Disruptive Play’s Post

The Drive to Survive Is Over: Time to Rethink Sports Docs Here’s my plea to the industry: No more talking about Drive to Survive in 2025! Yes, it was groundbreaking. It introduced Formula 1 to new audiences, especially in the U.S., humanized drivers, boosted fan engagement, and delivered commercial success. But here’s the problem: The Drive to Survive formula has gone from innovation to saturation. We’re now drowning in copycat sports docs chasing manufactured drama instead of authentic storytelling. The result? A stale genre that risks losing its impact. It’s time for a new playbook—and the solution may come from an unlikely place: food TV. Top Chef revolutionized its genre, inspiring a wave of imitators that eventually led to burnout. But food programming evolved, pivoting to new formats (Chef’s Table, Great British Baking Show), niche audiences, and cultural authenticity. What can sports documentaries learn from this? 👉 Focus on emotional connection. 👉 Avoid formula fatigue. 👉 Explore new perspectives and emerging subcultures. 👉 Innovate formats to engage digital-native audiences. The magic of Drive to Survive wasn’t the formula—it was the execution. Disruptive Play - The challenge for sports storytelling in 2025 isn’t to replicate it but to reinvent the genre entirely --> More thoughts here --https://lnkd.in/ejxakn9B #SportsMedia #Storytelling #DisruptivePlay #DriveToSurvive #Innovation

In my opinion "The entertainment industry is at a crossroads. One path leads to obsolescence, clinging to outdated models and hierarchy. The other leads to innovation, embracing community-driven content and decentralized creativity. Too many executives are choosing the former, afraid of change. But change is inevitable. The future belongs to platforms empowering creators and audiences, turning passive consumers into active participants. It's time to break down the walls between the creator and the audience. #CreatorsAreTheFoundation #FutureOfEntertainment #CreatorEmpowerment#Hollywoodsouth.eth#OurFutureIsNow#OneWorldOnePeople"

How important is knowing your VIBE? When you reach out to your audience, it’s not just about the content you create, but also the connection you establish. The vibe is what sets you apart and creates a strong bond between you and your viewers, readers, or listeners. It’s that feeling of authenticity and relatability that resonates with others. Think about your favorite streamer, YouTuber, or blogger. What is it about them that keeps you coming back? Chances are, it’s their unique vibe. It could be their sense of humor, their engaging storytelling, their expertise, or even the way they interact with their audience. It’s this intangible quality that creates a magnetic pull and keeps people invested in what you have to offer. https://lnkd.in/erVu93W7

Connection > perfection: the storytelling key to winning over your fans. Polished narratives have a place/can impress, but fans crave authenticity. Bringing fans along for the journey fosters deeper loyalty and engagement and deliberately meets fans' critical needs. The difference, and why it matters? -             Authentic: real connection opportunities for viewers via unscripted stories of players, coaches, behind-the-scenes snapshots. -             Polished: sizzle clips focused on portraying big moments/wins. Might also be lifted for re-purposing in an upcoming season ticket member ad. -             Authentic: relatable struggles that build trust and humanize players in moments big and small -             Polished: runs risk of making players feel distant to fans with picturesque snippets that lack player personality -             Authentic: content highlighting resilience, humor and humanity preserves fan loyalty to build stars -             Polished: the path to excellence is often unseen to the fan making the highlights (what fans do see) not connect the same way   If you want authentic content, you must have an organizational mandate to prioritize access and trust between digital, PR and team operations. A player’s road to recovery is a delicate story with so many vulnerable moments captured and yet shows that the setbacks were worth it to the player who wears the same colors as the fan. You get one chance to tell that story – best keep the cameras rolling before the moment is missed. Showcase authenticity -> receive authentic connection. #PR #CommunicationStrategy #DataDrivenCommunications #linkedinsports #sportsbiz #publicrelations

