Insight TV Partners With VICE Studios For Two New Series

Insight TV has partnered with VICE Studios to broadcast two new series on street football and e-sports.

The 4K UHD broadcaster commissioned the shows for global broadcast on its platform in Autumn 2019.

The first series will explore the origins of street football. While the sport has given rise to some of the biggest footballing legends of our time, it is often on the streets that many players lose their way due to the distractions and temptations that pepper daily life. The show profiles a range of young talented players who have fallen between the cracks of the street pitches and ended up in prison.

Well-known footballers will take the audience on a journey into prisons all over the world to understand the decisive moments that led many young, aspiring sports stars to end up behind bars. At the end of each episode the footballing legends will play an unforgettable match against the inmates.

Also hitting the platform this Autumn, 'Modern Day Gladiators' immerses viewers in the culture of e-games and e-leagues, exploring the compelling human stories behind this ever-increasing global trend. As eSports enters the 'mainstream', it is fast becoming one of the biggest sports of the 21st Century; with star players training up to 12 hours a day, sold out arena finals and a loyal, fast-growing fan base. But with the fame, success and riches that come with being a superstar sports personality, for some, there can be a darker side. With gaming addiction dominating headlines and numerous scandals upsetting the status quo, the community still has a lot to prove.

"This is an exciting announcement that will enable us to provide viewers around the world with greater availability of authentic content, produced in the highest quality by VICE Studios," said Arun Maljaars, Director of Content and Channels, Insight TV. "We're dedicated to offering compelling content based on inspirational characters, highlighting social issues and experiences that are important to younger generations globally. These new shows will tap into gritty, thematic and thought-provoking narratives that will entertain and encourage discussion amongst viewers."

Stefan Tieleman, Head of VICE Studios, Benelux, added: "We are delighted to be working with Insight TV on two, new original productions. VICE Studios are experts in telling compelling stories that resonate with younger audiences. These two commissions will look at hidden aspects of international, mass sports – allowing us to tap into a global youth audience by offering unique, candid and insightful content."