Wikipedia

Draft:Words + Pictures


Words + Pictures is a production studio founded by Connor Schell and Chernin Entertainment in 2021. The Words + Pictures team is led by the creators behind ESPN’s 30 for 30 series, the 2020 miniseries The Last Dance, and the 2017 Academy Award-winning documentary O.J.: Made in America. [1] Recently, Words + Pictures produced and financed the documentary film Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.[2]

Connor Schell, former ESPN content chief, is the CEO of Words + Pictures.[3] Libby Geist was promoted to President of the company in 2024 from her former role as EVP and head of documentaries.[4] Aaron Cohen, promoted from his previous position of EVP of Development at the same time as Geist, serves as Chief Creative Officer (CCO).[4] In 2021, Words + Pictures launched Full Day, a new production branch under the leadership of President and Executive Producer Dave Chamberlin, to focus on live entertainment, specials, and unscripted series.[5]

In 2022, it was announced that Peter Chernin would launch the North Road Company, a global content studio that would bring together Chernin Entertainment, Words + Pictures, and the U.S. assets of Red Arrow Studios, which includes Love Is Blind producer Kinetic Content.[6] Chernin Entertainment is the sole investor of Words + Pictures.[5]

Words + Pictures also acquired Hock Films, founded by Peabody and Emmy Award-winning director and producer Jonathan Hock, in 2022.[7]

Words + Pictures is based in SoHo in New York City.[8]

Filmography

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Words + Pictures has distributed its media across platforms like ESPN, ESPN+, Apple TV+, Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and Netflix.[9]

Film

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Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

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In co-production with Misfits Entertainment and Passion Pictures, Words + Pictures financed and produced the feature-length documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024).[10] The documentary follows the life and legacy of actor, activist, director, and author Christopher Reeve.

Super/Man premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2023 and was acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery for distribution across Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Studios, HBO Documentary Films, CNN Films, and the streaming service Max. The documentary sold for roughly $15 million.[2]

Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space

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Directed by Jason Hehir, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space (2021) follows Inspiration4, the SpaceX Dragon mission that launched four civilians into space.[11] The film was produced by TIME Studios in association with Words + Pictures.[12]

Giannis: The Marvelous Journey

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Giannis: The Marvelous Journey is a 2024 documentary following the journey of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the NBA, covering the struggles he and his family faced as Nigerian immigrants in Greece.[13] The documentary was directed by Kristen Lappas and produced by Words + Pictures. It streams on Amazon's Prime Video.[13]

Open Heart

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Open Heart is a documentary feature film following New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist and his struggle to return to hockey after heart surgery. The film was produced by Words + Pictures, directed by Jonathan Hock, and premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.[14][15]

The Lionheart

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The Lionheart is a 2023 documentary film produced by Words + Pictures, Stardust Frames, XTR, and TIME Studios.[16] The film explores the IndyCar crash that killed Dan Wheldon, two-time Indy 500 Champion, alongside the subsequent racing careers of Wheldon's sons Sebastian and Oliver.[17] It was acquired by HBO Sports Documentaries and premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.[18][17]

Ayenda

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Ayenda is a 2023 documentary short film that follows the evacuation of members of the Under-18 Afghan Women's Football Team after Kabul falls to the Taliban.[19] It was produced by MSNBC Films, TIME Studios, and Words + Pictures.[20][21] Marie Margolius directed the film.[20]

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

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Directed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (2022) is a documentary trilogy that charts the career of musical artist Kanye West over two decades.[22] The series was produced with creative control by Words + Pictures, with Connor Schell as Executive Producer, in partnership with TIME Studios.[23] It streams on Netflix.

