The making of 'The Last Dance' is the motivation we all need right now
Image from clutchpoints.com
*This article was originally published on my LinkedIn page here.
“Dear Michael, every day kids come into my office wearing your shoes, who’ve never seen you play. It’s time.”
That’s a quote from Mike Tollin, producer of the Michael Jordan x ESPN docuseries The Last Dance. Turns out ’the making of’ story is just as entertaining as the doc itself, and I’ve been fascinated by the details of how and why it took so long to arrive on our television screens.
The fact that it’s being released 22 years after it was filmed is wild. Countless producers and directors were attached to it at one point or another (including Spike Lee) all trying to get it made, but couldn’t for various reasons. So many complicated factors needed navigating, from licenses to stakeholders to actually getting MJ on board; meanwhile the actual rolls of film were locked up inside the NBA Entertainment offices gathering dust.
Tollin, a veteran with numerous sports docs, movies and tv shows on his résumé, shared the story on the Bill Simmons podcast about how he was patient yet persistent, weaving his way through numerous gatekeepers and cultivating relationships over years before finally (sneakily) stealing five minutes of MJ’s time. Tollin had created a whole project outline for his pitch that began with the quote above. MJ read it, and was sold.
The sheer amount of perseverance it took to continue fighting for this project, even when it seemed like it was going nowhere, I find incredibly inspiring - and I believe something that MJ ultimately respected and why he gave it the green light after so many years. Tollin and his team were relentless. I’m so glad the project is finally out for the world to see.
And as the world is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever will it be important to practice patience - whether creating a documentary, building a business, going to school, etc. - because chances are progress may be slower than normal right now. Again, the story of The Last Dance reminds us to keep going even when it may feel uncertain to do so, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel. That's motivation for ya.
Of course, the actual series itself is incredibly motivating - I wish I could sprint to the park right now and put up some fadeaway jumpers while holding the signature MJ follow through (If I could find a way to lower the rims, maybe I could try some of his dunks, smh).
But to me, this whole behind-the-scenes tale is a lesson on being prepared and striking when your opportunity comes. Challenges will be a part of any project in any business. Success is not a straight line. Always keep long term plans and goals in mind while grinding day to day. No matter how many obstacles, don’t give up on your dreams!