Exclusive: It’s a big week for husband-and-wife production duo Luke Hyams and Sunita Mirchandani Hyams.
Not only does their debut documentary, The Sidemen Story, launch tomorrow (February 14) on Netflix in the UK, but this interview with Deadline is the first they’ve given since the launch of their indie cross-cultural producer Pangaea.
In a wide-ranging chat that interrupts a break in Jamaica — what they call their “first holiday in quite a few years” — they talk about the gruelling hours of work that went into shooting and producing a doc on British YouTube stars The Sidemen, the state of the UK production sector and a slate that includes Work in Progress, a talk show in which UK TV host, broadcaster and creative Julie Adenuga quizzes major public figures.
Hyams is the former Head of Originals for YouTube Emea, Director of Global Content for The Walt Disney Company and the creator...
Not only does their debut documentary, The Sidemen Story, launch tomorrow (February 14) on Netflix in the UK, but this interview with Deadline is the first they’ve given since the launch of their indie cross-cultural producer Pangaea.
In a wide-ranging chat that interrupts a break in Jamaica — what they call their “first holiday in quite a few years” — they talk about the gruelling hours of work that went into shooting and producing a doc on British YouTube stars The Sidemen, the state of the UK production sector and a slate that includes Work in Progress, a talk show in which UK TV host, broadcaster and creative Julie Adenuga quizzes major public figures.
Hyams is the former Head of Originals for YouTube Emea, Director of Global Content for The Walt Disney Company and the creator...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has acquired a doc about British YouTubers The Sidemen — the debut project from former YouTube Emea content chief Luke Hyams’ production company.
A teaser posted yesterday on social media for uber-popular group confirmed the Netflix deal for The Sidemen Story, with a launch date of February 14 set.
Hyams is directing, with Pangaea co-founder Sunita Mirchandani Hyams producing. Arcade Media is also attached. Luke Hyams said the doc would follow “an inspirational decade plus [a] story of friendship, ambition, perseverance and seven grown men who still love to play Hide N Seek.” It includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, including contributions from the group, commentators and industry sources.
The doc has quietly been in the works since 2022.
The Sidemen — a group comprising web personalities Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji (Ksi), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobit ‘Tobi’ Brown (Tbjzl), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikkstar123, and Harry Lewis (W2S) — have amassed well over 100 million subscribers across platforms,...
A teaser posted yesterday on social media for uber-popular group confirmed the Netflix deal for The Sidemen Story, with a launch date of February 14 set.
Hyams is directing, with Pangaea co-founder Sunita Mirchandani Hyams producing. Arcade Media is also attached. Luke Hyams said the doc would follow “an inspirational decade plus [a] story of friendship, ambition, perseverance and seven grown men who still love to play Hide N Seek.” It includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, including contributions from the group, commentators and industry sources.
The doc has quietly been in the works since 2022.
The Sidemen — a group comprising web personalities Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji (Ksi), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Joshua Bradley (Zerkaa), Tobit ‘Tobi’ Brown (Tbjzl), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), Vikkstar123, and Harry Lewis (W2S) — have amassed well over 100 million subscribers across platforms,...
- 1/31/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
A new London-based digital talent management company called Arcade Media has launched and signed as its first client YouTube supergroup The Sidemen.
The Sidemen, which was formed by seven gaming creators in 2013 and now reaches 93 million collective subscribers and 30 million Instagram followers, comprises Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji (Ksi), Harry Lewis (Wroetoshaw), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Vik Barn (Vikkstar123), Josh Bradley (Zerkaa), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), and Tobi Brown (Tbjzl).
Arcade Media, for its part, was co-founded by Sam Uwins (a former business manager for The Sidemen who is a partner at financial firm Mha Carpenter Box); Aaron O’Neill; and Jordan Schwarzenberger (the former chief creative officer at talent management company Ymu).
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The Sidemen, which was formed by seven gaming creators in 2013 and now reaches 93 million collective subscribers and 30 million Instagram followers, comprises Olajide ‘JJ’ Olatunji (Ksi), Harry Lewis (Wroetoshaw), Simon Minter (Miniminter), Vik Barn (Vikkstar123), Josh Bradley (Zerkaa), Ethan Payne (Behzinga), and Tobi Brown (Tbjzl).
Arcade Media, for its part, was co-founded by Sam Uwins (a former business manager for The Sidemen who is a partner at financial firm Mha Carpenter Box); Aaron O’Neill; and Jordan Schwarzenberger (the former chief creative officer at talent management company Ymu).
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- 8/9/2021
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
YouTube Originals is planning to stay focused on the U.K. market for the present and will release documentaries featuring British personalities, bestselling pop star Anne-Marie, music entrepreneur Posty and gamer Behzinga this fall.
“Currently we are keeping firmly planted in the U.K.,” Luke Hyams, head of YouTube Originals Emea, told Variety. “We are reviewing plans of expansion into other territories, but right now, for this year and the beginning of next year, we really are focusing on the U.K.”
