Unveiling Musical Legacies: Authentic Studios' Visionary Journey
The Premiere of "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert"
This weekend marks a significant milestone for Authentic Studios with the premiere of "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert." Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this documentary delves into the iconic life of Elvis Presley, utilizing never-before-seen footage and recordings that Luhrmann discovered while making his acclaimed biopic on the King of Rock & Roll. This release is anticipated to be a springboard for the studio's future endeavors.
From Elvis to Expansive IP: Authentic Studios' Strategic Growth
Following the "EPiC" documentary, Authentic Studios, a division of Authentic Brands Group—the second-largest intellectual property licensor globally—plans to explore its diverse portfolio for new content opportunities. This includes developing projects around legendary figures such as Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe, with the latter coinciding with the 100th anniversary of her birth. This strategic approach aims to transform their extensive brand assets into compelling entertainment.
Diverse Productions and Future Prospects
Authentic Studios is already actively involved in several productions. "The Greatest," a biographical sports drama featuring Jaalen Best, Giovanni Ribisi, and Omari Hardwick, is currently in production for Prime Video, supported by Amazon MGM Studios and producers including Michael B. Jordan. Additionally, a project centered on the Barneys New York brand is in pre-production for Prime Video, guided by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage. The studio's recent successes also include HBO Max's "Surviving Ohio State," Prime Video's "Iv3erson," and Netflix's Emmy-winning "Beckham," alongside "Power Moves." Established in 2023, Authentic Studios operates through four distinct production units: David Beckham's Studio 99, Shaquille O'Neal's Jersey Legends, Authentic Productions, and SI Studios.
The Vision Behind Authentic Studios' Content Strategy
Colin Smeeton, President of Authentic Studios, articulated the company's shift into content production. He noted that the experience with the "Elvis" movie, where Authentic acted as a guest of Warner Bros., illuminated the potential of their owned intellectual property. Smeeton emphasized that these are not merely isolated projects but significant brands deserving of comprehensive creative and production involvement. While much of Authentic Studios' initial work has been in unscripted content, Smeeton sees vast opportunities in scripted productions, particularly as Authentic continues to acquire three to four new brands annually. The studio's primary focus remains on selecting partners that align with their vision for brand development.