Blue Sky Media to globally distribute "The Brighton Miracle" docudrama

Blue Sky Media has acquired world rights outside of Japan to distribute feature-length docudrama "The Brighton Miracle" (82’) from production company Syn Entertainment via producer representative Summer & Co. Written and directed by Max Mannix ("Dance of the Dragon"), and featuring original music from Simon Le Bon, the film tells the story of what is regarded as the greatest sporting upset in history: Japan, the team with the worst record in Rugby World Cup history at the time, unexpectedly defeat South Africa, the two-time World champions, at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Brighton.

"The Brighton Miracle" follows Eddie Jones, played by New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison ("The Book of Boba Fett"), the Australian-Japanese coach selected to train the Japanese rugby team despite huge doubts from the team. The film follows Jones’ plans to defy convention in order to put a stop to Japan being the laughingstock of world rugby, and his relentless techniques that push everybody to the brink of despair, including staff, assistant coaches and team manager, JR, played by Masa Yamaguchi (“The Condemned”).

A unique blend of talking-head interviews with Eddie Jones and the players alongside re-enactments of events, "The Brighton Miracle" will have audiences rooting for the underdog and prove that with the right mindset and role models, you can overcome life’s greatest hurdles. Blue Sky Media will sell the film globally ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup this September.

Richard Signeski, CEO of Blue Sky Media, says, “It’s safe to say the world was shocked when Japan, the underdog of Rugby, defeated South Africa in 2015 – but not many people know the story behind how the team were able to accomplish such a feat. Having only previously been distributed in Japan, it’s our privilege to bring this film to global audiences right in time for this year’s Rugby World Cup.”

Nick Wood, producer and founder of Syn Entertainment, adds, “I have always loved the creative bond between filmmaking and music, it’s like two good friends climbing Mount Fuji together; it can be a nightmare on the way up, but an incredible reward for all your hard work when you see the sunrise. I feel very fortunate that Syn Entertainment was able to contribute to this film, both as a producer - with Max Mannix, Tim Farmer, Milissa Douponce and Adam Ballin - and as composer of the score, along with my creative partner Simon Le Bon, who wrote an original song for the film. Many thanks to Richard and the Blue Sky team for bringing the 'Brighton Miracle' to the world, in time for the Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.”