SERIES COMING SOON 2021
Chicken Soup for The Soul Entertainment and The Heart of an Athlete will take an in-depth look at some of the biggest names in sports, as well as athletes who are hoping to someday become professionals. We will discover what it takes to get to the top level in their profession and how they train to remain there. How do they bounce back from their losses or endure pain through that process? We explore it all. The Heart of an Athlete will show the unwavering commitment and loyalty of these athletes with a top notch production that uncovers how they pursue the goals set before them, with integrity and passion, in order to create a long-standing legacy.BLOOD. SWEAT. TEARS.
SERIES COMING SOON 2021
Chicken Soup for The Soul Entertainment and The Heart of an Athlete will take an in-depth look at some of the biggest names in sports, as well as athletes who are hoping to someday become professionals. We will discover what it takes to get to the top level in their profession and how they train to remain there. How do they bounce back from their losses or endure pain through that process? We explore it all. The Heart of an Athlete will show the unwavering commitment and loyalty of these athletes with a top notch production that uncovers how they pursue the goals set before them, with integrity and passion, in order to create a long-standing legacy.BLOOD. SWEAT. TEARS.
EPISODES
TEN EPISODES | 30 MINUTES EACH
Each episode will feature our host with a minimum of two athletes*, high-profile as well as rising young stars, uncovering their untold stories that align with the vision of the series. The following athletes have been chosen due to personal connection between them and the Series Producers, and because of what they’ve accomplished, or are currently doing, in their careers and community that fit the brand of Heart of an Athlete.
The athletes will be interviewed by a high-profile host, who has the ability and experience to draw out their stories and dig deep into the mindset of how they handle pressure in order to stay on top of their game.
Each episode will be filmed in various states across the country where family roots and lifestyles will be explored. We will paint a portrait of these notable athletes that has never before been seen in this way, as they discuss how they’ve overcome past obstacles and provide inspiration to other athletes and communities.
We will go into The Heart of an Athlete and peel back the layers that make them who they are today, revealing untold stories of their past.
We will highlight each athlete's daily routines as well as dig deeper in an intimate setting, which will create shocking and revealing moments, leaving the viewer glued to the screen.
EPISODES
TEN EPISODES | 30 MINUTES EACH
Each episode will feature our host with a minimum of two athletes*, high-profile as well as rising young stars, uncovering their untold stories that align with the vision of the series. The following athletes have been chosen due to personal connection between them and the Series Producers, and because of what they’ve accomplished, or are currently doing, in their careers and community that fit the brand of Heart of an Athlete.
The athletes will be interviewed by a high-profile host, who has the ability and experience to draw out their stories and dig deep into the mindset of how they handle pressure in order to stay on top of their game.
Each episode will be filmed in various states across the country where family roots and lifestyles will be explored. We will paint a portrait of these notable athletes that has never before been seen in this way, as they discuss how they’ve overcome past obstacles and provide inspiration to other athletes and communities.
We will go into The Heart of an Athlete and peel back the layers that make them who they are today, revealing untold stories of their past.
We will highlight each athlete's daily routines as well as dig deeper in an intimate setting, which will create shocking and revealing moments, leaving the viewer glued to the screen.
THE CREATORS & EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
CHRIS
JONES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
Christopher Jones, Co-CEO of Cultivating Economic Opportunities, specializes in business networks and development, technology, sports entertainment, cross branding and community outreach. Based in New York, Jones has championed brokering numerous high net worth business endeavors in the US, Canada and South America. More recently Christopher’s alliance with Radius, Canada delivered the World Investment Alternative Summit (WAIS) to Bermuda in 2017. Attracting technology, wealth, finance and investment power brokers, prominent sports and media celebrities the event proved a major success. Next level, Co-Creator and Film Producer of 'Heart of an Athlete', Christopher has recently signed with world renowned Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Sony Crackle. Jones' vision and dedication for making the impossible absolutely attainable has not only elevated his business status, it has created opportunities for many, in the communities he touches. Known across business circles for his win-win mindset, Jones is second to none on building solid synergies. According to Jones, "a person's success is built on his word".
DEREK
WESTERLUND
PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
With a career spanning 30 years in action sports Westerlund’s path has been nothing less than extreme. He has produced and directed heart pounding sports content in over 50 countries. His production company Freeride Entertainment rose to international acclaim as Red Bull’s go to production partner and content studio. Creating short and long form film, television, digital docu- series for the beverage giant garnering billions of views for the brand. Westerlund is the award-winning executive producer and director behind the creation of some of the world’s most culturally defining sports content. Some of Westerlund's key clients include: Under Armour, Eurosport, HP, Red Bull, Red Bull Media House, Samsung, Dolby and Chevy.
EVAN GREENBERG
PRODUCER
MICHAEL WINTER
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment
SHARIFF
JAMES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
Authentic, trailblazer, energetic, business coach, real estate developer and innovator Shariff A. James the creator, executive producer of over 150 + special social events and the first African American promoter to open doors at some of the tri-state’s prestige billion dollar venues for urban professionals such as The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Prudential Center, MetLife Stadium, Meadowlands Racetrack, Hyatt Regency MD, Empire State Building and Revel Casino to name a few. Each of these well-attended soirees was marked as marquee “You Can’t Miss It” events with thousands of urban professionals in attendance in their best outfits, while creating millions of dollars in economic impact for his community. Shariff has booked and worked with artist and celebrities such as Super star Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy, Comedian Sommore, Comedian JB Smoove, Idris Elba, Meagan Good, Lamar Rucker, Musical Sensations: Anthony Hamilton, Tamela Mann, Crisette Michele, Miguel, Marsha Ambrosius, Faith Evans, Carl Thomas, 112, Total, Next, and Doug E. Fresh For nearly 20 years Mr. James has demonstrated how personal resilience, vision, and determination can lead to entrepreneurial success. His office resides at the Enterprise Development Center since 2006 in Newark NJ, where he has roots. Shariff graduated from the Prudential Young Entrepreneur Program which led him to be featured in the inspirational book titled “Young Gifted and Entrepreneur” He also served on the Marketing Advisory Board at New Jersey Performance Art Center during the financial crisis of 2008, He enjoys a 28-year marriage with his wife Siymone and two kids in Georgia.
