As a documentary and feature filmmaker, Rory Karpf specializes in directing films that tell emotional and compelling stories.In 2007, Karpf directed the critically acclaimed theatrical release Dale. B ...Show More
As a documentary and feature filmmaker, Rory Karpf specializes in directing films that tell emotional and compelling stories.In 2007, Karpf directed the critically acclaimed theatrical release Dale. Based on the life of legendary racer Dale Earnhardt and narrated by Academy Award winning actor Paul Newman, the film became the highest selling sports DVD of all time. Sports Illustrated said, "The film 'Dale' is terrific. It delivers such an intimate look at the driver that it feels as if we've all been invited out to the Earnhardt ranch to watch some home movies. 'Dale' covers it all and it is an enjoyable and enlightening ride."In 2008, Karpf directed The Ride of Their Lives, a film on the history of NASCAR, narrated by Academy Award winner Kevin Costner that aired on the Showtime cable network. Sports Illustrated said , "It's one thing to tell us about NASCAR... it's another to show us... and it's something altogether different to put us right there in the driver's seat. "The Ride of Their Lives" does that and you cannot help but be in utter awe." That same year, Karpf directed the official music video for the film, "Backyard" by Kevin Costner and Modern West.In 2009, Karpf directed Together, about the tragedy that took the lives of ten team members of the Hendrick Motorsports team in 2004. The film aired on ABC television and is narrated by Academy Award nominee Tom Cruise. ESPN said, "The film is impeccably done, the definitive movie about one man's soaring highs and devastating lows." USA Today called the film, "Emotionally raw... it gets to the heart of its subject."In 2010, Karpf was included in the prestigious list of filmmakers to direct a film for ESPN's 30 for 30 series; a list that includes Academy Award winners Barry Levinson, John Singleton and Albert Maysles. To the Limit tells the story of Tim Richmond, one of the first athletes to die of AIDS. The film was one of the best reviewed in the series with Slant Magazine saying "To Karpf's credit, the impressive documentary To the Limit is one of only a few films in the series that tells its story with a clarity that we didn't have when the events occurred."In 2011, Karpf wrote and directed the dramatic feature Wendell Scott for ESPN Films. Based on the life of the African-American Motorsports pioneer, the film received wide praise for its authenticity and genuine emotion.Rory Karpf began his career at NFL Films where he worked as a director, producer, writer and editor. He has won four Emmy awards as a producer from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and has been nominated nine times. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife, Lauren, and two sons, Cooper and Tyler. Hide
