The rise of the Paralympic Games has been an inspiring story of triumph in the world of sports. Now, a groundbreaking content initiative called Harder Than You Think (HTYT) is set to take the narrative even deeper. With exclusive worldwide rights to tell the story of the Paralympics until the 2028 Games in LA, HTYT is partnering with European production and sales house Off the Fence to bring the next wave of projects from its Rising Phoenix Universe to life. This new collaboration aims to push the boundaries of storytelling and expand the reach of the Paralympic movement to a global audience.
HTYT, a British indie founded by London 2012 Chief Marketing Officer Greg Nugent and chaired by ex-BBC Director General Tony Hall, has been building the Rising Phoenix Universe since the release of the double Emmy-winning Netflix and Bytedance documentary “Rising Phoenix” in 2020. This initiative is not just about showcasing the triumphs of Paralympians, but also shedding light on the history and impact of the Paralympic movement itself. By telling stories from different perspectives, HTYT aims to create a more inclusive and representative narrative that can inspire change within the industry.
Off the Fence, owned by ZDF Studios, will play a crucial role in finding partners for the four upcoming projects from HTYT’s Rising Phoenix Universe. Additionally, Off the Fence will co-produce other content commissioned outside of these core projects, further amplifying the global reach of the Paralympic narrative. With their expertise in production and distribution, Off the Fence will oversee the strategy for two upcoming productions: “Road To Tokyo” and “Paris 2024: A New Revolution.”
“Road To Tokyo” is a three-part documentary series that follows the journey of 12 Paralympians as they navigate the challenges of preparing for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Paralympics amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The series, co-directed by Mat Whitecross and pioneering deaf director Bim Ajadi, shines a light on the resilience and dedication of these athletes. Notably, the production team behind this series includes individuals with disabilities, with one in four identifying as disabled.
On the other hand, “Paris 2024: A New Revolution” is a 90-minute feature that is currently in post-production and scheduled for release this summer. Co-produced with Ventureland, whose investors include Procter and Gamble’s P&G Studios, this documentary aims to spark a global conversation on disability equality using the platform of the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Directed by Sheridan O’Donnell, the film also features O’Donnell’s personal story as a low vision filmmaker embracing life with a disability. With Barnaby Spurrier as the producer and notable industry figures like Jim LeBrecht, Greg Nugent, and Ventureland’s Battsek and Sarah Thompson as executive producers, this production is set to make a powerful impact.
Off the Fence’s involvement in the partnership extends beyond distribution. They will also handle the sale of “Road To LA,” a project that will chronicle the journey leading up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games and culminate at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. As interest in the Paralympics continues to grow globally, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is projecting a cumulative audience of 5 billion for the LA Paralympics. This opportunity to share the Paralympic narrative with such a vast audience highlights the importance of inclusive storytelling and providing equal representation to individuals with disabilities.
Andrew Parsons, President of the IPC, emphasizes the desire to open up the Paralympics to the world’s greatest storytellers, enabling the sharing of powerful sporting and social stories with every corner of the globe. HTYT and Off the Fence’s partnership aligns with this vision, aiming to maximize the reach and impact of Rising Phoenix. Bo Stehmeier, CEO of Off The Fence, acknowledges the commercial and creative excellence of HTYT and expresses their commitment to help make the power, glory, and heroism of the Paralympics accessible to a global audience.
Greg Nugent, founder of HTYT, stresses the uniqueness and significance of Rising Phoenix and its storyline. For HTYT, finding partners who share their passion for extraordinary content and who are dedicated to inclusive and representative production standards is essential. With only around 15% of the world’s population identifying as having a disability, representation in the entertainment industry remains minimal. HTYT’s mission to redress this imbalance extends to both on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles, with a goal of having 50% of production staff across all future projects identifying as disabled.
The partnership between HTYT and Off the Fence marks an exciting chapter for the Paralympic movement. By combining their expertise in storytelling, production, and distribution, they aim to bring the extraordinary stories of Paralympians to audiences around the world. Through projects like “Road To Tokyo,” “Paris 2024: A New Revolution,” and “Road To LA,” they will capture the resilience, triumphs, and challenges faced by these exceptional athletes. As the legacy of Rising Phoenix continues to evolve, the world can look forward to a future where inclusive storytelling takes center stage, inspiring change and creating a more inclusive society for all.