Today we’d like to introduce you to Denny Lennon
Hi Denny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in the 60’s and raised in the 70’s in Venice, California. I was part of a large family, one that had made a name in the entertainment business, including Hall of Fame ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, singing stars “The Lennon Sisters” and the band “Venice”. I was most interested in sports, and by the 80’s my cousins and I had created what would become a legendary and groundbreaking event, the Venice Backyard Championships (VBC). The VBC was a volleyball tournament played in five backyards and three front yards on Harding Ave. in Venice, one that mixed recreational players, professionals and celebrities. From this event, I was literally “discovered” in my own backyard. The success of the VBC led to me being recruited to become the MC and promotions director for the Women’s Professional Beach Volleyball (WPVA) tour and also to create a national junior beach volleyball program for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). I refined my approach to combining sports and entertainment and produced several television shows for local and national cable. After decades of serving as the National Director of AAU Beach Volleyball, producing events and on air announcing, “Sports Stories, Inc.” was founded in 2019. Sports Stories began with video podcast interviews and has evolved. “Sports Stories with Denny Lennon” is a weeknight TV show on LA36 Cable TV, and Sports Stories has produced several features, including award winning shorts on NBA legend Jerry West and the presentation of the 92nd AAU Sullivan Award from Honolulu, Hawaii. Currently, Sports Stories is in development with two documentaries.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Producing sports events always presented challenges, but not nearly as many as producing shows and features for television and film. However, I have been fortunate to work with two experienced directors/companies and learn creative ways to deal with the struggles. Veteran actor and producer Chris Allport of Allport Productions (Burbank, CA) is a multi-talented force, and being on set with him and The Alpha Command Unit has been key for me. Look for Allport’s upcoming release of “Emily or Oscar” feature film, which I play a minor role. I also have a lot of respect for Gemini Films, headed up by writer/director (and nine-time Emmy winner) David Kornfield and producer Garrett Fennelly. I joined them as a featured contributor and associate producer for a documentary that has been racking up film festival awards, “Of All the Gin Joints”. Finally, having a good team has been essential to success. Marlee Rice has played multiple roles for Sports Stories, including the vital position as Line Producer. Christine Jinbo has been the producer who laid the foundation for Sports Stories to go from a podcast to a TV Show. Bob MacColl has been instrumental in making Sports Stories works as the Director of Photography and editor. Jake Downey brings a lifetime of sportscasting to our group as a writer and narrator. Ciena Lennon is a digital photographer that has created a look for our social media outlets.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I was done with being a college basketball player due to an injury, but that did not remove me from a life in sports. Along with producing sporting events, I spent 35 years as a teacher, coach and athletic director at several schools and levels, from middle school CYO sports to CIF High School to Olympic Development. I realize that what I do best is coach. That skill has been an important part of the success of our team. Growing up, UCLA basketball coach John Wooden was my guide to coaching. I found out through his seminal work “The Pyramid of Success” and by reading his books that he was so much more than a championship coach and that inspires me.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Whatever it is you are pursuing, do not hesitate to learn new things and that all jobs within a company are important. Be opne to new challenges, say “yes” and have faith you can figure out whatever is in front of you. “Not all change is progress, but progress requires change”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sportsstoriesdl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsstoriesdl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportsstoriesDL/
- Twitter: @SportsStoriesDL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ssdl
Image Credits
Personal Photo Denny Lennon: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Caitlin Clark: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Zach Edey: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Carissa Moore: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Danny Boehle: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Katie Ledecky: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon, Ray Jackson and Sara Hughes: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Denny Lennon and Carl Lewis: Photo by Ciena Lennon
Additional Photo Jimmy Lennon Jr., Mike Tyson and Jimmy Lennon Sr.: Photo by Lennon Family Trust
