The eight-episode docuseries will follow the
children of famous athletes including Zaire Wade, Evan and Elijah Holyfield,
and Vashti Cunningham, with additional names to be announced
LOS
ANGELES and NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2020 — Vudu, Walmart’s digital video service, and entertainment and sports
media company Whistle, today announced Vudu has ordered the eight-episode
docuseries, Legacy, from Whistle. The
new Vudu Original will star 13-time NBA All-Star, Dwyane Wade, who will also
serve as an executive producer on the series through his production company
59th & Prairie Entertainment. Legacy will
chronicle the lives of gifted young athletes who all have one thing in common –
they are the children of famous athletes, and they are working toward living up
to the name on their back while also building their own athletic identity.The docuseries will be available for
free exclusively on Vudu in 2020.
“Legacy is a part of Vudu’s
commitment to invest in creating premium and compelling original content for
families to enjoy together,” said Jeremy Verba, vice president and general
manager of Vudu. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Whistle and Dwyane Wade,
and bring this motivational series to life.”
The docuseries will follow Dwyane Wade’s son,
Zaire Wade, as he navigates his senior year of high school as a Division I
basketball prospect; and Randall Cunningham’s daughter, Vashti Cunningham, who
is a track and field athlete specializing in the high jump and a contender to
win gold at the 2020 Olympics. The series will also shadow Evan and Elijah
Holyfield, the sons of former heavyweight world champion boxer, Evander
Holyfield. Evan is following in his father’s footsteps and pursuing a
professional boxing career, while Elijah has chosen a different path as an NFL
running back. Additional names will be announced in the coming months.
“I’m proud to executive produce Legacy
and bring my son’s unique athletic journey to other aspiring young athletes,”
said Dwyane Wade. “I hope this docuseries leaves viewers feeling inspired
through showing the hard work and dedication needed to turn your dreams into
reality.”
Legacy will be directed by Emmy Award winner Jonathan
Hock (Through The Fire, Unguarded)
and Mark Ciardi (The Rookie, Secretariat)
will serve as an executive producer. This marks the second project Hock and
Ciardi signed onto with Whistle following the announcement earlier this year of
the series Benedict Men. Legacy was developed by Mike Basone,
Whistle’s VP of development, premium originals, and he will also serve as an
executive producer on the project. Creative Artists Agency (CAA) brokered and
packaged the deal on behalf of clients Whistle and Dwyane Wade. Additionally,
the marketing and production company Tiny Horse will executive produce.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vudu to create premium content that
harbors family values consistent with Whistle’s brand,” said Dominic Ianno,
EVP and head of Whistle’s growth and new initiatives group and executive
producer on the project. “We have assembled a stellar team to bring these
stories to life and provide a source of inspiration for adolescents as they
face the daunting task of making decisions that will impact their futures.”
Legacy will join Vudu’s slate of original content
including series Mr. Mom and feature
film Adventure Force 5.
About Vudu
Vudu is Walmart’s digital video service, offering over 10,000 titles
for free, including premium original movies & series and 150,000 titles to
rent or buy, including the newest releases.
Watch the latest movies & TV shows anytime, anywhere, on your
favorite smart TV, Android and iOS device, game console, Blu-ray player, and
more. At home or on the go, online or offline, Vudu delivers a premium
entertainment experience to millions of users every month with the latest in
digital video and entertainment technology, including 4K Ultra High Definition,
Dolby Vision HDR, and Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound. For more information, visit www.vudu.com/aboutus
About Whistle
Whistle is an entertainment and sports media company that creates,
curates and distributes highly engaging, brand safe original content. Backed by
data driven insights, Whistle connects with young audiences across social
platforms, digital streaming and linear cable networks through relatable
programming that aligns with audience passion points. Join Whistle and its LA based
studio, New Form, and the recently acquired mobile-first content studio,
Vertical Networks, to discover everything from scripted and unscripted shows to
the latest social video trends. For more information, visit teamwhistle.com.
