Fox Sports Films Taps Michael Tolajian As SVP & Executive Producer

EXCLUSIVE: Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Michael Tolajian has joined Fox Sports Films as Senior Vice President and Executive Producer.

In his new role, Tolajian is responsible for the acquisition and development of long-form projects for the Sports Emmy-nominated Magnify documentary series, beginning with Q Ball, which he directed. From executive producer and Golden State Warriors All-Star Kevin Durant, Q Ball follows the lives of the San Quentin Warriors — teammates and inmates at “The Q,” California’s San Quentin State Prison. It’s set for premiere in 2019. Tolajian also oversees all original programming connected to Fox Sports’ live rights league partners. Tolajian begins his role immediately and reports directly to Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President of Content, Fox Sports.

“Michael is a talented executive and filmmaker,” Dixon said. “His leadership and creative energy will have a great impact on Fox Sports original programming as we continue to elevate our Magnify documentary series and league partner-driven films.”

Fox Sports Films launched Magnify in November 2017 with the East St. Louis High School football documentary, 89 Block, executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter for Uninterrupted, along with Sports Illustrated. The first film for the docuseries earned a 2018 Sports Emmy nomination. The Magnify documentary slate includes: Shot in the Dark, executive produced by Dwayne Wade and Chance the Rapper (February 2018); Nossa Chappe, from Sports Emmy-nominated directors Jeffrey Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist; and The Fight, from Common’s Freedom Road Productions and Argent Pictures with partner Drew Brees.

Prior to joining Fox Sports, Tolajian served as Senior Coordinating Producer of Original Content at the Pac-12 Networks, where in collaboration with Pac-12 universities, he developed and produced original programming for linear, digital and social platforms.

In 1999, he formed his own production company, BonaFide Films, directing, writing and producing for film, television and online. His notable projects include Peabody Award-winner Once Brothers (ESPN 30 for 30) and HBO’s Emmy-winning Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

Earlier in his career, Tolajian served as director, writer and producer for Pawnshop Pictures, where he worked on the award-winning independent feature film A Jersey Tale.

Fox Sports Films presents a wide range of entertaining global sports films in conjunction with Fox Sports’ live rights league partners. Most recently, the group produced three documentaries in association with Major League Baseball, honoring legendary player moments
from Kirk Gibson, Jim Abbott and Aaron Boone. Prior documentary work also includes the four-part series All The Way Up: Baker Mayfield, which follows the NFL journey of the 2017 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback; and Epics: Tiger and Rocco, which chronicles Tiger
Woods’ historic win over Rocco Mediate at the 2008 U.S. Open Championship.

“I’m excited to continue advancing the great filmmaking at Fox Sports,” Tolajian said. “My diversified background working as a filmmaker and within sports organizations positions me well to impact and grow the Magnify series brand and other important work with our collaborators.”