Latest news with #ThisMachine
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Emmy-Winning Director R.J. Cutler's Docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up Premieres June 6 on Prime Video
Groundbreaking Five-Part Series Chronicles the Inaugural Esports World Cup and the Intense Competition for a Record-Breaking $60 Million Prize Pool, Offering a High-Stakes, Character-Driven Look Inside the Future of Esports LOS ANGELES, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Video, one of the leading entertainment destinations, will premiere the five-part documentary Esports World Cup: Level Up on June 6, with new episodes released weekly. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler (Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, Elton John: Never Too Late and Martha), the series goes behind-the-scenes of the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) in 2024 — a defining moment in global esports, where over $60 million in prize money ignited a high-stakes, multinational battle to crown the world's top esports Club. The series is produced by This Machine (a part of Sony Pictures Television), with R.J. Cutler directing, John Dorsey serving as showrunner, and Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein and Mark Blatty executive producing. Level Up will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Esports World Cup: Level Up offers a rare look inside a global competition that's redefining what it means to be a champion for a new generation of athletes and fans. R.J. Cutler and his team of expert storytellers embedded themselves within the eight-week tournament – watched by over 500 million fans globally – to uncover the personal sacrifices, rivalries and stakes driving the action. Shot in verité style, the series combines intimate home visits from around the world and on-the-ground coverage from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It follows a wide cast of characters – from Club CEOs orchestrating million-dollar strategies to rising stars chasing life-changing wins – while capturing the pulse of elite esports competition. 'What drew me to the Esports World Cup was the compelling human stories unfolding within this high-stakes arena,' said Cutler. 'Level Up isn't just about the incredible competition and prize money; it's about the dedication, the passion, and the sheer will of these athletes and teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Under high pressure, we discover the true character of the competitors who vie for $60 million, but who also expose their humanity in the process.' At the heart of Level Up is the 'EWC Club Championship,' an unprecedented, multi-title tournament format where Clubs compete across more than 20 games, earning points toward a single leaderboard. Every match, every point, reshapes the race for global dominance. With the highest prize pool in esports history on the line, the EWC is not just a tournament – it's a proving ground for the next generation of sports icons. 'A win might make the headlines — but the real story is the people behind it,' said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'Level Up dives into the human side of esports: the pressure, the ambition, the sacrifices. It's about what it really takes to compete at the highest level — and why it matters. R.J. is the best at bringing those stories to life, and this one captures the heart of what we're building.' Standout stories from the series include: The inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024 featured 1,500 elite players and 200 Clubs from 100 countries competing in 22 tournaments across 21 games for a $60 million prize pool, the largest in esports history. Esports World Cup: Level Up will be available exclusively on Prime Video beginning June 6. About The Esports World Cup The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. About This Machine This Machine (a part of Sony Pictures Television) was founded in 2020 and has quickly established itself as one of the premier producers of documentary film and television in the world. Headed by award-winning filmmaker and nonfiction pioneer R.J. Cutler, This Machine is a filmmaker-driven company that explores the times in which we live through nonfiction storytelling in all media. Recent This Machine projects include the three-part documentary event Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series (Apple TV+) as well as the feature documentaries Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful (Netflix), Lee Soo Man: King Of K-Pop (Prime Video), Martha (Netflix) and Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+). Other films and TV series include the PGA Award-nominated theatrical documentary The Disappearance of Shere Hite (IFC), the Emmy-winning documentary series Big Vape (Netflix), the HBO feature doc South to Black Power, the award-winning docuseries Murf the Surf (MGM), the celebrated history of women of color in the fashion industry, Supreme Models (Netflix) and the feature documentary Anthem (Hulu). This Machine is also behind the Academy Award-shortlisted Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry, the multi-award-winning BELUSHI, and the cult-hit Dear… (Apple TV). This Machine's team includes Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning producer and executive Elise Pearlstein, Cutler's long-time producing partner Trevor Smith, EVP Mark Blatty, and the development team of Sally Rosen Phillips and Alisa Cacho-Sousa. This Machine's team has decades of experience creating the highest-quality and most popular nonfiction films and series as well as scripted series, feature films, and podcasts. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Esports World Cup Foundation
