Fox Sports Names Michael Tolajian as SVP/Executive Producer of Film Division

Fox Sports is adding Emmy and Peabody Award winner Michael Tolajian as Senior Vice President and Executive Producer, Fox Sports Films. Tolajian begins his role immediately and reports directly to Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President of Content, Fox Sports.

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 (2019), which he directed. Tolajian also oversees all original programming connected to Fox Sports’ live rights league partners.

“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.”

Prior to joining Fox Sports, Tolajian served as Senior Coordinating Producer of Original Content at the Pac-12 Networks, where he developed and produced original programming, collaborating with Pac-12 universities to create award-winning linear, digital and social content.

“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.”

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 Emmy Award-winner Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (HBO). 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.

Tolajian began his career as a production assistant in the National Basketball Association’s entertainment division, NBAE, and within two years was promoted to producer. He produced over 100 profile stories on the greatest NBA players, including Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.

Tolajian is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a master’s degree in Film & TV Production. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. Originally from Massachusetts, Tolajian now resides in California with his wife, René, and two daughters, Lela and Vivian.

In November 2017, Fox Sports Films launched Magnify with the East St. Louis High School football documentary, 89 Blocks, executive produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter for Uninterrupted, along with Sports Illustrated. The film 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 Chape, from Sports Emmy-nominated directors Jeffrey Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist (June 2018); and They Fight, from Common’s Freedom Road Productions and Argent Pictures with partner Drew Brees (November 2018). Q Ball, from executive producer and Golden State Warriors All-Star Kevin Durant, debuts in 2019 and follows the lives of the San Quentin Warriors — teammates and inmates at “The Q,” California’s San Quentin State Prison.

Fox Sports Films also 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 U.S. Open Epics: Tiger and Rocco, which chronicles Tiger Woods’ historic win over Rocco Mediate at the 2008 U.S. Open Championship.