Fremantle Launches Global Sports Division
Fremantle, a prominent player in the TV and film industry, is venturing into the world of sports with the launch of a dedicated global unit called Fremantle Sports. This new division will primarily focus on non-scripted content, including documentaries, as well as new digital formats. Working closely with Fremantle’s entertainment, documentary, drama, and film teams, Fremantle Sports aims to significantly expand its current sports offerings.
The company already boasts an impressive lineup of sports content, including popular franchises like “All or Nothing” on Amazon, “The World At Our Feet” on Disney+, Wildside’s “My Name is Francesco Totti” on Sky, and “Los Williams” on ETB in Spain and Netflix. With the establishment of Fremantle Sports, the company is looking to support its labels in producing both scripted and factual sports content while also exploring the development of innovative cross-platform formats.
Owain Walbyoff, former chief commercial officer at Banijay and now director of sports at Fremantle, will spearhead the strategy for Fremantle Sports. The unit has been set up by key figures within Fremantle, including CEO of Fremantle UK Amelia Brown, Group Head of Strategy Gabriella Carriere, CEO of Fremantle Northern Europe Georgette Schlick, President of Original Productions Jeff Hasler, and Global Head of Documentaries and Factual Mark Reynolds.
Fremantle’s Global CEO Jennifer Mullin expressed excitement about the expansion into sports, citing the company’s successful growth in other pillars such as drama & film and documentaries. With a talented team of labels already in place, Fremantle is poised to deliver engaging sports storytelling and formats that will resonate with fans worldwide. The goal is to provide global audiences with compelling sports content that captures the passion and excitement of sports enthusiasts everywhere.
Overall, Fremantle’s foray into sports with the launch of Fremantle Sports marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it continues to diversify its offerings and cater to a wider audience base. With a strong foundation and a team of experienced professionals at the helm, Fremantle is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the world of sports entertainment.
