Cinetic Media has launched Vertical Leap, an investment and producing programme designed to help professional athletes enter documentary filmmaking. Members will receive access to Cinetic’s projects, creative discussions and industry mentoring, with the longer-term aim of developing production careers beyond sport.

Membership costs $25,000 a year and includes pitches for at least 10 documentaries from established directors and producers, with opportunities to invest in further projects. Cinetic has enrolled 10 prominent athletes and plans to expand to 50 current and former players; demand is strongest among NFL and NBA athletes, while three Michigan footballers are reportedly combining NIL income to join.