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MasterClass Expands How Members Learn With Limited, 3-Part Collection of Documentaries

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Launching today: Tehachapi, a film showcasing how the power of art can enable human transformation, from renowned French artist JR

SAN FRANCISCO, July 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best, today launched the first of a limited, three-part collection of documentaries. In addition to its classes, these hand-picked, full-length feature films will help viewers think differently and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. The MasterClass documentaries collection includes Tehachapi (available now), The Cowboy and the Queen and Diane Warren: Relentless. All documentaries will be available to stream exclusively on MasterClass.

Learn with a new lens
MasterClass continues to meet its members where they are by providing a variety of flexible content formats—from 30-minute shows like the Original Series G.O.A.T. to episodic classes like Brain Health and now with its limited, three-part collection of documentaries. The documentaries offer viewers an experiential way to learn through memorable characters and great storytelling that will take them on journeys of discovery and inspiration. MasterClass members will get a peek into the inner lives of exceptional individuals, witnessing their process firsthand and gaining lessons for life. The documentaries also provide lessons in real-world contexts to deepen the learnings, making it easier for viewers to apply new approaches, delivering positive impact to their lives.

Lessons in redemption, rehabilitation and second chances
The first film in MasterClass’s limited, three-part collection of documentaries is Tehachapi. Following renowned French artist JR’s collaborative art project at one of California’s most violent maximum-security prisons, audiences will expand their worldview—and experience new hope—as they discover the unlimited potential for human change. Tehachapi tells the story of redemption and transformation, closely following the journey of a group of 28 incarcerated men, many of whom were serving long-term sentences for crimes they committed as minors. The film illustrates how art inspires self-respect, hope and for some a path back to society. Driving home that impossible change is indeed possible, Tehachapi is more than a story—it’s a lesson that will shift viewers’ perspective, challenge assumptions and change the way they live.

Tehachapi, directed by JR, is an official selection at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, Copenhagen Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival and is now exclusively available on MasterClass.

Upcoming documentaries: 

The Cowboy and the Queen chronicles the life of horse whisperer Monty Roberts, a California horse trainer whose nonviolent techniques are a lesson in leading with empathy, trusting your values and doing the next right thing. His compassionate approach defied all odds and never would have seen the light of day if it weren’t for his unlikely friendship with Queen Elizabeth II, a kindred spirit whose endorsement of Monty’s process popularized his methods worldwide. Through this touching examination of a deep and abiding friendship bridging two completely different worlds, viewers will be inspired to challenge convention by tapping into compassion as the key to navigating a divided world. The Cowboy and the Queen, directed by Andrea Nevins, received a nomination for the Humanitas Prize 2024 in the documentary category and is an official selection at DocNYC, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Berkshire International Film Festival (Jury Award), Boulder International Film Festival (Impact Award) and Sedona International Film Festival (Indie Spirit Award). The film will be available to stream exclusively on MasterClass this fall.Diane Warren: Relentless provides an intimate, rarely seen look at the life, career and creative process of one of the most accomplished songwriters of all time. Viewers will be immersed in Diane’s unconventional life, underdog journey and sense of humor while getting a close-up view into what it takes to become a hit songwriter. Audiences will be inspired to rethink their capabilities and tackle life’s challenges through Diane’s story of resilience, grit and creativity. Diane Warren: Relentless, directed by Bess Kargman, premiered at SXSW 2024 and is an official selection at the Nashville Film Festival and Hamptons International Film Festival. The film will be available to stream exclusively on MasterClass this winter.

