Box to Box Films Captures the Essence of the Summer Games for Netflix

Behind the Scenes: Box to Box Films at the Summer Games

The dedicated four-person team from Box to Box Films, famed for their acclaimed Netflix motorsports docuseries “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” has frequently found themselves shooting in glamorous locales such as Monaco and Miami. However, on a recent morning, they assembled in a much more unassuming location: a set of rickety bleachers beside a running track in the Paris suburb of Eaubonne. Here, they waited patiently for approximately an hour for a practice session to commence.

“This is our life,” remarked Warren Smith, a prominent executive at Box to Box, as he observed the scene around him. The waiting game could have been more challenging; just across town, a second crew was busy capturing footage of a runner getting a haircut, showcasing the diverse range of content being produced.

The footage captured in France is destined for the second season of “Sprint,” a Netflix documentary that closely follows American 100-meter stars Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles, along with a host of other talented track athletes. This series is one of three exciting projects currently in production during the Summer Games, stemming from a burgeoning partnership between Netflix and the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.).

As a relative newcomer to the world of sports documentaries, the I.O.C. is now keenly investing in this genre, aiming to engage a broader audience. Just as “Drive to Survive” has successfully deepened the connection between fans and the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing, the I.O.C. hopes these new projects will cultivate interest and awareness among a younger generation of Olympic enthusiasts. The initiatives include:

• A track series focusing on the lives and challenges of athletes like Richardson and Lyles
• A gymnastics documentary titled “Simone Biles: Rising,” celebrating the journey of the legendary gymnast
• A series spotlighting the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team and their quest for gold

With these compelling narratives, the I.O.C. aims to inspire and engage viewers, making the Olympic experience more relatable and exciting than ever before.