Some projects are about execution. Others are about translation—taking an idea and turning it into something that doesn’t just exist but breathes, moves, and embeds itself into the culture. B/Real was the latter. As Multimedia Director at Bleacher Report, I played a critical role in defining what this series would be, ensuring it wasn’t just another docuseries but a cultural touchpoint that made people stop, watch, and feel. Across two seasons, I shaped the show’s creative identity, branding, and storytelling, working from the inside to build something that had real emotional weight. From concept development to visual execution, I helped craft a series that brought together the world’s biggest athletes and real-life heroes in moments of connection, mentorship, and shared experience. It was storytelling designed not just for engagement but for resonance—structured for an era where content moves fast but meaning lingers. The challenge wasn’t just in making the series visually compelling but in ensuring that each story landed authentically in a digital ecosystem that craves virality but distrusts inauthenticity. I was embedded in the writers' room, refining the pitch, developing story arcs, and ensuring the emotional weight of the show carried through in every frame. At the same time, I led the creative push on branding, overseeing the logo, show package, and overall aesthetic, making sure it all spoke to the gravity of the stories being told. I worked closely with our internal production and design teams, building out the launch assets and marketing campaigns that would introduce the series to the world. But this wasn’t just about putting content into the world—it was about making sure it lived in the right places, hit the right notes, and felt human. The result was a show that won back-to-back Edward R. Murrow Awards for Sports Reporting (2019, 2020) and became more than a series—it became a movement, a space where athletes and everyday people met in a shared understanding of what it takes to overcome.
"There's no way you're not gonna wanna be inspired and then go out there and push forward and try to make a difference. These stories represent what it means to persevere against all odds." - Carmelo Anthony
Creating a series like B/Real meant navigating the tension between emotional depth and digital consumption. These were stories that demanded patience and nuance, yet they needed to live in an attention economy where seconds dictate impact. The first challenge was making sure that every episode—every moment—felt genuine and not manufactured for engagement. Audiences can tell when something is scripted for virality, and the last thing we wanted was a show that felt engineered rather than earned. That meant finding the right balance in the tone, pacing, and structure, making sure that every pairing—whether it was Carmelo Anthony and Zack Dobson or Candace Parker and Brehanna Daniels—felt real rather than forced. It required deep collaboration between production, design, and storytelling teams to ensure that we were capturing moments that didn’t just look good but felt right. The second challenge was the sheer scale of the project. This wasn’t a one-off documentary; it was an entire season of high-stakes storytelling, each episode requiring intensive pre-production, on-site execution, and post-production finesse. Coordinating schedules between global sports icons and real-life heroes meant navigating logistical nightmares, last-minute changes, and the ever-present challenge of aligning creative vision with real-world constraints. On top of that, the branding and promotional strategy had to be just as sharp and intentional as the content itself. The rollout had to be structured in a way that made sure each episode got the attention it deserved while maintaining momentum across the series. Then there was the challenge of platform optimization. It was a balancing act between cinematic storytelling and digital fluency, making sure that the power of each story wasn’t lost in the shuffle of changing audience behaviors and algorithm-driven realities. Lastly, there was the internal challenge of pushing creative boundaries within a structured media environment. Working at the intersection of sports, storytelling, and branded content meant walking a tightrope between editorial integrity and commercial viability. It took strong creative leadership, a deep understanding of digital culture, and an ability to advocate for storytelling over metrics to ensure that B/Real wasn’t just another content series but something that actually mattered.
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As Carmelo Anthony neared the end of his playing career, he began to see a future beyond the court—one that allowed him to shape narratives, elevate voices, and build something with lasting cultural impact. Already known for his activism and storytelling instincts, he was looking to establish a media presence that wasn’t just about basketball highlights but about human stories. His influence extended beyond sports; he had built a reputation as an advocate, a connector, and a figure deeply invested in empowerment through storytelling. But he didn’t want to just attach his name to another content project—he wanted to build something that had a real impact. That vision took shape when Bleacher Report approached him with an idea: What if we took the most powerful, untold stories from the sports world—stories submitted by everyday fans—and gave them the platform they deserved? Melo agreed, but with one condition: If we do this, it has to truly change the lives of young athletes. That guiding principle became the foundation for B/Real. The series was honored at the 2019 Cynopsis Short Form Video Festival, winning Best Sports & Recreation Series, and was a finalist in four categories at the Cynopsis Sports Media Awards, including Best Documentary Series and Best New Sports Show. Its impact extended beyond digital platforms, earning a Cynopsis Social Good Awards honorable mention for Best Sports Awareness Campaign and recognition as a Folio Digital Awards finalist for Digital Brand Extension. B/Real was also featured in major film festivals, including the American Documentary Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, SENE Film, Music & Arts Festival, and Dumbo Film Festival, further cementing its legacy as a series that blended sports, culture, and social impact into a powerful storytelling force.