30 for 30

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"Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot"
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"Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot" is season 4 episode 19 of ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.[24] Directed by Oliver Anderson and Louis Burgdorf, the documentary follows the true story of a group of college friends who turned filming YouTube videos of trick shots into a massive cultural and sports-comedy phenomenon.[25] It was produced by ESPN Films in association with Words + Pictures and premiered in August of 2024.[24]

"American Son"
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"American Son" is an episode of 30 for 30 produced by ESPN Films and Words + Pictures. Directed by Emmy-nominated correspondent Jay Caspian Kang, "American Son" follows Michael Chang's improbable rise to tennis stardom and his family’s immigrant journey. The story is centered around 17-year-old Chang's upset of top-ranked Ivan Lendl at the 1989 French Open, a match that unfolded in the shadow of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. The episode came out in July of 2024.[26][27]

"No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan"
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Directed by Justin Staple, "No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan" follows the rise and fall of influential esports team FaZe Clan. The episode was produced by ESPN Films and Words + pictures and premiered in June of 2024.[28][29]

"Jeanette Lee Vs."
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Directed by Ursula Liang, "Jeanette Lee Vs." chronicles the story of The Black Widow, one of the most infamous billiards players of all time. The episode was produced by ESPN Films in association with Words + Pictures and aired in December of 2022.[30][31]

"Shark"
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Directed by Jason Hehir and Thomas Odelfelt, "Shark" follows golfer Greg Norman as he looks back on his career and how it was shaped by one fateful day at the Masters in 1996.[32] The film was produced by ESPN Films in association with Words + Pictures.[33] "Shark" premiered in April of 2022.[34]

All 30 for 30 episodes are distributed by ESPN and stream on ESPN/ESPN+.[35]

Television

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The Fight Life

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The Fight Life is an upcoming docuseries that chronicles a year in the lives of five Top Rank Boxing stars: Tyson Fury, Naoya Inoue, Seniesa Estrada, Teofimo Lopez, and Josh Taylor.[36] The Fight Life premieres October 7 on ESPN+ and will air on ESPN2 following its streaming run. ESPN produces the series with Words + Pictures and Top Rank.[36]

Full Court Press

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Full Court Press is a documentary series developed for ESPN+, produced by Words + Pictures and Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions and directed by Kristen Lappas.[37] The series features the collegiate careers of basketball players Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Kiki Rice.[38] It premiered in May of 2024.

NASCAR: Full Speed

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A joint production between Words + Pictures and NASCAR Studios, NASCAR: Full Speed is a documentary series that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series.[39] The television series came out on Netflix in January of 2024. A second season is set to premiere in 2025.[40]

Super League: The War for Football

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Super League: The War for Football is a 2023 four-part documentary television miniseries produced by Words + Pictures in conjunction with All Rise Films for Apple TV+.[41] Directed by Jeffrey Zimbalist, the series documents the power struggle that emerged when plans for a breakaway league in 2021 disrupted the world of European football.[42] The series won two Sports Emmy Awards in May of 2024: Outstanding Documentary Series and Outstanding Graphic Design - Specialty.[43]

Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team

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Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team is a 2023 documentary miniseries that follows the U.S. Women’s soccer team as they pursue their third consecutive World Cup.[44] The series was produced by Words + Pictures in collaboration with TIME and streams on Netflix.[45]

Sue’s Places

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Sue’s Places is a 2024 ESPN television program produced by Omaha Productions in collaboration with Words + Pictures.[46] The series follows former UConn basketball star Sue Bird as she explores places rich in the traditions of college basketball.[47]

The King of Collectibles

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The King of Collectibles follows sports card collector Ken Goldin and his team as they manage an auction house specializing in collectibles. The series was produced by Words + Pictures in collaboration with Omaha Productions.[48] Season one premiered on Netflix in April 2023, and season two was released in June of 2024.[49]

Algiers, America: The Relentless Pursuit

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Directed by Jackson Fager (VICE News, HBO’s Fighting ISIS), this five-part documentary tells the story of a successful high school football program in a community struggling with urban blight.[50] Algiers, America was produced by Words + Pictures, Fager Films, and Andscape; it premiered on Hulu in April 2023.[50]

The Yankees Win (upcoming)

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In February 2023, it was announced that Words + Pictures, Hock Films, Bad Robot, and Zipper Bros Films are partnering with Major League Baseball to produce an eight-part documentary series about the New York Yankees.[51] The series is being directed by Jonathan Hock.

