Film/TV distributor and top-ranked multi-channel network, The Orchard, announced today a distribution deal with Nitro Circus, the action sports entertainment collective led by 17-time X-Games medalist Travis Pastrana. Through the deal, The Orchard now has worldwide distribution rights to Nitro Circus’ eight-film back catalog and three upcoming releases. This is the sixth extreme sports catalog licensing agreement for The Orchard, following deals with Red Bull Media House, Brain Farm, Fanclub Media and others, making it a distinct market leader in the action sports genre.
“Nitro Circus is excited to launch our relationship with The Orchard with an epic first release: Action Figures,” says Michael Porra, Nitro Circus’ CEO and Creative Director. “This is Travis’ directorial debut and a one-of-a-kind film that is sure to take the world of action sports by storm. Nitro Circus produces the most engaging action sports media in the world and this partnership will ensure the next evolution of Nitro Circus content is made available to consumers globally.”
Nitro Circus was born when motorsports superstar Travis Pastrana and friends Jeremy Rawle and Gregg Godfrey began producing their stunt-filled DVD series in 2003, which eventually evolved into one of MTV’s biggest reality TV shows, “Travis and The Nitro Circus.” By 2010, the company took their show on the road and created Nitro Circus Live, the ongoing tour that follows motocross riders around the globe.
Now, Nitro Circus’ entire eight-film catalog will be in available digitally and on VOD for the first time under one roof, kicking things off with the release of Action Figures. The film, out today, October 20th, is a first of its kind: every action sports athlete involved, from Josh Sheehan and Jolene Van Vugt to James Foster, Thomas Pagès and director Travis Pastrana was part of the editing process. Over 20 “world’s first” tricks are featured in the movie, which was written, directed and produced by Pastrana in conjunction with Nitro Circus.
“We’re very excited to partner with Nitro Circus,” says Jim Martin, The Orchard’s Director of Sports, Film & TV. “Travis Pastrana and Nitro Circus produce some of the most thrilling material on the market today. They push skill and risk to all new levels with every stunt captured on film. We’re huge fans of their work and can’t wait to share their epic new film, Action Figures.”
“This is a really special film franchise to be partnered with,” says The Orchard’s VP of Sports, Danny Grant. “It’s an honor to be working with the Nitro Circus crew and bringing their immense entertainment catalog to the worldwide digital marketplace. Fans are going to love it, and that’s a pretty cool feeling.”
About Nitro Circus
Recently named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Most Promising Companies, Nitro Circus continues to position itself as the leading youth action sports & entertainment brand on the planet. From humble beginnings in 2003 — Jeremy Rawle, Gregg Godfrey and extreme sports superstar Travis Pastrana producing DVDs from a Utah garage — to a smash TV series which has aired in over 60 countries, Nitro Circus has exploded to global popularity. In 2012, Nitro Circus: The Movie, featuring cast members from the hit television series, was released in cinemas worldwide. In 2015, Nitro Circus announced a partnership with NBC Sports Ventures. The multi-year strategic alliance will feature TV specials airing nationally in the U.S. on NBC and NBCSN as well as streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra, plus a new reality series, “Nitro Circus: Crazy Train,” debuting on NBCSN in October 2015.
The TV show was transformed by current CEO and action sports industry guru Michael Porra into a must-see live event in 2010, creating the global touring phenomenon that is Nitro Circus Live. Since its inaugural Australian trek five years ago, the show has travelled the globe, obliterating box office records and cultivating a legion of diehard fans. Nitro Circus has now rolled across five continents, blown away over two million fans and sold-out shows in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the Middle East and South Africa. With close to 100 shows globally set for 2015 and a packed 2016 touring schedule visiting even more cities still to be announced, Nitro Circus is the world’s most successful action sports touring brand.
About The Orchard
The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.