For Bleacher Report, B/Real marked an evolution in storytelling that had been years in the making. The foundation had been laid by B/R Mag, which, under Editor-in-Chief Matt Sullivan, had elevated sports journalism to a new level—focusing not just on breaking news and viral clips but on deeply reported, immersive narratives. B/Real was the natural next step: taking those same storytelling instincts and bringing them to life through documentary filmmaking, social-first content, and brand-driven impact. Sullivan championed the project as an opportunity to turn passive consumption into action, creating stories that didn’t just inspire but made a tangible difference in the lives of the athletes they featured. As Multimedia Director and a key consulting producer, I played a critical role in shaping B/Real into what it ultimately became. From concept development to visual execution, I worked to refine the brand identity, narrative structure, and multi-platform rollout, ensuring that each episode was crafted with the same level of care and attention to detail as a premium editorial feature. More than just a content initiative, B/Real became a case study in how digital storytelling could drive real-world change—proving that sports media had the power to be about more than just the game.
As Multimedia Director and a key consulting producer, my role in B/Real wasn’t just about shaping its creative direction—it was about setting the tone for the entire project, ensuring that from the very first frame, audiences understood that this wasn’t just another sports series. One of the most critical ways I did that was through the official trailer, which I conceptualized, edited, and crafted to encapsulate the heart of B/Real in a way that would immediately connect with viewers. The trailer wasn’t just a promotional asset; it was a mission statement, designed to establish the emotional stakes of the series, introduce the star athletes and real-life heroes at the center of each episode, and make it clear that this was about more than just sports—it was about moments that change lives. Building the trailer meant striking a delicate balance between intensity and inspiration, threading together the raw emotion of the athletes’ struggles, the triumph of their achievements, and the gravity of having figures like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Candace Parker, and Drew Brees step in to amplify their stories. The pacing, the score, and the voiceover were meticulously curated to draw the audience in, making them feel invested before they even knew the full story. Every cut, every transition, and every beat had to reflect the weight of what we were building—not just as a piece of content but as an experience. The trailer became the first point of entry for the audience, a way to ensure that B/Real wasn’t just another short-form series in their feed, but something that demanded attention, earned engagement, and carried emotional weight from the start.
The first episode of B/Real, "Ten Fingers Are Overrated," introduces Trashaun Willis, a 6’5” multi-sport athlete who refuses to let being born with one arm define his abilities. From his viral eighth-grade dunk to his dominance on the football field, Trashaun has never positioned himself as an underdog—only as a competitor. His story unfolds in Washington, Iowa, where his relentless drive and natural talent have earned him attention from college scouts. But for Trashaun, success isn’t about proving others wrong; it’s about proving himself right. His journey is framed through the lens of daily life—training, competing, and excelling at a level that makes the idea of limitations irrelevant. The emotional core of the episode arrives when Trashaun meets Chris Paul, an NBA star who recognizes his grit and determination as more than just inspiring—it’s elite. Their exchange isn’t about sympathy; it’s about mutual respect between athletes who understand what it takes to break barriers. But the deeper impact of Trashaun’s story is felt through Jayce Crowder, a seven-year-old born with the same condition who once struggled with self-acceptance. Seeing Trashaun thrive gave Jayce a new perspective—one that turned doubt into possibility. More than just a sports documentary, this episode is a testament to the power of representation, resilience, and the idea that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be.
