Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Core Expertise
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Michael Loftus

Summary

Award-winning video director and feature producer with over a decade of experience crafting emotionally resonant and visually dynamic sports stories. Proven leader in end-to-end production, from story ideation and field production to post and delivery—developing branded content, documentaries, and short-form features for ESPN, FS1, CBS Sports, and more. Adept at directing crews, lighting interviews, and building narratives that deepen engagement and grow audiences. Extensive background in soccer and sports culture with a passion for storytelling that connects fans to the heart of the game. 2x Sports Emmy Winner | Webby Award Winner | Brand Builder | Fan-Centric Storyteller

Overview

2025
2025
years of professional experience

Work History

Director, Original Content and Series

With ESPN, NASCAR, FS1, CBS Sports, Barstool
01.2015 - 01.2025
  • Directed and produced long- and short-form features that drove fan engagement, including Trophy Hunting (NASCAR), Coach Prime (Barstool), and Brandi Chastain: 20 Years Later (FS1).
  • Designed and executed shot lists, lighting setups, and production plans for both athlete sit-downs and event-based storytelling.
  • Served as lead field producer on high-profile shoots, managing crews, talent, and logistics while collaborating with league partners.
  • Produced branded content in partnership with sponsors and league marketing teams to align storytelling with commercial objectives.
  • Delivered multiplatform features optimized for social, digital, and OTT environments including YouTube, Twitter, and streaming services.

Series Producer / Director

Penn State Football
01.2019 - 01.2021
  • Led Emmy-winning weekly all-access show Unrivaled, building an agile production team to deliver same-day highlights, features, and social content.
  • Directed interviews, captured game day b-roll, and stylized shoots.
  • Integrated emotional and cultural storylines to elevate fan connection with players and coaches.
  • Established post-production workflows, color standards, and visual identity for the program.

Feature Producer / Director

ESPN / SEC NETWORK
04.2008 - 03.2015
  • Developed and delivered documentary and feature content for E:60, SEC Storied, and Training Days.
  • Directed on-location productions with elite athletes and coaches; crafted scripts and story arcs in collaboration with editorial teams.
  • Produced The Last Days of Knight, a 30 for 30 feature praised for its investigative depth and cinematic storytelling.

SELECTED PROJECTS

VARIOUS
  • Coach Prime – Barstool / Jackson State (Story Producer)
  • Brandi Chastain: 20 Years Later – FS1 (Director/Writer, Webby Award Winner)
  • Starting 9 Spikes Up Tour – Barstool / MLB Spring Training (Producer)
  • Rough & Rowdy: Jacob Meade – Barstool (Director/Writer, Docuseries)
  • ESPY Awards: 20 Moments in 20 Years – ESPN (Producer)

Education

B.A. - Broadcast Journalism

University of Tennessee

Core Expertise

  • Story Development & Scripting | Video Direction & Cinematography | Team Leadership
  • Field Producing & Interview Direction | Multi-Camera Event Coverage | Cross-Platform Strategy
  • Post-Production Oversight | Branded Content Integration & Partner Collaboration

Awards

  • 2 Sports Emmy Awards | Webby Award
  • 4 New York Film Festival Awards | NAMIC Vision Award

Timeline

Series Producer / Director

Penn State Football
01.2019 - 01.2021

Director, Original Content and Series

With ESPN, NASCAR, FS1, CBS Sports, Barstool
01.2015 - 01.2025

Feature Producer / Director

ESPN / SEC NETWORK
04.2008 - 03.2015

SELECTED PROJECTS

VARIOUS

B.A. - Broadcast Journalism

University of Tennessee

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Michael Loftus