
via Getty
Image credits: Getty

via Getty
Image credits: Getty
53% of the total F1 fans in the US cited the Netflix documentary series ‘Drive to Survive‘ as a reason to watch the sport. Formula 1 now boasts a seven million global audience post the documentary’s success. Apart from increased viewership, it also opened up new commercial opportunities, aiding the expansion of the sport. Well, the man responsible for crafting it appropriately was Paul Martin, who has recently worked on another Netflix documentary, Sprint: The World’s Fastest Humans. It depicts the life stories of several renowned athletes like Noah Lyles, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson, and more.
It is the cinematic narrative that appeals to the masses and gets them interested in following a sport. Thus, Martin is trying to replicate his F1 success in track and field.
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Paul Martin shares secret to viewership in sports
Paul Martin recently sat down with CITIUS Mag to discuss SPRINT. Speaking about a range of topics, he stumbled on how to garner more viewership for a sport as he emphasized that the viewers must be fed with intrigue, drama, and proper storytelling. The Box to Box Films co-founder mentioned that people won’t follow a sport just because it is great. There needs to be athletes who can rise to a larger-than-life level.
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think "Sprint" will have the same impact on track and field as "Drive to Survive" had on F1?
Yes
No
Maybe
Not sure
Do you think Veronica Campbell-Brown should have continued her track career despite the challenges of motherhood?
Yes, she had more to achieve
No, she made the right choice
It's a personal decision
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
Do you think Simone Biles' playful nature with her mom is a key to her success?
Yes, it keeps her grounded
No, it's just a personal trait
It might help, but talent is key
Not sure
Do you believe Jordan Chiles' book should be considered less authentic due to the involvement of a ghostwriter?
Yes, it undermines her credibility
No, collaboration is common
Depends on the extent of ghostwriting
Not sure
Do you think Sha'Carri Richardson and Christian Coleman's public displays of affection help or hurt their professional careers?
They help by showing unity
They distract from their performance
It's their personal choice
Not sure
Want to dive deeper?
Here are the articles that inspired recent polls.
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🗣️ “There is no magic bullet. You can’t expect an audience to fall in love with a sport just because. You’ve got to present them with all of the right elements – the drama, the characters, the story.”
New interview with @BoxToBoxFilms co-founder and Emmy Award-winning producer… pic.twitter.com/JgbcvfBWMT
— Chris Chavez (@ChrisChavez) July 6, 2024
Citing examples from his Drive to Survive success, Martin stated, “You know, the race has never changed, but it was suddenly you just felt a connection to whether it was Esteban Ocon, Pierre Gasly, or you know, someone above and beyond Lewis Hamilton at that point.”
The executive producer also talked about promoting the little rivalries that lead to a big story. “It’s about getting those stories and getting those people out there because that’s what, that’s what changed Formula One,” he said.
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Sharing his opinions about the recent dynamics of track and field, Paul Martin thinks something’s amiss despite the surging popularity of Noah Lyles, and Fred Kerley.
What’s your perspective on:
Can 'Sprint' do for track and field what 'Drive to Survive' did for F1? Thoughts?
Have an interesting take?
Martin misses the Usain Bolt era despite the popularity of Noah Lyles
Paul Martin mentioned that he grew up watching Usain Bolt and Carl Lewis. Unfortunately, post their retirement, the craze around track and field has died down significantly. One of the main reasons for this, according to Martin, is the lack of a dominant name. Unlike the Bolt era, one cannot single out a name that has undisputed dominance in the realm right now.
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However, the Emmy award-winning producer feels that the times are changing. With the likes of Noah Lyles challenging for the world’s fastest times, fans are bound to get attracted to track again. Martin also has high hopes for the LA Olympics in 2028. He predicted that it would turn out to be a game-changer if marketed properly.
With positive reviews from Paul Martin, track fans can once again dream about the good old days coming back.
Have something to say?
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Debate
Can 'Sprint' do for track and field what 'Drive to Survive' did for F1? Thoughts?