The second episode of B/Real follows Brehanna Daniels, who made history as NASCAR’s first Black female pit-crew member, breaking into a sport that had long been resistant to diversity. A former college basketball player, Daniels had no background in motorsports but thrived under NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, proving she belonged in the high-pressure world of pit crews despite facing racism, sexism, and constant scrutiny. Her B/Real moment came when she was surprised at the track by Candace Parker, a WNBA icon, two-time league MVP, Olympic gold medalist, and one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Parker had been Daniels’ role model growing up, a living example of how women could dominate in male-dominated spaces. Seeing her idol step onto the track wasn’t just a personal moment of validation—it was a full-circle moment in the fight for representation across all sports. Together, their meeting symbolized a future where boundaries continue to be shattered, proving that when women break through, they don’t just open doors for themselves—they hold them open for the next generation.
The third episode of B/Real tells the story of Jason Seaman, a seventh-grade science teacher and former college football player who became an unlikely hero when a normal school day turned into a tragedy. When a student opened fire in his Noblesville, Indiana, classroom, Seaman instinctively acted—throwing a miniature basketball to distract the shooter before tackling him, taking three bullets in the process and likely saving countless lives. While the country hailed him as a hero, Seaman himself resisted the title, wanting nothing more than a return to normalcy for his students, his team, and his family. His episode isn’t just about his act of bravery but about the weight of surviving such an event, his reflections on gun violence, and the way sports can unite communities in the face of division. That’s where Alvin Kamara, the star running back of the New Orleans Saints, steps in—not just to honor Seaman’s courage but to reinforce that sports, at their core, are about looking out for one another, both on and off the field.
The fourth episode of B/Real tells the story of Alexandria Buchanan, Hawaii’s first female starting varsity quarterback and one of the few in high school football history. From learning to throw with her father in a Honolulu park to commanding an offense under the Friday night lights, Buchanan defied expectations in a sport where leadership at her position had always been reserved for men. She didn’t just break barriers—she led, earning viral recognition for her historic touchdown pass and guiding McKinley High School to its first win in years. But success brought pressure, scrutiny, and setbacks, including the collarbone injury that ended her junior season. That’s when B/Real stepped in with a surprise: a FaceTime call from Drew Brees, the legendary Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who reminded her that the road to greatness is paved with challenges. Bleacher Report and Cricket Wireless teamed up to fund the refurbishment of her high school’s football facilities, providing bleachers and lights to a campus that had long gone without. This kind of investment exemplified what B/Real was all about: not just telling powerful stories, but actively changing the trajectory of the people at the heart of them.
The season finale of B/Real is a story of unimaginable loss, resilience, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Zack Dobson grew up inseparable from his brother, Zaevion Dobson, sharing not just a home and a childhood but a deep love for football. But on a tragic night in December 2015, Zaevion was killed while shielding three young girls from gunfire, an act of selflessness that made him a national hero, recognized by President Barack Obama and honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs. While the world remembered Zaevion for his bravery, Zack was left to grieve under the weight of that legacy. For months, he struggled to find his way, retreating from the sport they had loved together—until he made a decision: he would play for both of them. Wearing his brother’s number 24, Zack returned to the field, carving out his own path as a wide receiver at Middle Tennessee State, proving that his story was one of perseverance, not just survival. For the final surprise of the season, Carmelo Anthony, who had been deeply moved by the Dobson family’s story at the 2016 ESPYs, traveled to Tennessee to meet Zack in person. Their conversation was about more than football—it was about legacy, healing, and the strength to keep moving forward, closing out B/Real’s first season with a powerful testament to the impact of storytelling and the bonds that unite us beyond the game.
From the moment B/Real premiered, it was clear this was more than a docuseries—it was a cultural shift in sports storytelling. Through Bleacher Report’s vertical integration with Turner Sports, we were able to bring the series to TNT, expanding its reach beyond digital platforms and into millions of living rooms. This wasn’t just about adding another content series to the mix—it was about reshaping the way sports stories are told, proving that media could do more than entertain; it could inspire, uplift, and create real change. Across five episodes, the series resonated deeply with viewers, sparking conversations around gun violence, gender equality, racism, disability, and perseverance. It wasn’t just about the athletes featured—it was about the millions of people who saw themselves in their stories. From a blind running back scoring touchdowns to a young woman redefining what it means to be a quarterback, each episode pushed the boundaries of representation in sports media, showing that greatness isn’t defined by circumstance but by relentless willpower and support from a community that believes in you.