The fall documentary season begins with four-parter “Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story of Grm Daily.” Launching Sept. 28, it tells the story of YouTube channel Grm Daily, a leading platform for various U.K. rap genres, and its founder Posty, the young, Black, British entrepreneur. It is produced by Warner Music Entertainment and directed by Theo Williams.
Posty said: “The doc showcases the passion and hard work that...
“Currently we are keeping firmly planted in the U.K.,” Luke Hyams, head of YouTube Originals Emea, told Variety. “We are reviewing plans of expansion into other territories, but right now, for this year and the beginning of next year, we really are focusing on the U.K.”
The fall documentary season begins with four-parter “Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story of Grm Daily.” Launching Sept. 28, it tells the story of YouTube channel Grm Daily, a leading platform for various U.K. rap genres, and its founder Posty, the young, Black, British entrepreneur. It is produced by Warner Music Entertainment and directed by Theo Williams.
Posty said: “The doc showcases the passion and hard work that...
- 8/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
YouTube has unveiled a trio of UK originals that will aim to provide profiles on three British talents through the lens of observational documentaries.
Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story Of Grm Daily is a four-part documentary on grime and rap YouTube channel, Grm Daily, through the eyes of founder Posty. It drops September 28.
The series is produced by Warner Music Entertainment, with Kate Shepherd and Laura Collins executive producing. Theo Williams is the director, while Joss Crowley produces.
Renowned Films will make How To Be: Anne-Marie, a single film that will profile the singer-songwriter Anne-Marie as she emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sally Freeman directs and executive produces alongside Kate Maddigan, Tim Withers, Max Welch and Duane Jones. Becky Mansell is the producer.
Finally, Ethan Payne — a member of YouTube star Ksi’s gaming and comedy crew — will be the subject of a three-part documentary on his journey from overweight gamer to marathon runner.
Together We Rise: The Uncompromised Story Of Grm Daily is a four-part documentary on grime and rap YouTube channel, Grm Daily, through the eyes of founder Posty. It drops September 28.
The series is produced by Warner Music Entertainment, with Kate Shepherd and Laura Collins executive producing. Theo Williams is the director, while Joss Crowley produces.
Renowned Films will make How To Be: Anne-Marie, a single film that will profile the singer-songwriter Anne-Marie as she emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sally Freeman directs and executive produces alongside Kate Maddigan, Tim Withers, Max Welch and Duane Jones. Becky Mansell is the producer.
Finally, Ethan Payne — a member of YouTube star Ksi’s gaming and comedy crew — will be the subject of a three-part documentary on his journey from overweight gamer to marathon runner.
- 8/20/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
Margie Mays, who earned the nickname “Burping Girl” because of her penchant for belching when she sings, has advanced to the Top 40 of “American Idol” Season 17. The quirky 25-year-old dog walker from Wilmington, De sang the “Never Enough” ballad from “The Greatest Showman” during the solo round of Hollywood week and prompted judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie to wonder whether she even knew how good she actually was. Watch Margie’s “American Idol” performance above.
SEEChurch janitor Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon breaks away from ‘gloomy’ home life, shines during ‘American Idol’ Hollywood week [Watch]
Prior to her show-stopping number, Margie was a nervous wreck as she worked on the song with the show’s vocal coach Nicholas Cooper. She later announced, “Making it through the first two rounds of Hollywood week and finally being in the solo rounds? This whole journey is exhausting, intimidating, it’s like everybody around me is so good.
SEEChurch janitor Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon breaks away from ‘gloomy’ home life, shines during ‘American Idol’ Hollywood week [Watch]
Prior to her show-stopping number, Margie was a nervous wreck as she worked on the song with the show’s vocal coach Nicholas Cooper. She later announced, “Making it through the first two rounds of Hollywood week and finally being in the solo rounds? This whole journey is exhausting, intimidating, it’s like everybody around me is so good.
- 3/26/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Ethan Payne‘s “American Idol” journey has come to the end. This 15-year-old country phenom, who previously met Luke Bryan through the Make-a-Wish Foundation because of his cystic fibrosis diagnosis, was eliminated during the group rounds in Sunday’s episode. The saddest part for Ethan wasn’t that he was sent back home to Macon, Georgia, but that it was his icon Luke who had to make the announcement. “It’s shattered my heart, but I still love him,” Ethan said while holding back tears.
SEESniffly ‘American Idol’ judge Katy Perry belts out ‘Firework’ with toilet paper stuffed up nose [Watch]
Following Ethan’s performance of Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant to Be” with his group, Luke let out a deep sigh and stated, “I cannot believe I’m the one having to do this. I love you. Please stay strong. Keep doing what you’re doing. But this is the end of the road.
SEESniffly ‘American Idol’ judge Katy Perry belts out ‘Firework’ with toilet paper stuffed up nose [Watch]
Following Ethan’s performance of Bebe Rexha‘s “Meant to Be” with his group, Luke let out a deep sigh and stated, “I cannot believe I’m the one having to do this. I love you. Please stay strong. Keep doing what you’re doing. But this is the end of the road.