Embed & view the trailer for Tehachapi here: https://youtu.be/uv6rWvetqHc 

Download stills for Tehachapi here: https://classlaunch.masterclass.com/dam/spaces/c70ff1e0dcee4b0e81643c24153276ce
Credit: Courtesy of MasterClass

ABOUT MASTERCLASS:
MasterClass is the streaming platform that provides the insights, tools and lived experiences of the world’s best so you can become your best. In as little as 10 minutes, you can gain new skills that can be applied immediately. With an annual membership, you get unlimited access to 200+ instructors and classes through flexible formats for any way you like to learn. Shift the way you see and experience the world through a wide range of subjects, including business and leadership, writing, cooking, acting, sports and more. Cook with Gordon Ramsay. Write with Shonda Rhimes. Get negotiation tactics from Chris Voss. Learn how to navigate relationships with Esther Perel or make bold choices with Samuel L. Jackson. Original Series provides a new way to learn through quick, highly engaging episodic stories designed to change the way members see the world. With MasterClass at Work, companies can develop durable skills that transform employees into future-ready leaders through cinematic lessons and life-changing stories taught by the world’s best. Each MasterClass offering is available at home or on the go on mobile, tablet, desktop, Apple TV®, Android™TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku® players and devices.

ABOUT JR:
Renowned French artist JR creates monumental public art projects that inspire passersby to ask questions and confront their own perceptions. After his first major project, Portrait of a Generation (2004-06), which challenged stereotypes of Parisian suburban youth, he began working internationally. Whether it be pasting the faces of Israeli and Palestinian people on both sides of the Separation Wall (2007), the eyes of women on train cars in Kibera, Kenya (2009), or a giant toddler peeking over the U.S.-Mexico border fence (2017), JR’s larger-than-life installations amplify the stories of everyday people and inspire dialogue.

From creating a trompe-l’oeil at the Louvre with 400 volunteers (2019) to pasting alongside incarcerated men in a California maximum-security prison (2019-22), he seeks to involve everyone in the act of artistic creation, hoping to create conversations and drive social change. As of January 2024, his global participatory art project Inside Out has empowered more than half a million people to stand up for what they believe in through large-scale black-and-white portraits.

A multimedia artist at his core, JR boasts a range of accomplishments, including a performance with 154 dancers on 30-meter-high scaffolding on the Palais Garnier in Paris (2023), the Academy Award–nominated documentary Faces, Places codirected with Agnés Varda (2017), and a video mural exploring the issue of guns in the USA featured on the cover of Time magazine (2018). JR also has a rigorous studio practice, creating gallery artworks that are exhibited internationally. He has had major retrospectives at the Brooklyn Museum (2019) and Maison Européenne de la Photographie (2018) as well as shown artworks and installations at the Venice Biennale (2022), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (2019) and the NGV Triennial (2020).

Media Contact:
Tawnya Bear, MasterClass
press@masterclass.com

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Media Matters Worldwide Becomes AXM and Merges Tech with Humanity

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SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Media Matters Worldwide, a pioneer in agile and data-driven media solutions, is excited to announce its rebranding to AXM (Ars x Machina). This transformation signifies the company’s commitment to architecting meaningful media solutions at the intersection of human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology.

 

Founded by Taji Zaminasli and Josy Amann, AXM has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, driving business growth for its clients through a blend of advanced technology and human-centered strategies. The rebrand marks a significant milestone in the agency’s evolution, aligning its identity more closely with its mission to transform businesses with human-led innovation.

“Rebranding to AXM represents our evolution and a deeper alignment with our core mission,” said Josy Amann, Co-Founder of AXM. “As we continue to innovate, our focus remains on creating media strategies that leverage the most advanced technologies and resonate on a human level. AXM is about pushing boundaries and delivering results while staying true to the values that have always defined us—ingenuity, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”

Introducing Agile Mix Modeling™: A Game-Changer in Media Measurement

At the heart of AXM’s innovative offerings is its proprietary Agile Mix Modeling™ (AMM), a revolutionary approach to marketing mix modeling. In response to the challenges posed by walled gardens, third-party cookie deprecation, and the evolving advertising landscape, AXM developed AMM to provide clients with an agile and holistic view of campaign performance across all channels.

AMM stands apart from traditional models by automating real-time data collection, leveraging machine learning for model training, and employing Bayesian methods for more accurate attribution and forecasting. This approach allows for frequent model refreshes, enabling in-flight optimization and delivering incrementality and superior Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) for clients.

Results for clients have included 37% incrementality and increased ROAS after implementing AMM, with newfound insights into high-performing channels like local radio and streaming music while reallocating investments from underperforming channels.

