The Emmy Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in the entertainment industry, and this year, Maddie Goldberg, Miss Porter’s School class of 2016 alumna, had her moment in the spotlight. With her Emmy-winning work on the animated Toy Story Funday Football, Maddie showcased her incredible talent in art, animation, and graphic design. Here’s a deep dive into her journey, work, and the lessons she’s learned.

The Spark of Creativity

From a young age, Maddie was surrounded by creativity. Her father, a musician, and her mother, an artist, fostered an environment where artistic expression thrived. “Art and music were front and center in my home growing up,” she recalls. Maddie’s fascination with filmmaking began early, as she took over the home video camera to film her dad. By third grade, she was crafting music videos with friends using Windows Movie Maker on a clunky home computer. She began integrating animation into her videos as she progressed through middle and high school, igniting a passion that would shape her future.

Emmy-Winning Work: Toy Story Funday Football

Maddie’s Emmy-winning Toy Story Funday Football project was an innovative and delightful twist on a traditional NFL game. This live, animated broadcast of the Jaguars vs. Falcons game aired simultaneously with the real game on ESPN, featuring beloved Toy Story characters in Andy’s Room. The players’ movements were tracked to their real-life counterparts with a 10-second delay, bringing the animated game to life.

The project earned nominations in four categories at the Sports Emmys, and Maddie won the Outstanding Graphic Design – Event/Show award. Her animations of Mr. Spell, the iconic Pixar character, brought joy to viewers with celebratory messages and playful dances. Despite the tight timeline and last-minute requests, Maddie delivered impeccable work, utilizing Cinema 4D for animation and Adobe After Effects for compositing.

Porter’s Influence

Reflecting on her time at Miss Porter’s School, Maddie credits her teachers and the supportive environment for nurturing her creativity. “Porters allowed me to be myself. Truly,” she says. Teachers like Grier Torrence and Sophie Paris encouraged her to explore different mediums, leading to a diverse portfolio that would set the stage for her professional career. Maddie founded the MPS Film Club and contributed to numerous campus projects, which helped her hone her skills and passion for animation and filmmaking.

The Path to Success

Maddie’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and embracing one’s unique path. Her advice to young women is to embrace their individual journeys, even if they deviate from initial expectations. She hopes her work leaves an emotional impact, bringing joy and excitement to people’s lives. Maddie’s success is a reminder that with dedication and passion, anything is possible.

A Bright Future

Looking ahead, Maddie dreams of working on projects that convey healing messages to people worldwide. She welcomes any collaboration that allows her to use her skills and life experiences for good. The success of Toy Story Funday Football and other child-friendly alternative casts by ESPN, such as the NHL Big City Greens Classic, hint at a future filled with innovative and heartwarming projects.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Maddie’s message to her 15-year-old self and young women today is profound: “Sit with yourself and breathe. You don’t have to be anyone else. You are not your Instagram posts. Feel the grass, you are alive and you are you for a reason.” This wisdom underscores the importance of staying true to oneself in a world full of distractions.

Staying Connected to Porter’s

For Maddie, connecting with Miss Porter’s School is a way to honor her roots and acknowledge the foundation that helped her achieve her dreams. The network and community at Porter’s are enduring, providing lifelong support and inspiration. Maddie’s journey from Porter’s to the Emmy stage is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of nurturing young talent.

Miss Porter’s School is proud to celebrate Maddie Goldberg’s incredible achievement and looks forward to the many exciting projects she will undoubtedly create in the future. Congratulations, Maddie!

For more on Maddie’s work and the Toy Story Funday Football broadcast, check out the ESPN Marketing video:

Banner photo courtesy of Getty Images – photographer: Michael Loccisano. All other photos courtesy of Madeline Goldberg ’16.