- 3/25/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
American Idol contestants are pretty much all guaranteed to walk away from their experiences on the show with a pretty decent story to tell, though not very many will ever be able to say that they got to audition with one of the judges like Ethan Payne did. The 15-year-old appeared on the show on March 6, and what started out as a standard audition turned into a full-on duet with judge Luke Bryan.
Payne revealed before his audition that he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 18 months old. Years after his diagnosis, he made a request through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to meet Bryan, his idol. His dream eventually came true in 2016 when the country singer not only invited him to a meet-and-great ahead of one of his shows in Dallas, but he also later invited Payne to sing on stage with him in front of thousands of his fans.
Payne revealed before his audition that he was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 18 months old. Years after his diagnosis, he made a request through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to meet Bryan, his idol. His dream eventually came true in 2016 when the country singer not only invited him to a meet-and-great ahead of one of his shows in Dallas, but he also later invited Payne to sing on stage with him in front of thousands of his fans.
- 3/13/2019
- by Danielle Jackson
- Popsugar.com
Of the four wacky contestants who were featured in the Season 17 premiere of “American Idol,” “burping girl” is by far the fans’ favorite. Also known as Margie Mays, this 25-year-old this dog walker from Wilmington, De startled judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie with her energetic personality that included uncontrolled belching and bird chirping. Margie earned 70% of the vote in our recent poll that asked viewers to name their favorite wacky singer, with mystic death creature vocalist VoKillz coming in at 15%, church pop singer Uche at 9% and lying rapper Nick Rogers at 6%.
SEELuke Bryan’s impromptu ‘American Idol’ duet with 15-year-old Ethan Payne will fill you with pure joy [Watch]
“I have never seen anybody with so much energy,” Luke declared when Margie first stepped into the audition room. Her flighty responses to the judges’ questions prompted Katy to ask, “How many cups of coffee did you drink today?...
SEELuke Bryan’s impromptu ‘American Idol’ duet with 15-year-old Ethan Payne will fill you with pure joy [Watch]
“I have never seen anybody with so much energy,” Luke declared when Margie first stepped into the audition room. Her flighty responses to the judges’ questions prompted Katy to ask, “How many cups of coffee did you drink today?...
- 3/9/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
During Wednesday’s second episode of “American Idol,” Luke Bryan reunited with his 15-year-old buddy Ethan Payne, a Georgia resident who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was just a baby. Two years ago the Make-a-Wish Foundation helped Ethan perform at one of Luke’s concerts, then the country superstar surprised the teenager by giving him his personal guitar. When Ethan stepped into his “American Idol” audition, Luke immediately filled with pure joy. “Oh my goodness, I know this feller,” he declared with a smile. Watch the performance video above.
See‘American Idol’ tearjerker: Lionel Richie weeps buckets during blind singer Shayy’s ‘Rise Up’ cover [Watch]
A confident Ethan told Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, “I just came out here to show you all my talent, especially this beautiful girl.” A surprised Katy replied, “Ethan, you are 15 going on 30,” and Ethan grinned back, “They always said I had an old soul.
See‘American Idol’ tearjerker: Lionel Richie weeps buckets during blind singer Shayy’s ‘Rise Up’ cover [Watch]
A confident Ethan told Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, “I just came out here to show you all my talent, especially this beautiful girl.” A surprised Katy replied, “Ethan, you are 15 going on 30,” and Ethan grinned back, “They always said I had an old soul.
- 3/7/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Ethan Payne is no stranger to country music. In fact, he had already done a duet with Luke Bryan a few years prior to meeting him in the audition room on American Idol. After Make-a-Wish granted him a meet and greet with Luke Bryan, Ethan Payne was hooked. During that experience, he was able to sing in front of 50,000 people with the country music superstar. That day changed his life. What happened to Ethan Payne? When Ethan Payne was just a toddler, he was diagnosed with Cystic fibrosis. Since then, things have been a struggle for him, but that […]
The post Ethan Payne on American Idol: Duet with Luke Bryan sends him to Hollywood appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post Ethan Payne on American Idol: Duet with Luke Bryan sends him to Hollywood appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 3/7/2019
- by Tiffany Bailey
- Monsters and Critics
ABC has released a sneak peek at the 12 contestants who will be showcased on Night 2 of “American Idol.” Among these dozen artists who are featured on the March 6 episode are several who were given tickets to Hollywood where they competed to make the Top 40. We’ve done some digging and can tell you which of these talents made the cut as well as the results of how they fared in the showcase round. Spoilers ahead.
The Top 40 were flown to Hawaii at the end of January and stayed at the Aulani Resort. That luxury hotel in Honolulu is owned by Disney as is ABC, the new network for “American Idol.” Each of these would-winners of season 17 sang once again for judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Only 20 of them were put through to the next round. This episode will air on March 31.
That score was split into two groups.
The Top 40 were flown to Hawaii at the end of January and stayed at the Aulani Resort. That luxury hotel in Honolulu is owned by Disney as is ABC, the new network for “American Idol.” Each of these would-winners of season 17 sang once again for judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. Only 20 of them were put through to the next round. This episode will air on March 31.
That score was split into two groups.
- 3/6/2019
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
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