film.”
Scott entered the sports journalism world determined to remain authentic and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Beyond the debate his style ignited, he began to reach new audiences who saw their experiences in his point of view. The documentary will chronicle his rise to fame at ESPN, his impact on media and culture, and the personal pain of divorce and the battle with cancer.
Through a vast collection of family photos and archival videos, along with the voices of Scott’s daughters, the film serves as a touching tribute to a life well lived and a culture well served.
“This film is the perfect tribute to a man who touched lives in front of and behind the camera,” said Marsha Cooke, Vice President and Executive Producer of ESPN Films.
The film will be executive produced by ESPN Films, Run & Shoot Filmworks, and Cinemation Studios.
Photo courtesy of ESPN
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