FremantleMedia Enterprises Strikes Rights Deal With Soccer Legend Pele

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has announced the signing of a development agreement with Prime Licensing, the exclusive licensing agency for Pele, which was brokered by the William Morris Agency. This agreement will give the global rights to commission a documentary about the legendary Brazilian soccer star, Pele.
Pele's life has been documented in a number of written biographies but, until now, no one company has been granted such unparalleled access to produce an official television documentary for broadcast use on one of the most famous and talented soccer stars in the world.
While the content ideas are still in early development stages with producer/director roles yet to be appointed; the documentary will focus on a specific time in Pele's playing career. International broadcast distribution rights to the final product will go to FME.
David Ellender, FME CEO said of the agreement: "We are extremely excited to gain this enviable opportunity to work with a truly global superstar and look forward to sharing Pele's celebrated life and telling his story to the world."
An eventful and colourful life, Pele rose from a poor background in Brazil to become, not just an international soccer hero, but an international icon in his own right. He began playing for Santos Futebol Clube when he was 15, the Brazilian national team at 16 and at 17 led Brazil to its first of three World Cup championships. His talent on the pitch, scoring more than 1,200 goals during his professional career, earned him the universal nickname of "O Rei" (The King). In 1967, his popularity influenced the two factions involved in the Nigerian Civil War to agree to a 48-hour ceasefire so they could watch Pele play an exhibition game in Lagos.
Paulo Ferreira, CEO of Prime Licensing, said: "We are very enthusiastic about closing this deal with Fremantle, notably one of the most creative companies within the entertainment industry, We are confident that this partnership will successfully ally the top quality standards of FremantleMedia to Pele's credibility, international appeal and unique story to create a great documentary that will inspire and touch people of all ages, all over the world."
Pele's name is now adorned by some of the most prestigious sporting titles in the world, which include the unparalleled, 'Athlete of the Century' awarded by the International Olympic Committee, was chosen as 'Football Ambassador of the World' by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), won the 'Laureus World Sports Lifetime Achievement Award' and, earned the 'BBC Sports Personality of the Year' Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, to his sporting accolades, he has also held titles such as United Nations Ambassador for Ecology and the Environment, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Extraordinary Minister for Sports in Brazil and has an honorary British knighthood.
FremantleMedia Enterprises is the content exploitation arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for licensing, distribution and home entertainment. Further information is available at: www.fremantlemedia.com.
(KMcA)