Full Day

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Full Day, the live production label of Words + Pictures, is led by President and Executive Producer Dave Chamberlin.[52] Chamberlin is an Emmy Award-winning producer. Full Day creates live events such as the Oscars Red Carpet Show, the Emmys Red Carpet Show, NFL Honors, the ESPYS, and the Savage X Fenty shows.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Steinberg, Brian (2021-02-10). "Connor Schell, Chernin Entertainment Will Launch New Non-Fiction Studio". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  2. ^ a b Gonzalez, Umberto (2024-02-02). "Christopher Reeve Documentary 'Super/Man' Acquired for $15 Million by Warner Bros. Discovery". TheWrap. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  3. ^ White, Peter (2021-02-10). "Former ESPN Content Boss Connor Schell Sets Up Unscripted Venture With Chernin Entertainment". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  4. ^ a b White, Peter (2024-06-14). "Connor Schell's Words + Pictures Promotes Libby Geist & Aaron Cohen". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  5. ^ a b c Morfoot, Addie (2022-03-26). "Connor Schell Has Rolled Out the Red Carpet for Live-Event Arm, Full Day Productions". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  6. ^ Weprin, Alex (2022-07-06). "Peter Chernin Launching $1B+ Content Studio Rollup The North Road Company". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  7. ^ White, Peter (2023-11-15). "Peter Chernin's The North Road Company Acquires 'The Last Dance' Director Jason Hehir's Little Room Films". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  8. ^ "Words + Pictures". www.wordsandpictures.com. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  9. ^ Carey, Matthew (2023-05-31). "HBO, Words + Pictures Step Up To Plate For Barry Bonds Project, Doc On Baseball Slugger Tarnished By Controversy". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  10. ^ Evans, Greg (2024-08-26). "'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story' Trailer: Inspirational Doc Shows Heroes Don't Always Wear Capes". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  11. ^ updated, Chelsea Gohd last (2021-09-06). "'Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space,' a docuseries on SpaceX's 1st all-civilian spaceflight, launches on Netflix". Space.com. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  12. ^ Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space (Documentary), Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Sian Proctor, Known, Time Studios, Words + Pictures, 2021-09-06, retrieved 2024-09-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  13. ^ a b Victorian, Brande (2024-02-23). "Giannis Antetokounmpo on Overcoming Hate and Fears About Releasing New Documentary". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  14. ^ "Open Heart | 2023 Tribeca Festival". Tribeca. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  15. ^ Open Heart (2023) - Company credits - IMDb. Retrieved 2024-09-05 – via www.imdb.com.
  16. ^ Brownson, Laura (2024-03-12), The Lionheart (Documentary), Michael Andretti, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Stardust Frames Productions, Time Studios, Words + Pictures, retrieved 2024-09-05
  17. ^ a b Grobar, Matt (2023-06-06). "'The Lionheart' Doc On Late Indy 500 Champ Dan Wheldon Acquired By HBO Sports Documentaries". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  18. ^ "The Lionheart | 2023 Tribeca Festival". Tribeca. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  19. ^ Margolius, Marie (2023-06-10), Ayenda (Documentary, Short, Drama), MSNBC Films, Time Studios, Words + Pictures, retrieved 2024-09-05
  20. ^ a b "Ayenda". DC/DOX. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  21. ^ "Ayenda". MSNBC.com. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  22. ^ Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (Documentary, Music), Ye, Naeem Ghefari, Kid Cudi, Creative Control, Leah Natasha Productions, Time Studios, 2022-02-16, retrieved 2024-09-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  23. ^ Willman, Chris (2022-01-24). "'Jeen-yuhs' Review: Kanye West Documentary Chronicles an Inspiring Rise, Followed by a Long, Erratic Plateau". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  24. ^ a b Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot, 2024-04-25, retrieved 2024-09-05
  25. ^ Cowan, Garrett (2024-08-01). "Unlimited Range: Inside "Dude Perfect: A Very Long Shot," ESPN's 30 for 30 film premiering Saturday". ESPN Front Row. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  26. ^ Kang, Jay Caspian (2024-07-29), American Son, 30 for 30, Michael Chang, Roger Federer, Brad Gilbert, retrieved 2024-09-05