What's brewing behind the scenes in the biggest week for streamers for unscripted content? As MIP Markets - MIPTV, MIPCOM & more light up with their annual showcase, here's a glimpse into what we've been dreaming up — content that promises to turn heads and spark conversations: 🌍 Gen Z changes the way of travelling with the ultimate adventure series, which is more than a dream. Passionately guiding us on unseen paths to explore the planet responsibly. ✨ 🌱 Together with top global chefs, we're reshaping the future of food through innovation, technology, and sustainability, aiming to transform our eating, growing, and food perception while preserving cultural identities.🍴 🌐 The world is complex, but we're not shying away. The series dives deep into foreign affairs, telling the stories behind the headlines with nuance, insight, and a fresh perspective.💡 🏆 We're unveiling the drama, triumph, and heartbreak beyond the final score by taking you behind the scenes of the world's biggest sports events.🎥 🌲 What happens when a renowned entertainment family's enigmatic retreat from their opulent life, embarking on a mysterious journey back to simplicity? If they can leave their luxury lifestyles behind, you can. 🛤️✨ While Cannes buzzes with energy, we're channelling ours into these projects. Blueprints for the next wave of content to captivate, inspire and impact global audiences. Stay tuned — the best of creative storytelling and We are Duffree is yet to come. 🚀

🌟 𝗔𝗙𝗣 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗩 ?🌟 𝗔𝗻 𝗜𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 Listen up, you gorgeous disaster-prone creatures! Our beloved UK TV industry is in a right pickle. Commissioning revenues have plummeted faster than my self-esteem - we're talking a jaw-dropping 10.2% decline! And multichannel commissions? They've taken a 35.4% nosedive. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘯𝘰𝘵, There's a glimmer of hope in this dumpster fire, and it goes by the sexy names of Advertiser Funded Programming (AFP) and Branded Content. Let's dive in, shall we? 𝗔𝗙𝗣: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗱𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗩 • Advertisers foot the bill, like that rich friend who always picks up the tab • Content aligns with brand values, but don't worry, it's not as boring as it sounds • Brands sneak in like that ex you can't quite shake Example: M&S's "Dress the Nation" on ITV1 - because nothing says "I'm fancy" like M&S underwear 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 • Brands create their own content • Designed to entertain while subtly promoting - it's manipulation, but make it fashion • Often uses social media or social first assets Example: Evian's #WimbleWatch series - hydration and tennis, a match made in heaven 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗪𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲? It's keeping the lights on when traditional funding's gone to pot Creatives get to flex their muscles without selling their souls (entirely) Viewers get content that's actually watchable - revolutionary, I know 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗰𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁! Leveling the playing field between TV and streaming More quotas than a fishing trip, but for independent productions Ensuring local news survives, because we all need to know about Mrs. Johnson's prize-winning marrow So, what do you think? Is this the future of UK unscripted TV, or are we all doomed to endless reruns of "Love Island"? Drop your thoughts below, you beautiful, cynical creatures! 👇 #AFPSavesTheDay #BrandedContentOrBust #UKTVSurvivalGuide #MediaAct2024Shenanigans #UnscriptedTVDrama #StreamingWars #BroadcastersBattleRoyale #ContentIsQueen #AFPIsTheNewBlack #BrandedEntertainmentBonanzaRemember,  "This is a love story." And by love story, I mean the torrid affair between brands and content. Embrace it, darlings!

If you're feeling kinda meta today, examine this video about examining video, and let me know if you'd like a demo of Lumiere.

It's been a while since my last LinkedIn post, but the good news is, we've been busy. Since January, we've been gearing up to launch our new venture, specializing in crafting TV and streaming formats, with our new partners. Creating content beyond the daily social media buzz has long been a dream of mine, driven by the desire to create something more meaningful: storytelling. I've teamed up with Gerald Adrian, whom I worked with during my time at 9024media. A true Sports & Entertainment connector establishing partnerships between talent, brands, and content in the world of Sports & Entertainment. With our combined experience and networks, we're excited to launch Nowhere Bound Proudly labeling ourselves as an unorthodox production company, we focus on developing innovative formats in our unique way. We conceptualize, produce trailers, and pitch our ideas to partners. Currently, we have four formats in progress and are working around the clock to bring them to life. Our aim is to avoid falling into another corporate, stuffy office setting. Instead, we'll move freely (hence the name Nowhere Bound) and collaborate with diverse talents from the pool of creatives that surrounds us. With a set of new ideas we are ready to make our mark! And of course, we're live at www.nowherebound.nl. #filmmaking #storytelling #content #format #production #reality #sports #talent

"𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝, 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞." 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Engage audiences in real-time with authentic, unfiltered interactions. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: Choose platforms that support global streaming with features like multi-language support. 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦: Use platforms like Webnexs, Flicknexs, Kaltura, Muvi, and Dacast for global reach and monetization. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Tailor content for diverse audiences; encourage interactivity. 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: Utilize analytics to track engagement and improve future events. to know more about livestreaming: https://shorturl.at/jQDc2