A sports movie is a fictional movie genre which makes use of popular sport as the main theme of the movie. It’s a film genre which relies on popular sport to an extent for its plot inspiration or resolution, and where a sport, player, or fan of sport are heavily involved in the story. There can be no doubt that the growing popularity of cinema in the modern era has had a huge influence on this genre. It’s not just about growing audiences but also about the growing influence on directors who are willing to try new and different ways to tell stories.
Films which clearly depict or at least strongly suggest the notion of fair play are likely to succeed in this field. Sports which are inherently fair competition such as table tennis or swimming are often better films than films with a more futuristic and entirely unrealistic theme, which try to show a world without conflict or unfair play. Themes like theft and corruption are usually not conducive to successful films which portray sport and entertain, but a sports film about the daily life of a star athlete will likely succeed where a more futuristic theme may flounder.
Of course, the strength of any film which depends on physical exertion as the main element is also important. A strong story behind a character’s strength of character and determination is usually enough to make an athletic film successful. One of the most famous examples of this is the movie pumped with testosterone by Matthew McConaughey. In the movie, the main character, an all-time high school football player, transforms from a small, bullied, mentally weakling to an All American power-house football star after winning a competition. The film also shows the mental and physical strength of an endurance competitor in general.
If the theme of your film is about professional sports, then the section on physical fitness is an excellent place to start. It’s often said that knowledge is power, and it’s true that those who know more about a subject stand a better chance of winning it. The section needs to discuss the various training regimens for sports, the importance of nutrition and well-balanced diets, and the ongoing research into new techniques for physical fitness and health. The section can go into detail about new exercises for athletes and those who participate in sports or who watch sports on television.
Finally, any film about sports, whether it’s a documentary or fictional, cannot get away with not discussing the importance of exercise and sport in general. It’s impossible to look at a triathlon race or a chess competition without noting the effect that the competitors have physically and mentally exerted themselves. Likewise, it’s impossible to watch a NASCAR race without thinking about the incredible physical dexterity required to race in the first place. The section on physical activity is one that discusses how sports help build strength and confidence.
Film schools offer many different programs that will teach you to film about sports and how they are beneficial to society. In addition to learning about how films are made, you’ll also learn how to practice the craft so that you can turn your ideas into real skills that can be used in the real world. This includes being able to successfully pitch an idea to executives. If you’re interested in sports, you can pursue an advanced degree in sports and then apply it to your job as an cinematographer.