DAZN Studios launches with roster of sports docs

DAZN has launched a content development arm, DAZN Studios. It is being established to enhance DAZN’s ability to create development deals, sell and license its original sport documentaries, series, and films, and explore new production opportunities.

DAZN’s global original content slate for 2022 features including Ronaldo Nazario De Lima and Diego Maradona, and a film strand called the ‘World Cup Stories’ series. It is also working with director Eva Longoria Bastón on boxing film La Guerra Civil, which will premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2022.

DAZN Studios says it’s now looking to work with a range of content creators to develop new programming that “reflects the future of storytelling in sport”.

The first feature-length doc in DAZN’s ‘World Cup Stories’ series is Green Lions, which explores the untold story of Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup heroes who defeated the reigning world champions Argentina in the opening game of Italia ‘90. It was produced with Archer’s Mark and Dark Pictures for DAZN.

Meanwhile, Maradona: The Fall looks behind the scenes at Maradona’s fall from grace following a failed drug test during the 1994 World Cup, as told by the people on the inside. The feature-length doc includes interviews with FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Claudio Caniggia and Alan Rothenberg. It’s directed by Angus MacQueen and produced by Ronachan Films. It will be released in autumn 2022.

Also set for release this year is a feature-length documentary exploring Ronaldo Nazario de Lima’s World Cup career; from the mystery that surrounded the World Cup final in France ’98, followed by two debilitating knee injuries. Featuring exclusive interviews with Roberto Carlos, Paulo Maldini, Romário de Souza Faria, and Zinedine Zidane, Ronnie is a Zoom Sport production with DAZN.

DAZN chief operating officer Ed McCarthy, said: “Sport has the power to inspire and connect people around the world, and evocative storytelling can bring us closer to its beating heart. DAZN Studios is going to enable us to broaden our original programming offering with productions that not only drive deeper engagement with fans but create opportunities via licensing, distribution, advertising and commissions.”

DAZN EVP global commissioning and original content, Grant Best, adds: “We are incredibly excited to be working with the next generation of creators and giving them an environment to do what they do best; create engaging and innovative productions. DAZN Studios will be a space where artists have the space to be creative and produce documentaries, series and films all in the world of sport.”