From The Hollywood Reporter · Alex Weprin · · 1m 20s
Lewis Hamilton launches entertainment empire
The F1 champion's production company signs a major deal with Skydance Sports to develop scripted, unscripted, and animated content.
In brief
The F1 champion's production company signs a major deal with Skydance Sports to develop scripted, unscripted, and animated content. Top athletes are increasingly becoming media producers, with Hamilton's deal showing how sports stars can build entertainment businesses beyond their playing careers. Originally reported…
Hamilton enters entertainment business
The Formula 1 star's production company Dawn Apollo Studios just signed a multiyear first-look deal with Skydance Sports, the sports entertainment division of Paramount.
Deal covers multiple content types
Dawn Apollo will develop scripted, unscripted, and animated projects, with Hamilton serving as executive producer on everything. The deal also extends to video games and consumer products.
F1 film proved the concept works
Hamilton launched Dawn Apollo in 2022 with the Brad Pitt F1 film on Apple, which became a smash hit. Hamilton produced and appeared in the project as himself.
Hamilton building out his team
Hamilton recently hired Naomi Wright, a veteran from Fulwell Entertainment, as senior VP of development to help expand the studio's slate of projects.
Athletes becoming media moguls
Hamilton joins a growing trend of top athletes launching production companies. NFL MVP Josh Allen recently signed a similar first-look deal with Skydance Sports.
Hamilton's vision for storytelling
Hamilton says he wants to back projects that are honest, bold, and meaningful, creating space for voices and perspectives that haven't had opportunities before.
“Stories can help people see the world differently and spark important conversations.”
What it means
Top athletes are increasingly becoming media producers, with Hamilton's deal showing how sports stars can build entertainment businesses beyond their playing careers.
