On a recent visit to see her grandparents, Maddie Presser – daughter of ACC Network studio producer Dan Presser and his wife, Beth – asked her hosts, “Do you guys want me to sign this? I can write my name now.”
Maddie is four-years-old. She counts Will Smith, Kelly Clarkson and People magazine as recent Zoom pals. You see, the Pressers – including son, Barton (and a VERY proud and supportive ESPN family, see below) – had an idea after watching the Disney Family Singalong in May when Maddie commented that she wanted “all kids to be able to have macaroni and cheese,” Dan said. “So we decided to do these videos and raise money for Feeding America.”
Now, “these videos” have helped the Pressers raise over $50,000, to date, for Feeding America, which includes a $15,000 donation arranged by one of Maddie’s “co-stars,” Will Smith. The clips, shared socially, have grown to over 40 mini-masterpieces where the Pressers re-create iconic movie scenes from Dan and Beth’s favorite movies, including such classics as Pretty Woman, Forrest Gump and even a stab at the cinematic stunner, Braveheart.
“It started as a way to keep the kids busy during the beginning days of lockdown when it felt like every day was 72 hours long,” said Dan, a Syracuse University graduate, who has been with ESPN since the launch of ACC Network in summer, 2019. “I think people just really needed a break from depressing news about COVID-19, election coverage, food bank lines, the economy struggling and they were happy to get 60 seconds of cute kids delivering famous movie lines from our childhood.”
Just one more reason ESPN families like the Pressers are in “A League of Their Own” (yep, they did that one too!).
Quarantine 2020 Productions would like to thank @people for giving our beautiful little actors a spotlight . Especially above the rodent in a sweater ! Thanks for all your donations to @FeedingAmerica here is the link to donate https://t.co/Xm8qvQXQK4 pic.twitter.com/ZtDFNjQE6F
— Dan Presser (@djpresse) December 7, 2020
ESPN Colleagues “Review” Quarantine 2020 Productions Offerings
Kelsey Riggs – ACCN Host & Reporter
“The videos Dan and his family did were a breath of fresh air for me and my family and a much-needed lighthearted break from so many heavy things we were all inundated with in the first few months of quarantine. Dan is an incredibly creative and talented person, and to see that creativity take on a whole new life of its own while helping so many other families through Feeding America was definitely a bright spot in 2020.”
Jessica Shobar – Senior Coverage Producer
“I’ve known Presser for almost 15 years now and he has always been someone that could make me laugh and has never taken life too seriously. It’s clear that he is fun and easy going as a dad as well. His kids are the star of the show, but you can tell that his spirit and humor is behind the scene choices and execution. During this pandemic I think everyone is looking for a way to connect with people and help out where they can. The Pressers made donating so easy by attaching the link to every scene. When you watch their videos they bring a smile to your face and you want to pay it forward, what better way to do that then by donating to Feeding America.”
Ande Wall – Senior Managing Producer
“Dan was hospitalized with an undiagnosed brain disease late last year that left him hospitalized and his wife, Beth, caring for their two young kids solo. Despite all they had on their plate, they threw themselves into caring for others. And did so in a way that brought a lot of smiles and joy to so many. Dan is one of the funniest, most creative people I know. So, it didn’t surprise me to see these amazing videos he was producing with his kids. In a year full of what felt like never ending bad news, the Presser family was a constant light for us.”
Krista Meyers – Social Media Specialist
“In a year like 2020, where there’s so much negativity on social media, it was really refreshing to see Dan and his family do something positive and heartwarming. It’s amazing to see people use their creativity for a great cause.”
Justin Kilker – Senior Manager, ESPN CreativeWorks
“The Pressers are putting smiles on people’s faces all over the world and during a time when we all need it most. Not only have these kids inspired me, but they’re true heroes during a difficult time for us all.”
John Minton – Features Producer, E60
“Dan and Beth are such tremendous people and parents, it hardly surprised me that they would come up with such an entertaining and impactful way to make it through all that the past year has become. It’s no secret that we are living in trying times. And with that, it was so easy to gravitate towards something as wholesome as Quarantine 2020 Productions, while also being able to fundraise for those in need across the country. Like the Pressers have done for so long, they once again provided a smile and made the world a better place when we all needed it the most.”
