Powerful new series to counter racism in Australian sport set to premiere on the ABC in October
Bold new investigative documentary series, End Game with Tony Armstrong, will premiere on the ABC on October 21, endeavouring to uncover ‘global solutions’ to racism in sport.
Produced by Fremantle-based Smashing Films, Barking Mad Productions and All Story Films, the three-part series sees Armstrong, an award-winning broadcaster and former AFL footballer, on a mission to tackle the rising tide of racism in Australian sport.
Fed up with excuses and failed campaigns, Armstrong embarks on a global search for solutions he hopes can drive systemic change to Australia’s major sporting codes.
Through conversations with former athletes and sporting legends such as Sydney Swans’ Adam Goodes and Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand, exploring the role of athlete activism, uncovering breakthrough AI technology that tracks online hate and challenging the Australian government to take stronger action, Tony seeks to inspire meaningful change in tackling racism in sport.
Filmed in Western Australia, Melbourne and Sydney, the team also travelled to London, Manchester, Liverpool and various locations across the US in production of the series.
Dan Brown, Executive Producer – Smashing Films said: “Smashing Films, along with our co-producers Barking Mad and All Story Films are so grateful for the opportunity to make this series which we hope will have significant impact. We are especially grateful to Tony Armstrong for ‘running towards the fire’ and putting himself at the centre of such a difficult issue. We couldn’t have made it without the incredible support of Screenwest, Kelrick Martin at the ABC and Screen Australia.”
Rikki Lea Bestall, Screenwest Chief Executive Officer said: “End Game with Tony Armstrong explores the timely, relevant issue of racism in sport – which is an important cultural story for Australia. Screenwest is proud to support this powerful new documentary series from Western Australian production company, Smashing Films, in the hope that it effects real change in our sporting communities.”
End Game with Tony Armstrong will premiere on Tuesday, 21 October at 8:30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.
Production credit: End Game with Tony Armstrong is a Smashing Films, Barking Mad Productions and All Story Films production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Major production investment from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Screen Australia. In association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. Executive Producers: Dan Brown, Steve Bibb and Dean Gibson. Series Director: Dean Gibson. Series Producer: Paul Williams. ABC Commissioning Editor and Head of Indigenous: Kelrick Martin. International Sales ABC Commercial.