Pathe Pictures and LA-based ReasonPictures are teaming up for Michael Apted's new feature documentary aboutfootball around the world.

The film will feature sixintertwining stories in what Pathe calls a "moving examination of the socialimpact of the game across the world."

It is currently inproduction, with footage already shot in South Africa, Iran, Holland, and theUS. Apted will shoot in the next several months in the UK, Argentina, Senegal,China, Iran, and in Germany during the 2006 World Cup.

Pathe will distribute in theUK and France, while Pathe Pictures International will handle worldwide salesoutside of North America. Cinetic Media brokered the financing and will handleNorth American sales.

The film, with a workingtitle of The Michael Apted Football Project, will be produced by Eileen Gregory (Apted's Me& Isaac Newton) and ReasonPictures CEO Ben Goldhirsh.

The crew includes directorof photography Maryse Alberti, shooting on high definition video, and editorSusanne Rostock.

Francois Ivernel, managingdirector of Pathe UK said" "We believe Michael Apted will deliver anextraordinary view of the world's greatest game - capturing the impactand effect football has on individual lives across the globe."

Apted previously directedfilms including the 7 Up series,Coal Miner's Daughter, Nell, The World Is Not Enough, and Gorillas In The Mist.