The “Little Experts” are recruiting. That’s right, after taking the Internet by storm in 2014-15, ESPNU’s youngest (and cutest) college football analysts have decided. . . scratch that. . . demanded more representation on the network.
“It was all part of their hardline negotiation,” admits a playfully defeated Baron Miller, ESPNU coordinating produces who moonlights as the agent (aka father) of Paxton, a breakout star of the debut “Little Experts.”
Miller and ESPNU producer Josh Parcell were behind the “Little Experts” first appearance in September 2014 when they brought Paxton and a few of his friends in to reenact some of the most famous rants from college football head coaches.
“It was a hit,” Miller said. “So we kicked around idea of putting them actually on a set.”
What followed was an intense debate over the best running back in college football, an audition for the college football megacast and a prediction that Darth Vader would win the college basketball tournament.
All of it was Internet gold.
So much so, that this year ESPN and parent company Disney are scouting daycare centers and kindergartens from coast-to-coast for more Little Experts – sort of.
Starting today and continuing through Dec. 4, fans can submit videos of their own “Little Experts,” ages 3-12, through the Disney’s Applause app (available at Apple App Store and Google Play). Weekly winners will be chosen and featured on ESPNU and various ESPN platforms, including right here at Front Row.
“It works because it is real,” Miller said. “The three to five year old age group is perfect because the kids aren’t trying to be funny. . . they just are funny.”
Submissions should include discussion of the the college football season and, specifically, the College Football Playoff, according to Miller.
“Have fun with it. Be creative,” he said. “Thirty seconds to a minute is perfect.
“Most importantly, this should be something that both the parents and the kids enjoy,” Miller said. “And don’t forget to ask follow-up questions like ‘Why?’ or “How?’ because that’s where you get some of the funnier answers.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information and official rules on submitting videos, click here and click here.