  27. ^ Lopez, Isabelle (2022-09-01). "ESPN Films Announces 30 for 30 Documentary "American Son" on Tennis Player Michael Chang". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  28. ^ Staple, Justin (2024-07-01), No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan, 30 for 30, retrieved 2024-09-05
  29. ^ Cobb, Kayla (2024-06-26). "ESPN's 'No Scope: The Story of FaZe Clan' First Trailer Dives Into the Esports Team's 'PR Nightmare' | Exclusive". TheWrap. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  30. ^ Liang, Ursula (2022-12-13), Jeanette Lee Vs., 30 for 30, Jeanette Lee, Sonja Lee, Doris Lee, retrieved 2024-09-05
  31. ^ Lopez, Isabelle (2022-11-10). "ESPN Films' Latest 30 for 30 "Jeanette Lee Vs." About "The Black Widow" of Billiards Premieres December 13 at 8 p.m. ET". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  32. ^ Timms, Aaron (2022-04-18). "Shark: did the golfing gods really single out Greg Norman for misery?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  33. ^ Lopez, Isabelle (2022-02-23). "New ESPN Films 30 for 30 Documentary "Shark" on Golfing Legend Greg Norman to Premiere April 19". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  34. ^ Hehir, Jason; Odelfelt, Thomas (2022-04-19), Shark, 30 for 30, Greg Norman, retrieved 2024-09-05
  35. ^ Morfoot, Addie (2024-05-14). "ESPN Films Unveils '30 for 30′ Summer Slate, Debuts Trailer (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  36. ^ a b Betancourt, Emiliana (2024-09-25). "ESPN Orders 'The Fight Life,' Which Looks at a Year in the Life of Five Top Rank Boxers (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  37. ^ "ESPN doc 'Full Court Press' gets network premiere to capitalize on momentum of women's sports". www.sportsbusinessjournal.com. 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  38. ^ Cowan, Garrett (2024-03-18). "ESPN+ Original Series Full Court Press Presented by State Farm Featuring Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso and Kiki Rice to Premiere May 11 & 12 on ABC and ESPN+". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  39. ^ Steinberg, Brian (2024-02-21). "NASCAR Strikes Pact With CAA as Sports Documentaries Gain Traction (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  40. ^ Dunn, Jack (2024-09-30). "'Full Speed' Lands Second Season at Netflix as NASCAR Partners With Words + Pictures (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-10-02.
  41. ^ Deitsch, Richard. "The fall of the Super League: New Apple doc goes deep on soccer's 'coup' attempt". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  42. ^ Yossman, K. J. (2022-12-14). "Apple TV+ Sets Soccer Docuseries 'Super League: The War for Football' About Disastrous European Super League". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  43. ^ "The 45th Annual Sports Emmy® Award Winners - The Emmys". theemmys.tv. 2024-05-22. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  44. ^ Under Pressure: The U.S. Women's World Cup Team (Documentary, Sport), Alex Morgan, Alyssa Thompson, Kristie Mewis, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), TOGETHXR, Time Studios, 2023-12-12, retrieved 2024-09-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  45. ^ "Netflix's 'Under Pressure - The U.S. Women's World Cup Team' Trailer | FirstShowing.net". www.firstshowing.net. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  46. ^ "ESPN+ show 'Sue's Places' features Caitlin Clark". KCCI. 2024-02-14. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  47. ^ Sue's Places (Sport), Sue Bird, Peyton Manning, Jason Sudeikis, ESPN+, NFL Films, Omaha Productions, 2024-01-31, retrieved 2024-09-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  48. ^ "Impressive new slate of sports content includes a documentary on the 'King of Collectibles' and a hard-hitting feature". www.sportsbusinessjournal.com. 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  49. ^ White, Peter (2023-07-25). "'King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch' Renewed For Season 2 At Netflix". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  50. ^ a b Algiers, America (Documentary, Sport), Brice Brown, David M. Grubb, Andscape, Fager Films, Words + Pictures, 2023-04-19, retrieved 2024-09-05{{citation}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  51. ^ Lopez, Isabelle (2023-02-15). "ESPN Films Announces Multi-Part Documentary Event "The Yankees Win"". ESPN Press Room U.S. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
  52. ^ Dunn, Jack (2024-07-31). "Full Day Productions Names David Chamberlin as President (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
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