MATT DIEGAN

The Way Of The Wildcard

Documentary Series, 2018
dir. Jonny & Jono, Scott Carthy, TJ O’Grady Peyton, Michelle Coomber

Role: Development + Series Producer
Broadcaster: Red Bull TV

'The Way Of The Wildcard' is a four part documentary series for Red Bull TV that tells stories from across the globe of unlikely athletes who have taken unconventional routes into their sport and defied the odds to reach success. The series was filmed across 3 continents over 1 year and launched on Red Bull TV and Youtube with an accompanying online and grassroots campaign taking the #wayofthewildcard message to inspire and give practical advice, empowering people to take up sport.

The series has since been commissioned for a second season.

Watch All Episodes Now: Red Bull TV  + Below

Awards:
Winner: ‘Best Non-Fiction Web Series’  - Realscreen Awards 2019
Winner: ‘Award of Excellence: Digital & Branded Content’ - Realscreen Awards 2019
Winner: Gold - ‘Best Documentary’ - Kinsale Sharks 2018
Nominated: 'Best Short Documentary' (Episode 4) - Grierson Awards 2018

Press:
"A comic, entertaining & emotional ride" - Short Of The Week

"Inspiring & Remarkable" - Sky News

"Absolutely Endearing" - Directors Notes

“Inspiring, emotional, and hilarious“ - Joe.IE

“In the video-saturated world of bikes on the internet, Red Bull’s Way of the Wildcard feature on Casey Brown stands out on its own as well worth your viewing attention.“ - Cycling Magazine

Episode 1 - "John McAvoy: The Ironman Set Free"

John was once one of the UK’s most notorious criminals. Whilst serving a double life sentence for armed robbery, he decided to turn his life around following the death of his best friend. Now a world record holder and competitive triathlete, John spends his time working with young people who are at risk of walking down the same path as he did when they were his age; in an effort to show them there are other ways to make an impact in the world.

Episode 2 - "Casey Brown: The Barefoot Biker"

Casey and her brother Sam were raised in near solitude, an 8 hour hike from civilisation on a remote piece of land in the New Zealand wilderness. Casey’s world changed when the family moved to Canada and she was faced with integrating herself into society, her solace coming from mountain biking with her brother.

Episode 3 - "Sadat Kawawa: Born On The Banks Of The Nile"

Growing up on the banks of the White Nile, Sadat was always told to stay away from the water and it's dangerous rapids. Sadat however, not wanting to be told what to do, quickly fell in love with swimming and subsequently kayaking, a sport rarely pursued by his fellow compatriots.

Episode 4 - "Gary & Paul O'Donovan: Boys From The Back Of Beyond"

In 2016 Gary & Paul O'Donovan became household names; winning Irelands first ever Olympic medal in rowing and taking a laid-back approach to their post-race interviews. This film tells the story of their success and the rise of an unlikely rowing club in Skibbereen, West Cork that is the antithesis of it's elite rivals.