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Slave contracts, plastic surgeries, and more — Fans call for boycott of 'Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop' documentary
Shocking one and all, Prime Video released the trailer of their upcoming documentary titled, Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop, produced by This Machine. At its core is Lee Soo Man, the founder of the K-pop agency SM Entertainment, whose vision and influence helped lay the foundation for the global K-pop wave. The documentary charts Lee's decades-long journey: from building an entertainment giant to launching some of the biggest idol groups in K-pop history namely EXO, aespa, Red Velvet and more. But it doesn't stop at the glossy surface — the film also explores the highs, the lows, and the power struggles within the company. The man who defined an era. Lee Soo Man: The King of K-Pop premieres May 13. Fans call for boycott Using rare footage and behind-the-scenes clips, The King of K-Pop is said to offer an unfiltered look at the intense world of idol training, choreography, and music video production. However, many K-pop fans remain unimpressed, pointing out that SM Entertainment has long been mired in controversies — from contractual disputes with artists and tax evasion to allegedly pressuring idols into plastic surgery to meet Korean beauty standards. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to call for a boycott of the documentary, claiming that several of their favorite idols suffered under the agency's control. One said, "Imagine calling this tax evading, plastic surgery pushing, blood obsessed, minor abusing, law manipulating slimeball the king of anything ." imagine calling this tax evading, plastic surgery pushing, blood obsessed, minor abusing, law manipulating slimeball bastard the king of anything. Another said, "The king of K-pop whose an actual wanted criminal???? Prime have some ethics on which documentaries you'll put out! This person is a sham " The king of K-pop whose an actual wanted criminal???? Prime have some ethics on which documentaries you'll put out! This person is a sham! One wrote, "I hope Jonghyun's family sues whoever directed this bullshit." I hope jonghyun's family fucking sues whoever directed this bullshit Another wrote, "We ask that you not support this documentary due to the lack of respect shown by the filmmakers in using photos of Jonghyun's funeral alongside the phrase 'the dark side of K-pop.' Reducing Jonghyun to that phrase and using such sensitive images is truly disrespectful." ⚠️We ask that you not support this documentary due to the lack of respect shown by the filmmakers in using photos of Jonghyun's funeral alongside the phrase "the dark side of K-pop."⚠️Reducing Jonghyun to that phrase and using such sensitive images is really disrespectful. One added, "Oh right, the man behind slave contracts, whose agency has faced multiple lawsuits, who blacklisted anyone who dared to fight for their rights, and whose agency has repeatedly abused its Chinese idols for decades." Oh right, the man who's behind slave contracts, whose agency has faced multiple lawsuits, that has blacklisted anyone who has dared to fight for their rights, and the same man whose agency has repeatedly abused its Chinese idols for decades Another stated, "Reducing Jonghyun—his art, his life—to a mere footnote in some twisted narrative about 'K-pop's dark side' to make LSM look better is disgusting. It's vile. Using videos from his funeral to serve that agenda? That's not just insensitive, it's exploitative and absolutely sickening." Reducing Jonghyun, his art, his life to a mere footnote in some twisted narrative about 'kpops dark side' to make LSM look better is disgusting. Its vile. Using videos from his funeral to serve that agenda? Thats not just insensitive, its exploitative and absolutely sickening More about Lee Soo Man and SM Entertainment Lee Soo Man was officially ousted from his position at SM Entertainment through a gradual process that began in October 2022. As one of the most influential agencies in K-pop, SM Entertainment launched and managed top acts such as EXO, aespa, Red Velvet, NCT, Girls' Generation, Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, SHINee, RIIZE, Lucas, Naevis, and Hearts2Hearts. The documentary is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 13. It will also feature interviews with notable artists like EXO's Suho, NCT 127's Taeyong, and members of aespa, who reflect on their personal journeys in the industry. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
See - Sada Elbalad
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Karol G Doc "Tomorrow Was Beautiful" Gets Release Date, Trailer (Video)
