Photo Credit: Henry W. Laurisch / CC by 4.0
R&B singer Anderson .Paak signs on for his directorial debut with the Live Nation-funded film, ‘K-Pops!’
Global media company Stampede Ventures has announced the beginning of principal photography for the Live Nation-funded dramatic comedy, “K-Pops!,” on October 30 in Los Angeles. The film marks Anderson .Paak’s film directorial debut, featuring actors Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”) and Jonnie “Dumbfounded” Park (“Raya and the Last Dragon.”)
“K-Pops!” is about a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts to reinvigorate his career by joining a band for a K-Pop competition show in Seoul, where he discovers that his long-lost son has the chance to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. Jumping at the opportunity to capitalize on his son’s stardom for his own image, he soon learns that fatherhood is much more meaningful and fulfilling.
Live Nation Productions made an equity investment into the film’s production alongside Stampede Ventures, and will join as a strategic partner. Former Paramount executive Michael Tadross will head the film’s physical production.
“‘K-Pops!’ is a prime example of what Stampede is all about. We develop, package, physically produce, and finance the film, creating a 360-degree approach to franchising the brand beyond just the movie, including music and cross-promotional opportunities for the brand. We are thrilled to have Live Nation Productions as a strategic partner and investor in the project,” says Chris Bosco, President of Stampede Ventures.
“Anderson .Paak is an exceptional storyteller and creative talent, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he steps out for his directorial debut,” says Ryan Kroft, Head of Production & Development for Live Nation Productions.
Anderson .Paak is an 8x Grammy award winner, producer, songwriter, and artist, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year with Bruno Mars as the R&B super-duo, Silk Sonic. His last album, “Ventura,” hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and earned him two Grammy awards. He released his highly regarded 2020 single, “Lockdown,” on Juneteenth, winning a Grammy for Best Melodic Performance for his politically charged video inspired by his participation in Los Angeles protests against police brutality.
Primary filming for the movie will take place in Los Angeles, with additional filming in South Korea and Al-’Ula — a historic and culturally significant region in Saudi Arabia, scouted through Film AlUla. Though Saudi Arabia’s involvement might seem unusual for a K-Pop-centric film, Paul Pacifico, CEO of the recently formed Saudi Music Commission, announced that the organization is actively taking steps to “unleash the creative and commercial potential” of music in the region.