DAVID
GARCIA
PRODUCER
David grew up in Miami, after school he moved to Los Angeles to work in production. Over the last 20 years he has managed a broad range of productions including commercials, television, film, live shows, music videos and digital content. He has had the opportunity to create content with the world’s leading advertising agencies, brands and talent. David has managed multi-million-dollar budgets and is versed in several budgeting platforms. He is technically proficient in multiple specialized camera platforms and equipment such as the Shotover-F1, Phantom Flex 4k, Techno Cranes, Car to Car Pursuit Vehicles, Air to Ground and Air to Air Filming. In addition to production he is a small business owner enjoys contemporary art and vintage automobiles.
MATT
BURSTIN
DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP
Matt Burstin brings over 15 years in the marketing and sponsorship space, translating brand objectives into powerful opportunities to grow awareness and increase engagement.
THE CREATORS & EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
CHRIS JONES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
Christopher Jones, Co-CEO of Cultivating Economic Opportunities, specializes in business networks and development, technology, sports entertainment, cross branding and community outreach. Based in New York, Jones has championed brokering numerous high net worth business endeavors in the US, Canada and South America. More recently Christopher’s alliance with Radius, Canada delivered the World Investment Alternative Summit (WAIS) to Bermuda in 2017. Attracting technology, wealth, finance and investment power brokers, prominent sports and media celebrities the event proved a major success. Next level, Co-Creator and Film Producer of 'Heart of an Athlete', Christopher has recently signed with world renowned Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Sony Crackle. Jones' vision and dedication for making the impossible absolutely attainable has not only elevated his business status, it has created opportunities for many, in the communities he touches. Known across business circles for his win-win mindset, Jones is second to none on building solid synergies. According to Jones, "a person's success is built on his word".
SHARIFF JAMES
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER & CREATOR
Authentic, trailblazer, energetic, business coach, real estate developer and innovator Shariff A. James the creator, executive producer of over 150 + special social events and the first African American promoter to open doors at some of the tri-state’s prestige billion dollar venues for urban professionals such as The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Prudential Center, MetLife Stadium, Meadowlands Racetrack, Hyatt Regency MD, Empire State Building and Revel Casino to name a few. Each of these well-attended soirees was marked as marquee “You Can’t Miss It” events with thousands of urban professionals in attendance in their best outfits, while creating millions of dollars in economic impact for his community. Shariff has booked and worked with artist and celebrities such as Super star Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy, Comedian Sommore, Comedian JB Smoove, Idris Elba, Meagan Good, Lamar Rucker, Musical Sensations: Anthony Hamilton, Tamela Mann, Crisette Michele, Miguel, Marsha Ambrosius, Faith Evans, Carl Thomas, 112, Total, Next, and Doug E. Fresh For nearly 20 years Mr. James has demonstrated how personal resilience, vision, and determination can lead to entrepreneurial success. His office resides at the Enterprise Development Center since 2006 in Newark NJ, where he has roots. Shariff graduated from the Prudential Young Entrepreneur Program which led him to be featured in the inspirational book titled “Young Gifted and Entrepreneur” He also served on the Marketing Advisory Board at New Jersey Performance Art Center during the financial crisis of 2008, He enjoys a 28-year marriage with his wife Siymone and two kids in Georgia.
DEREK WESTERLUND
PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
With a career spanning 30 years in action sports Westerlund’s path has been nothing less than extreme. He has produced and directed heart pounding sports content in over 50 countries. His production company Freeride Entertainment rose to international acclaim as Red Bull’s go to production partner and content studio. Creating short and long form film, television, digital docu- series for the beverage giant garnering billions of views for the brand. Westerlund is the award-winning executive producer and director behind the creation of some of the world’s most culturally defining sports content. Some of Westerlund's key clients include: Under Armour, Eurosport, HP, Red Bull, Red Bull Media House, Samsung, Dolby and Chevy.
DAVID GARCIA
PRODUCER
David grew up in Miami, after school he moved to Los Angeles to work in production. Over the last 20 years he has managed a broad range of productions including commercials, television, film, live shows, music videos and digital content. He has had the opportunity to create content with the world’s leading advertising agencies, brands and talent. David has managed multi-million-dollar budgets and is versed in several budgeting platforms. He is technically proficient in multiple specialized camera platforms and equipment such as the Shotover-F1, Phantom Flex 4k, Techno Cranes, Car to Car Pursuit Vehicles, Air to Ground and Air to Air Filming. In addition to production he is a small business owner enjoys contemporary art and vintage automobiles.
MATT BURSTIN
DIRECTOR OF SPONSORSHIP
Matt Burstin brings over 15 years in the marketing and sponsorship space, translating brand objectives into powerful opportunities to grow awareness and increase engagement.
EVAN GREENBERG
PRODUCER
MICHAEL WINTER
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
Chicken Soup of the Soul Entertainment
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