Yara Sameh Netflix has unveiled the trailer for "Tomorrow Was Beautiful", its documentary on Colombian music superstar Karol G. The feature will premiere on May 8. Hailing from director Cristina Costantini (Mucho Mucho Amor) and R.J. Cutler's This Machine (a part of Sony Pictures Television), the doc tells the story of an artist who was told her dream was too big, that she was the wrong gender, and from the wrong place, to ever be a global star, disproving each assertion. The documentary traces Karol's rise from humble beginnings in Medellín to international stardom, as she proves the critics wrong with an electrifying, record-breaking stadium tour. The film's producers are Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, Cristina Costantini, Kristofer Ríos, Alex Simmons, and Mariem Pérez. Mark Blatty, Margaret Yen, John Janick, and Nir Seroussi served as executive producers. Known for her synthesis of reggaeton, Latin trap, and pop, Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G broke out with her 2017 debut album "Unstoppable" and her 2019 hit 'Tusa' featuring Nicki Minaj. The artist followed these successes up with "Mañana Será Bonito", which made history in 2023 as the first all-Spanish-language album by a female artist to debut at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The winner of two Grammys, she also made history with her Mañana Será Bonito World Tour, the highest-grossing Latin tour by a female artist to date. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Karol G Reflects On Defying The Odds in ‘Tomorrow Was Beautiful' Trailer
The impressive career of Colombian reggaeton superstar Karol G is the focus of new documentary Tomorrow Was Beautiful, which has unveiled its trailer today. Set for release on May 8 and produced by This Machine, Interscope Films and Bichota Films, Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful takes an in-depth look at Karol G's impressive rise to fame as one of the biggest Latin musical artists of all time, and how she defied the odds along the way. More from Billboard Liam and Noel Gallagher Spend Easter Together: 'Absolutely Incredible' Kimble Rendall, Hoodoo Gurus Co-Founder and Music Video Director, Dies Aged 67 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees to Be Revealed on 'American Idol,' Where James Taylor Will Serve as Mentor The documentary is directed by Cristina Costantini, who serves as a producer alongside R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, Kristofer Ríos, Alex Simmons, and Mariem Pérez. Mark Blatty, Margaret Yen, John Janick, and Nir Seroussi also join as Executive Producers. 'Karol G was told her dream was too big, that she was the wrong gender, and from the wrong place, to ever be a global star,' a synopsis of the documentary notes. 'But only fools bet against a Bichota.' The film traces Karol G's beginnings in Medellín, Colombia along her journey to international stardom, including the release of chart-topping albums such as 2023's Mañana Será Bonito (the first all-Spanish-language album by a woman to top the Billboard 200) and its accompanying record-breaking tour. 'I told the team, 'I have this idea. Let's do a stadium tour,'' she remembers in the trailer. 'The first stadium tour by a Latin artist in history. And everyone started like, 'Caro, no.'' Karol G's instinct ultimately paid off, with her 65-date trek grossing $313.3 million and selling 2.3 million tickets to become the highest-grossing Latin tour of all time by a female artist. 'Since I was a child, people told me: 'Karol, this dream is not for you,'' she adds in the trailer. Paired with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and in-depth interviews with Karol G and those close to her, Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful traces an entire career spent defying the odds to reach dizzying new heights. 'It's a rare look at the unique determination, raw talent, and relentless work ethic that has launched Karol G to superstardom and paved a path for future generations of Latinas,' the synopsis concludes. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Watch: Karol G's 'Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful' documentary trailer released
Karol G has revealed a heartfelt trailer for her upcoming Netflix documentary, Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful, set to premiere on May 8. The trailer, which Karol shared on her social media, offers an emotional glimpse into her journey, showcasing clips from her Mañana Será Bonito stadium tour. In the trailer, Karol reflects on her early struggles, recalling how people once told her, "This dream isn't for you." She also highlights the challenges faced by women in reggaeton, with an anonymous male voice narrating, "It's no secret how rare it is to see a woman in the reggaeton genre." Karol G has shattered barriers for Latin women in the entertainment industry. Not only is she the first woman to win a Grammy and Latin Grammy for Best Urban Music Album with Mañana Será Bonito, but she also made history as the first female artist to top the Billboard 200 chart with the album. Her global success also led her to become the first Latina to headline a global stadium tour, cementing her legacy in the music world. Directed by Cristina Costantini (Mucho Mucho Amor), the documentary is produced by This Machine, Interscope Films, and Bichota Films, with R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Trevor Smith, and others credited as producers. Interscope executives Nir Seroussi and John Janick, alongside Margaret Yen and Mark Blatty, serve as executive producers. Karol's recent hit single, 'Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,' released in June, became a global sensation, earning her an 18th No. 1 on Billboard's Latin radio chart. She now ranks as the second woman with the most No. 1s on Latin radio, only behind Shakira, who has 24. Tomorrow Will Be Beautiful is set to offer fans an intimate look at Karol G's rise to stardom and her impact on the music industry.
