TVREAL
U.K. indie Zig Zag has landed two long-form commissions: Playing for Our Future for TNT Sports and another season of The Football Academy for BBC.
Fully funded by energy supplier Utilita, Playing for Our Future investigates the impact of climate change on the world of sport, exploring how severe weather conditions and global warming are disrupting everything from grassroots clubs to elite competitions. Zig Zag’s Danny Fenton and Matt Graff serve as executive producers.
The feature-length documentary includes personal accounts from leading sporting figures and climate change experts to highlight the urgent need for sustainability, as well as the positive role sport can play in tackling environmental issues. Reshmin Chowdhury presents the film.
Playing for Our Future, directed by Dan Riley, is made in collaboration with Infinitum Entertainment and AMS Media Group for discovery+ and TNT Sports 1. It is slated to premiere on April 1.
“We’re proud to kick off this exciting new chapter celebrating our tradition of pioneering storytelling,” Graff, managing dirctor of Zig Zag, said. “Playing for Our Future is premium factual content designed to engage across all platforms, uniting brands, broadcasters and audiences to tackle sustainability in sport with an inclusive approach.”
He continued, “Our mission is to spotlight fresh perspectives across the sport and entertainment landscape, driven by Zig Zag’s dedication to innovation and forging meaningful connections with audiences. Together, these values shape our vision for delivering impactful, boundary-pushing content that resonates like never before.”
Fall 2025 will see the return of Zig Zag’s The Football Academy on CBBC and BBC iPlayer. Following the success of the first two seasons at Southampton FC, the upcoming third season is set in the Tottenham Hotspur Academy. It will provide behind-the-scenes access to the lives of young players aged 9 to 17, including boys’, girls’ and club-run para teams.
The Football Academy is produced and directed by Will Innes, with Mark Rubens, Fenton and Graff as executive producers.
“The Football Academy has always been about celebrating the passion, perseverance and potential of young athletes,” Fenton, CEO of Zig Zag, said. “Moving to Tottenham Hotspur Academy allows us to elevate this series, showcasing their journey at one of the most prestigious clubs in world football. We’re proud to continue inspiring viewers with behind-the-scenes stories that embody determination, teamwork and the future of the sport.”
“These two commissions perfectly embody the bold storytelling and creative vision at the heart of Zig Zag,” he added. “From addressing global challenges to celebrating human ambition and talent, this is just the beginning of our new era.”
