World Series of Bowling IX Chronicles

The Situation

The PBA World Series of Bowling is the largest bowling extravaganza of the year, attracting competitors from all over the world. In the ninth iteration of the WSOB, players from a record 26 countries competed. The qualifying rounds of the WSOB events are webcast on Xtra Frame, the PBA’s live-streaming service to die-hard fans, then the finals are televised on ESPN. How can we reach more people during those preliminary rounds who are not (yet) die-hard bowling fans?

The Solution

I conceived and executed an episodic documentary of the entire World Series of Bowling, released in the days leading up to the five ESPN telecasts, intended to grow the PBA’s YouTube subscriber base and engagement on the channel as well as increase interest in the WSOB.

The Result

YouTube subscriptions went up nearly 20% during the run of the 15-episode series. Comments were overwhelmingly positive, praising the series, appreciating the detailed look at the entire tournament and hoping for more similar features at future events. And, although the following can’t be fully attributed to the WSOB Chronicles, it is worth noting the ESPN ratings were up over the previous year, and Xtra Frame subscriptions grew as well.

Client: Professional Bowlers Association
Writer/Director/Producer/Cinematographer/
Narrator/Editor: Jef Goodger
Additional Camera Work: Phil Brylow