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Arab News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Emmy-winning director R. J. Cutler's docuseries ‘Esports World Cup: Level Up' starts June 6
RIYADH: 'Esports World Cup: Level Up,' a new, five-part documentary series from Emmy-winning director R. J. Cutler begins on Jun. 6 on Prime Video, with new episodes released weekly. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport It offers viewers a look behind the scenes of the inaugural Esports World Cup that took place in Riyadh in 2024. Described as a defining moment in global electronic sports, with more than $60 million in prize money up for grabs, it ignited a high-stakes, multinational battle to land the title of the world's top esports club. The makers of the series, which is produced by This Machine, part of Sony Pictures Television, describe it as a rare look inside a global competition that is redefining what it means to be a champion for a new generation of athletes and fans. They said Cutler and his team embedded themselves at the eight-week tournament, which was watched by more 500 million fans worldwide, to uncover the personal sacrifices, rivalries and high stakes driving the digital action. Shot in cinema verite style, with minimal interference from the filmmakers, the series reportedly combines visits to the homes of competitors around the world with on-the-ground coverage of the event. It follows a wide range of participants, from club CEOs attempting to orchestrate million-dollar strategies, to rising stars chasing a life-changing win. 'What drew me to the EWC was the compelling human stories unfolding within this high-stakes arena,' Cutler said. ''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.' Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: 'A win might make the headlines but the real story is the people behind it. ''Level Up' dives into the human side of e-sports: 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.' Cutler's previous work includes the 2009 documentary movie 'The September Issue,' about American Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team as they prepare to publish a particularly significant edition of the magazine, and films about celebrities including Marlon Brando, John Belushi, Billie Eilish, Elton John and Martha Stewart.
Leaders
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Emmy-Winning Director R.J. Cutler's Docuseries Esports World Cup: Level Up Premieres on June 6
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: Soka (Team Falcons) , hailing from the rough streets of Oakland, is the smack-talking extrovert who flips the script on the gamer-loner stereotype. He taunts his rivals, rallies his team and calls his shot, but his bravado masks the struggles overcome from his childhood. , hailing from the rough streets of Oakland, is the smack-talking extrovert who flips the script on the gamer-loner stereotype. He taunts his rivals, rallies his team and calls his shot, but his bravado masks the struggles overcome from his childhood. FAKER (T1) , whose celebrity in South Korea rivals that of the most popular K-pop bands, must compete with his own legend and the isolation that comes from his own mystique. There's greatness and then there are legends. Jordan, Tiger, Messi. In esports, it's FAKER. , whose celebrity in South Korea rivals that of the most popular K-pop bands, must compete with his own legend and the isolation that comes from his own mystique. There's greatness and then there are legends. Jordan, Tiger, Messi. In esports, it's FAKER. Sanford (Team Liquid) , the 19-year-old gaming prodigy from the Philippines, sees his life change after his father suffers a stroke, leaving him as the primary breadwinner for his family. Despite his young age, the stakes couldn't be higher, making his journey in esports about more than just winning titles. , the 19-year-old gaming prodigy from the Philippines, sees his life change after his father suffers a stroke, leaving him as the primary breadwinner for his family. Despite his young age, the stakes couldn't be higher, making his journey in esports about more than just winning titles. Drazah (Atlanta FaZe) , raised by his single mom with his seven brothers and sisters, heads back to his humble origins to explain how a pro gamer emerged from a rickety shed in North Pole, Alaska to the biggest stage in esports. , raised by his single mom with his seven brothers and sisters, heads back to his humble origins to explain how a pro gamer emerged from a rickety shed in North Pole, Alaska to the biggest stage in esports. Chel & Cinny (Team Vitality) , sisters from a remote corner of Indonesia, are leading the most dominant women's team in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang history. They've won every tournament since their team entered the scene in 2021, but their beloved grandfather dies the day they arrive in Riyadh, putting their tournament in jeopardy. , sisters from a remote corner of Indonesia, are leading the most dominant women's team in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang history. They've won every tournament since their team entered the scene in 2021, but their beloved grandfather dies the day they arrive in Riyadh, putting their tournament in jeopardy. Yevhen Zolotarov , the CEO of Ukrainian Club NAVI, is fighting for the friends and family he left behind. On the first day of Russia's invasion, his infant son was awakened by explosions. The next day, electricity was cut off in the area. He and his team are competing to support their war-torn homeland. , the CEO of Ukrainian Club NAVI, is fighting for the friends and family he left behind. On the first day of Russia's invasion, his infant son was awakened by explosions. The next day, electricity was cut off in the area. He and his team are competing to support their war-torn homeland. Mossad Aldossary, the 24-year-old CEO of Team Falcons, was once a kid growing up in Riyadh. Now, he's leading the nation's favorite Club with a chance to make sure the Cup stays at home. With the pride of a nation in the balance – not to mention so much prize money on the line – he feels the pressure to perform. 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. Short link : Post Views: 43
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- 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