The premiere event in Los Angeles was a testament to the power of these stories. Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Candace Parker, and more gathered to celebrate the heroes of B/Real Class of 2018, not just with recognition but with real contributions toward their futures. The night wasn’t just about showcasing the series—it was about reinforcing its mission: to ensure that these stories don’t just go viral but create lasting impact. That impact was cemented when B/Real won Best Sports Reporting at the 2019 Edward R. Murrow Awards and Best Sports Series at the Cynopsis Short Form Film Festival. But as Matt Sullivan, Editor-in-Chief of B/R Mag, put it best: We don’t do it for the awards; we do it for the kids. And that’s why B/Real didn’t end with season one, it was only the beginning. B/Real also took home the 2019 NABJ Salute to Excellence Award for Television Network, Sports, a prestigious honor from the National Association of Black Journalists. This recognition underscored the series’ ability to go beyond traditional sports storytelling, shedding light on issues of race, perseverance, and representation through deeply personal narratives. Winning the NABJ award was a testament to B/Real’s commitment to giving a platform to voices often overlooked in mainstream sports media—proving that these stories weren’t just inspiring but essential.
The success of B/Real wasn’t just about storytelling—it was about creating real, tangible impact, and that’s where Cricket Wireless stepped in as a presenting sponsor. Their involvement went beyond standard brand placement; it was a partnership built on the shared belief that B/Real had the power to foster connectivity, uplift communities, and directly improve the lives of the athletes featured in the series. By aligning with the franchise, Cricket helped turn these stories into actionable change, ensuring that the recognition these athletes received wasn’t just symbolic but had lasting significance.
Working with Carmelo Anthony on B/Real was an experience that perfectly reflected who he is: thoughtful, professional, and effortlessly cool. Behind the scenes, he was deeply invested in every story, making sure each athlete felt seen, heard, and celebrated. There was no ego and no sense of obligation, just a genuine desire to use his platform to uplift others. Melo brought the same calm and confident energy that made him a leader on and off the court. He wasn’t just the face of the series. He was its heart, ensuring that every moment felt authentic and every story was told with the respect it deserved. Season One of B/Real struck a chord with audiences, proving that sports storytelling could be more than just highlights and stats. It became a cultural conversation, resonating so deeply that expanding into Season Two was not just a possibility but a necessity. With its growing impact and recognition from major journalism and media awards, the series had the momentum to keep pushing forward. Season Two aimed to go even bigger, spotlighting new athletes who had overcome impossible odds and pairing them with icons who understood what it meant to defy expectations.
The second season of B/Real opens with the story of Adonis Watt, a high school running back who has defied every expectation placed upon him. Watt lost his vision at just five years old—the same day he signed up to play youth football. But instead of stepping away from the game, he ran toward it, proving that sight wasn’t a prerequisite for greatness. With an unshakable drive and the help of teammates who guide him on the field, Watt has become a force in the backfield, scoring touchdowns and refusing to let blindness define his limits. His talents aren’t confined to football—he’s also a basketball player, using music to guide his movement on the court. For the season premiere of B/Real, future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald surprises Watt and his teammates, offering wisdom, encouragement, and the ultimate validation that Adonis isn’t just competing—he’s inspiring an entire generation to rethink what’s possible.
The second episode of B/Real Season Two follows Naomi Graham, a fighter in every sense of the word. At 21, she was living in an abandoned building, navigating a life filled with uncertainty and struggle. By 22, she had stepped into a boxing ring for the first time—a decision that would change her trajectory forever. What started as an escape became a calling, and within years, she wasn’t just competing—she was dominating. Graham rose to become Team USA’s middleweight champion, proving that resilience isn’t about where you start but how hard you fight for where you’re going. With her eyes set on Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020, her story is one of reinvention, discipline, and relentless self-belief. For her B/Real surprise, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie—a four-time Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Famer—steps into her corner, offering wisdom, support, and the ultimate reminder that greatness isn’t just about talent—it’s about the will to keep fighting, no matter the odds.
