CHESS CITY: The Rise of St. Louis
Series Overview
Title: Chess City: The Rise of St. Louis
Tagline: One move changes everything.
Logline: A docuseries that reveals how visionary philanthropy and a shared passion for chess turned a Midwestern city into America’s unlikely chess capital, inspiring all ages to embrace strategy, resilience, and creative thinking.
Series Overview: Each 40-minute episode dives into a different facet of St. Louis’s chess boom—from youth programs in underserved neighborhoods to marquee international tournaments—spotlighting the individuals whose lives have been redefined by the game. Through cinematic storytelling and intimate interviews, we explore how big dreams, philanthropic investment, and local pride converged to spark a cultural renaissance around a centuries-old game.
Tone and Style: Visually rich and character-driven, combining the immersive storytelling of Chef’s Table with the community focus of Last Chance U. Expect dynamic pacing, personal confessions, and high-stakes competition—offering a fresh perspective on how chess transcends the board and impacts real lives.
Format: Six 40-minute episodes, each weaving together personal narratives and the broader transformation of St. Louis into a chess powerhouse.
Audience: Targeted at viewers ages 25–54 seeking inspirational, community-driven stories—fans of sports docs, social documentaries, and anyone curious about how a single passion can revitalize an entire city.
Comparables:
• Chef’s Table (Netflix) – for its cinematic treatment and human-centered storytelling.
• Last Chance U (Netflix) – for its focus on underdog journeys in a sports context and community impact.
• 30 for 30 (ESPN) – for its blend of sports, history, and cultural resonance.
Why It Stands Out: By showcasing how chess unites generations, uplifts underrepresented communities, and sparks a citywide transformation, Chess City: The Rise of St. Louis captures the universal power of a game to reshape culture, forge opportunity, and inspire hope.


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St. Louis Based Production Company Investing In Stories That Matter
St. Louis Based Production Company
Investing In Stories That Matter
