By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
ZAG has partnered with former Formula 1 driver, Carmen Jorda, to launch an entertainment franchise inspired by her racing career and personal journey.
The new franchise, titled Carmen, will focus on Jorda’s fight to break through institutional barriers to become a development driver in the male-dominated racing league.
After her 2015 appointment to the Lotus/Renault Sport F1 team, Carmen became the 11th woman in the league’s long history to be included in a driver line-up for an official Formula 1 team.
Zag is currently developing a range of content for the new franchise including an animated feature film, a TV series and a global licensing program.
The licensing program will target a wide selection of consumer product categories and retail demographics.
“At ZAG, we’ve always believed in creating heroes who inspire kids to believe in themselves,” said Zag founder and CEO, Jeremy Zag. “When I met Carmen, her journey and perseverance impressed and inspired me. I’m excited to let her personal story guide us as we imagine a new hero for tomorrow.”
A team of experienced executives from the international entertainment industry is joining forces to lead the project’s development.
This team includes former HBO Max and Netflix executive Andrea Puig as executive producer, as well as Jeremy Zag, Tyler Thompson and Michael Gracey as producers.
“Jeremy’s artistic sensitivity and instinct for talent make him a true pioneer in storytelling and musical creation, building worlds with lasting emotional impact,” said Puig. “He captures Carmen’s fight and spirit in motorsport through characters only he can bring to life. Sharing a female-driven story powered by grit, speed and ambition with the world is a dream come true.”
Tyler Thompson is a producer and the co‑founder of Cross Creek Pictures, whose films Black Swan, Everest and Rush have earned substantial critical acclaim.
“I’m excited to join this incredible team to bring Carmen’s story to life for audiences around the world,” said Thompson. “What she has achieved in her sport is truly remarkable.”
Michael Gracey is an experienced filmmaker and director who is known for his work on award-winning feature films like The Greatest Showman and Better Man.
“Carmen’s journey is one of resilience and unwavering self-belief, even in the face of daunting limitations,” said Gracey. “Her fearlessness and ambition are the qualities of true heroes, and it’s a privilege to let her guide our narrative—and hopefully inspire a new generation.”
Some of the highlights from Carmen Jorda’s motorsports career includes competing in high-profile races like the GP3, Indy Lights and the Le Mans Series.
It was recently announced that she will return to the Enstone team as Alpine’s head of F1 Academy to lead female driver mentorship initiatives.
“Racing has shaped my life, and partnering with ZAG means turning my passion into a story that can inspire millions of young girls around the world,” said Carmen Jorda. “I want them to know they can dream big, fight hard, and take their place on the track—just like I did.”
ZAG is a global entertainment studio that specializes in creating, producing, developing, and distributing entertainment IP across TV, film and digital platforms.
The studio is best-known as the creator of the animated superhero franchise, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.
Image Credit: Zag Entertainment.
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