The third episode of B/Real Season Two tells the story of Revision FC, a soccer team of immigrant players who overcame racism, poverty, and countless obstacles to shock the entire state of Texas by winning a championship. Many of these athletes came from families who had fled hardship in their home countries, only to face new challenges in the United States—both on and off the field. Despite financial struggles, a lack of resources, and discrimination from opposing teams and officials, they refused to let their circumstances define them. Through sheer resilience and an unbreakable bond, they turned adversity into strength and built a legacy that couldn’t be ignored. Their B/Real moment comes when they meet FC Bayern, one of the most storied soccer clubs in the world, a moment that solidifies that their journey isn’t just about where they started—it’s about how far they’ve come.
The fourth episode of B/Real Season Two highlights the Salam Stars, a girls’ basketball team in Milwaukee that is breaking barriers both on and off the court. As Muslim athletes who wear hijabs, they often face judgment before they even touch the ball. Opponents and spectators see their headscarves before they see their skills, but the Salam Stars have refused to let stereotypes define them. Instead, they’ve turned heads with their game, proving that passion, teamwork, and talent transcend any preconceived notions. For their B/Real surprise, WNBA legend Sue Bird, a four-time champion and Olympic gold medalist, steps in to meet the team and remind them that basketball is about heart, determination, and proving the doubters wrong—no matter who you are or where you come from.
The season finale of B/Real Season Two tells the remarkable story of Kalin Bennett, the first NCAA Division I basketball player with autism to score in a game. From a young age, Bennett was told all the things he wouldn’t be able to do—walk, talk, play sports—but he defied every expectation placed on him. His journey to Kent State’s basketball team wasn’t just about proving people wrong, but about inspiring others who had been told their dreams were impossible. His B/Real moment came when Houston Rockets star and BR Kicks crowned NBA Sneaker King PJ Tucker, known for both his game and his legendary sneaker collection, showed up to celebrate Bennett’s impact. Not only did Tucker surprise him with the first-ever prototype of the Kalin B’s, a sneaker designed in Bennett’s honor, but he also let him personally choose and sign the pair he’d wear in his next game. More than just a gift, it was a moment that symbolized how Bennett’s story isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about opening doors for the next generation to walk through with confidence.
As B/Real continued to amplify the stories of real-life athletes overcoming adversity, the goal was always to ensure that the impact extended beyond the screen. Through a partnership with Prizeo, we launched a fundraising sweepstakes featuring a 2020 Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV with $5,000 in the trunk, providing fans with an exciting way to support the series' mission while getting the chance to win a dream car. The campaign was designed to turn momentum into a movement, using the cultural cachet of B/Real to drive meaningful contributions toward KultureCity, a nonprofit focused on supporting individuals with autism and sensory needs. The response was overwhelming, with thousands of fans donating to support the cause, reinforcing that B/Real was more than just a docuseries—it was a platform for change. The G-Wagon campaign represented the ultimate symbol of forward motion, both for the heroes featured in the series and the next generation they continue to inspire. Whether it was helping fund adaptive sports programs or ensuring athletes like Kalin Bennett had the resources to thrive, the campaign underscored B/Real’s commitment to giving back in ways that were as bold as the stories we told.
Key Collaborators: Carmelo Anthony, Rachel Roderman, Matt Sullivan, Pace Bowden, Adam Kramer, Asani Swann, Courtney Andrialis-Vincent, Joe Yanarella, Ed Romaine, Melissa Chusid, Emily Wilson, Ben Johnson, Duane Jackson, Amber Watson, Pete Schwadel, Tim Moore, Dylan Lathrop, Adam Powell, Travis Hunter, Gennady Kolker, Chris Perez, Tim Coughlin, Gracie Leavitt, Erica Patten, Matt Spears, Vanessa Casal-Onate, Ashley Hufford, Paige Kuhn, Jillian Kweller, Eric Yeboah, Dan Worthington, Kent Pope, Bobby Nelson, Shelly Pence, Hyperbolic Audio, Crew Cuts, Def Jam Records, Chris Paul, Candace Parker, Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara
Tools: Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Final Cut Pro.
Deliverables: Branded Series, Social Content, Premiere Party Installation.