Overview of the Documentary

The Dancin’ Bulldogs is a feature-length sports documentary directed, written, and produced by Christian Jessup, with co-writing by Thomas Manning and Eli Hardin, and co-production by Manning and Brendan Boylan. This film chronicles the inspiring journey of the 2018-19 Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs men’s basketball team, who triumphed in the Big South Conference tournament and earned a historic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Subject Matter

Despite their transition from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2002, the Gardner-Webb Men’s Basketball Team had never clinched their conference tournament or participated in the NCAA tournament until the 2018-2019 season. This documentary captures the team’s unprecedented season, highlighting their hard-fought victories, emotional moments, and the significance of earning a 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Featuring game footage, behind-the-scenes moments, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and notable figures, the film provides an in-depth look at this remarkable achievement.

Production and Creation

The film was conceived by Jessup, himself a Gardner-Webb alumnus, who initially aimed to create a short tribute to the team but realized the potential for a full-length documentary. With the help of fellow alumni, production began in May 2020 and was completed by October 2020. The documentary features contributions from various individuals with backgrounds in film production, music composition, and sports broadcasting.

Release and Reception

Released on YouTube on October 16, 2020, The Dancin’ Bulldogs quickly amassed thousands of views, capturing the hearts of the Gardner-Webb community and basketball fans alike. The film has been praised for its storytelling, emotional depth, and uplifting score, with many expressing admiration for its portrayal of the team’s journey and the spirit of college basketball.

Soundtrack and Musical Composition

Christian Jessup composed the film’s score, which has been widely acclaimed for its ability to enhance the film’s emotional impact. The soundtrack, recorded at Jessup’s home studio using Virtual Studio Technology (VST), features a variety of tracks that capture the highs and lows of the team’s journey. The music was released digitally on the same day as the documentary’s premiere.

Public and Critical Reception