Usain Bolt’s run-up to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and his planned retirement in 2017, will be the center of a feature-length documentary by British film-house Fulwell 73.
The film will follow the Jamaican superstar’s journey to the Rio Olympics in 2016, where he will compete for the gold in both the 100 and 200 metres races, for a third straight Games.
The film will be produced by British outfit Fulwell 73 – directed by Gabe and Ben Turner, and produced by Leo Pearlman – who were responsible for "One Direction: This is Us," "Class of 92" and others.
Gabe Turner said: "Having explored the dynamic of brotherhood and team-mates in our previous film, this time around Ben and I had a real interest in looking at the life of an athlete competing in an individual sport. When the opportunity arose to do so with the greatest single athlete of all time, we leapt at the chance. Usain’s journey over this next year and what he achieves in Rio will define his legacy and redefine what is possible in his sport. We cannot wait to be with him every step of the way."
The filmmakers have been following Bolt since the end of 2014, and will also use archive footage collected from throughout his life and career, which includes 6 Olympic and 8 world gold medals.
UK sales outfit Independent Film Sales has boarded the film, and will shop it at the upcoming Belinale in February, where they will screen a promo for the film to buyers.
The team have also secured rights to use official coverage of Bolt’s activities at the Rio Olympics, and plan to follow Bolt through to his planned retirement from the sport in 2017.
Executive producers are Simon Oliveira, Nelio Lucas and Matt Kay (Doyen Group), Ricky Simms (PACE Sports Management), Nugent Walker (UB Management) and financed by The Doyen Group and Fulwell 73.
In 2012, Bolt was central to a 2-part, 2-hour long documentary – "Usain Bolt: The Movie" – a French/British co-production, which followed Usain as he prepared for that year’s Olympics, where he defended his crown. The film was picked up by BBC1, and later released on DVD, VOD and digital download. Director Gael Leiblang was granted exclusive rights to follow Bolt around for over a year, filming him as he prepared for the London 2012 Olympics – intimately, in his home environment with his relatives, friends and coach – through his competing at the 2012 Olympics.