“AXM is not just a name change; it’s a statement of our ethos,” said Taji Zaminasli, Co-Founder of AXM. “We are committed to creating media solutions that harness the best technology while keeping people at the center. Our new identity reflects our dedication to delivering future-forward yet deeply human experiences.”

The AXM Identity: A Fusion of Art and Technology

AXM’s new brand identity embodies its core values through distinct visual and verbal language. The primary logomark, known as “The Multiplier,” symbolizes the convergence of technology and humanity, with the bold “X” standing as a testament to visionary leadership. The brand’s tone is a balance of maverick yet warm, futuristic yet people-first, and playful yet masterful, ensuring that every communication reflects AXM’s unique blend of expertise and human touch.

“AXM is not your typical media agency,” Taji Zaminasli, Co-Founder and Managing Partner. “We’re here to break the mold, offering our clients tailored, tech-driven solutions powered by a team of passionate experts.” “By embracing the latest tech and AI, we engineer cutting-edge solutions that push the boundaries of the ever-changing media world”.

The rebranding initiative extends across all aspects of the company, including a refreshed website, updated marketing materials, and a continued commitment to delivering innovative media solutions that drive real business impact.

The media revolution is here. For more information about AXM and its suite of services, please visit WeAreAXM.com

About AXM
AXM, formerly known as Media Matters Worldwide, is a premier San Francisco-based media agency with a reputation for pioneering innovative and intelligent media strategies. Specializing in meaningful media at the intersection of human ingenuity and advanced technology, AXM is at the forefront of driving business growth through data-driven solutions that resonate on a human level.

Founded by a visionary female-led team, AXM has consistently broken new ground in the media industry, earning accolades for its creativity, strategic excellence, and results-driven approach. The agency has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including being an Ad Age Small Media Agency of the Year twice and a Campaign Magazine Agency of the Year finalist, underscoring its commitment to excellence and innovation.

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Mediwhale Secures $12 Million in Series A2 Funding to Drive Global Leadership in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Management

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SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Mediwhale, the AI-powered health diagnostics company, announced $12 million series A2 investments. This funding leverages the momentum of their technological advancements and rapid adoption of its innovative biomarker for preventing cardiovascular disease in general hospitals and clinics.

The financing round was led by Korea Development Bank (KDB), with participation from Woori Venture Partners, IMM Investment, Mirae Asset Securities, and other investors. This investment involves both the issuance of new shares and secondary sales.

Mediwhale initially raised $2 million in Series Pre-A funding in 2021, followed by $9 million in Series A funding in 2023. The recent Series A2 investment of $12million further strengthens the company’s growth trajectory.

Mediwhale is setting a new standard of care for the early prevention of cardiovascular disease using AI-powered retina scans. The company’s flagship product, Reti-CVD, is an AI diagnostic solution that autonomously assesses future cardiovascular disease risk using an eye scan. It is a simple, radiation-free test that provides highly accurate results equivalent to the coronary artery calcium score derived from a cardiac CT scan in predicting cardiovascular risk. Since June 2023, Reti-CVD has been approved for private reimbursement in Korea and has been utilized in over 7,200 cases across 57 medical institutions as of August 2024.

With this new capital, Mediwhale will continue to enhance AI algorithms, achieve U.S. FDA approval for Reti-CVD, expand its global footprint, and develop new products to predict chronic kidney disease risk.

“Mediwhale is the first company in the world to develop and commercialize medical AI that can predict cardiovascular disease risk through a simple eye exam. The company demonstrates significant differentiation in both business performance and technological innovation. We have decided to invest actively, confident that Mediwhale will make history in AI-driven prediction of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases both domestically and globally,” said Korea Development Bank.

Kevin Choi, CEO of Mediwhale, added, “I believe that our successful fundraising, even in a frozen capital market, is largely due to our excellent technology. With our pioneering technology, developed and commercialized as a world first, we aim to lead the global market in cardiovascular and metabolic disease management. We are determined to secure FDA De Novo approval by 2025, with plans to launch our product in the United States shortly thereafter. Additionally, to maintain a competitive edge, we will significantly enhance our AI performance and expand our product pipeline to include chronic kidney disease prediction.”

