Premium factual producer Collective Media Group, recently launched by former ViacomCBS International senior execs Claire McArdle and Rebecca Knight, have joined forces with Entourage Sports & Entertainment and Trailer Films to bring to the screen an exclusive view of one of the most iconic World Cup tournaments on its 20th anniversary.
Brazil 2002: The Real Story is the tale of the team who were victorious at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, told from the dressing room, and against the spectre of Brazil’s infamous loss in the 1998 World Cup Final in Paris. The film uses six hours of unseen archive material shot by Brazilian football legend Juliano Belletti during the tournament, which forms the backbone of the story. It is combined with interviews from the winning team, both on and off the pitch, and other giants of the game to give a unique insight into one of history’s greatest ever football teams.
Iconic player Roberto Carlos joins Juliano Belletti as Executive Producer, alongside Knight and McArdle for Collective Media Group, and Mark Cowan and Paul Brighten for Entourage Sports. Trailer Films’ Luis Ara will direct, with Collective Media Group’s Arianna Perretta as producer.
The 90-minute film has attracted huge global interest since its recent launch onto the international market. In a deal secured by Trailer Films, TelevisaUnivision has taken the rights for North and South America (excluding Brazil), as part of the slate of Originals coming to ViX+, the first global large-scale streaming service, created specifically for the Spanish-speaking world. Through distribution partner Abacus Media Rights, Sky has taken the UK rights; Front Row Filmed Entertainment has secured it for the Middle East; and Nordic Entertainment Group the rights for its Viaplay streaming service in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Many more discussions are ongoing.
Roberto Carlos says: “Brazil’s achievement, winning all seven matches we played, was incredible. We were right at the top of our game. Juliano’s footage is incredible and really captures the highs, the lows and the raw emotion - a personal record of what promised to be a very special tournament. I am delighted to be working with Juliano alongside Collective Media Group, Entourage and Trailer Films to bring this to screen.”
Claire McArdle, Co-CEO, Collective Media Group, adds: “Collective Media Group has always wanted to focus on storytelling around some of sport's most iconic moments and they do not get more iconic than the Brazilian national football team. Obtaining access to Juliano’s very special personal archive, who was there on the team’s journey to triumph, is what will set this film apart from a simple re-telling of the story. It is this level of unique access and collaboration with high-profile sporting talent that will allow us to make content which inspires audiences across all corners of the globe.”
Jack Oliver, Head of Co-Productions at Sky comments: “Sky Documentaries is delighted to be boarding this exciting football documentary with a unique view inside the camp of one of the greatest Brazilian football teams on their World Cup journey in 2002, we knew Sky Documentaries would be the perfect home for this captivating story.”
The launch comes as Entourage Sport & Entertainment expands its commitment to leverage its access to exclusive talent to create exciting content for fans around the world. Mark Cowan, Co-Founder, Entourage Sports & Entertainment, comments: “We are very excited to be finally telling this story which has been 20 years in the making. When you think of the World Cup, you think of Brazil! Being involved in a project that illustrates their last success and the team around it is an important step for Entourage and its partners.”
Director Luis Ara adds: “I have always been motivated by stories that inspire large audiences. This is the story of one of the best football teams of all time - a story of effort, talent and determination. It not only serves as an example for new generations, but it also pays tribute to a group of athletes who made the union of the team their greatest strength.”
Collective Media Group recently announced a push into Latin America with the appointment of experienced Producer and Director Arianna Perretta to the new role of Senior Producer and LatAm Lead. The appeal of this project in the LatAm region and beyond demonstrates Collective Media’s commitment to international growth and global ambitions in access- and talent-driven storytelling.
Brazil 2002: The Real Story is distributed internationally by Abacus Media Rights. It is produced by Collective Media and Entourage Sports and Entertainment, in association with Trailer Films.
