Episode 64 with Director, Producer, Writer and Passionate, Award-Winning Storyteller for ESPN's 30 for 30 and E60, Martin Khodabakhshian

Show Notes and Links to Martin Khodabakshian’s Work and Allusions/Texts from Episode 64

On Episode 64, Pete welcomes Martin Khodabaskshian, an award-winning senior producer at ESPN. The two talk about the process of writing for the medium of television/documentary, Martin’s incredible work with E60 and 30 for 30, the craft of building tension/interest, some of his trademark stories, and what drives him to continue bringing profound and emotional stories to the screen.

30 for 30: War Eagle/Roll Tide Trailer

 

Star Wars, Evolution of the Lightsaber Duel from SC Presents on ESPN

 

Martin Khodabakshian’s IMDB Page

 

E60: Silent Night Lights 

At about 4:45, Martin talks about his childhood and family history in Iran, London, and Minnesota, before coming to Jesuit High School, as well as his reading life in adolescence 

 

At about 9:00, Martin talks about his language background, growing up with Armenian as his first language, and how he gravitated towards powerful storytellers in his family and English class

 

At about 13:30, Pete and Martin talk about great storytelling and how it draws people in, even if the subject matter does not seem to be an immediate hook, such as Strongman: Beyond the Mountain on E60

 

At about 19:30, Martin talks about the idea of “the big revealing” as a storytelling technique

 

At about 22:40, Pete and Martin talk about in medias res, and the similar idea of giving away the ending at the beginning; Martin gives examples of films that played with narrative like Pulp Fiction and ESPN’s documentary on wrestler Richard Jensen

 

At about 26:40, Martin talks about chill-inducing texts in his life, including Star Wars, Tom Rinaldi’s Red Bandanna, and “The Falling Man” by Tom Junod-Pete and Martin talk about the brilliance of the piece, and Martin about the passion that comes from working with incredible subjects and colleagues 

 

At about 32:00, Pete talks about the phenomenon of remembering where you were when you read an influential piece

 

At about 33:00, Martin shouts out the influential teacher, Mr. Ed Trafton, and remembering the incredible experience of reading Catcher in the Rye

 

At about 37:30, Martin discusses the power of collaboration, as well as how difficult it can be at times to not take constructive criticism and input as personal

 

At about 41:05, Martin talks about his current duties and proper nomenclature for his job

 

At about 44:15, Martin shares his “origin story” about how he got into writing and producing and directing, with an assist from a UC Davis professor and his internship at KOVR 13 in Sacramento

 

At about 48:30, Martin explains his Roll Tide, War Eagle experience, as he made this documentary in award-winning fashion after working together on the self-funded Breathe

 

At about 54:50, Martin gives background on Silent Night Lights, the engaging film about California’s School for the Deaf’s powerhouse football team that was done virtually with dialogue or sound of any type

 

At about 1:02:45, Martin talks about upcoming projects, including follow-ups with Drew Robinson and work in promoting Black Widow and a story on the Moneymaker sisters, some of the most sought-after stuntwomen

 

At about 1:04:45, Martin gives a little tour of his cool awards and toys that he’s received through his work

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