About Mediwhale

Mediwhale is the AI-powered health diagnostics company that uses non-invasive retina scans to help prevent heart and kidney diseases. Mediwhale’s solution uses deep learning algorithms to detect future disease risks even before symptoms appear. Mediwhale has been dedicated to making preventative care more affordable, accessible, safe, and convenient since being founded in 2016 in South Korea.

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ECHL and GameAbove Entertainment Partner on “ECHL Unfiltered” Docuseries

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Set to premiere Sunday, September 29 on NHL Network

SHREWSBURY, N.J., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The ECHL and GameAbove Entertainment today announced the upcoming release of ECHL Unfiltered, a new sports docuseries that focuses on the developmental league for both the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL). The first season will feature the Idaho Steelheads and premiere on Sunday, September 29, 10:00 PM ET on the NHL Network (NHLN).

 

“Capturing the drive to advance to the next level for our players, coaches, and officials and showcasing their talents is what our League’s development is all about,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “The opportunities to capture the drama and excitement as this process unfolds are riveting and will highlight the ECHL’s role in professional hockey’s development in North America and the unique markets we serve.”

Directed and executive produced by Tyler Nimmons, ECHL Unfiltered will follow a team’s behind-the-scenes journey throughout a season, providing exclusive and unfiltered access to the raw reality of players, coaches, and communities that make up this dynamic league. The Idaho Steelheads, two-time Kelly Cup Champions, and affiliates of the NHL Dallas Stars, take the spotlight in the inaugural season of ECHL Unfiltered.

The narrative highlights a range of players, including experienced veterans competing for one last chance at success, and young aspiring rookies dreaming of reaching the NHL. It also covers the league’s significant growth and explores the factors contributing to its expansion. The first season consists of five 30-minute episodes.

Hockey enthusiasts and sports fans can relish the dynamic and thrilling world of one of the most compelling minor professional hockey leagues through NHLN.

ECHL Unfiltered NHLN Schedule (all times Eastern Time zone):

Episodes 1 and 2: Sunday, Sep. 29, 10 PM-11 PMEpisodes 3 through 5: Sunday, Oct. 6, 8 PM-9:30 PM

“It has been an incredible experience working on this project throughout the season,” said Nimmons. “With how the season ended in the summer of 2023 for the Steelheads, we wanted to capture this pursuit of redemption. There’s also the tale of what minor league hockey and the ECHL are about. The grit, toughness, the organizations, communities, the people, it’s all there.”

The ECHL has been steadily expanding since 1988 and has twenty-nine active teams, with five new expansion teams added since 2020. The league’s commitment to community involvement and exciting gameplay has developed a loyal fan base. The ECHL’s growing popularity is also due to increased media coverage, celebrity investors, online streaming services, and social media promotion.

For the latest news, updates, and developments, visit GameAbove Entertainment at www.GameAboveEntertainment.com.

About the ECHL
Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 29 teams in 22 states and one Canadian province for its 37th season in 2024-25. There have been 752 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 12 who have made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 29 of the 32 NHL teams in 2024-25, marking the 27th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

About GameAbove
GameAbove is a successful multifaceted brand consisting of charitable giving, capital investment, sports entertainment, and media ventures. It provides its portfolio companies the power to propel their business to the next level, fan and athlete experiences that aim to grow sports, and awe-inspiring cinematic experiences. Brands include GameAbove Capital, GameAbove Entertainment, GameAbove Sports, and GameAbove Giving. GameAbove and its affiliates are CapStone Holdings, Inc. companies.

GameAbove Entertainment is an award-winning sports film production company and financier, delivering cinematic storytelling that captivates global audiences. GameAbove Entertainment aspires to tell compelling stories and is committed to delivering high-quality, impactful programming. Recent work includes Iceman: A George Gervin Story.

To learn more about GameAbove, visit GameAbove.com.

Instagram: @GameAbove  
LinkedIn: @GameAbove  
Facebook: @GameAbove
X: @Game_Above
YouTube: @GameAbove

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