Barcroft Studios, CALICO to produce new show ‘As I Am’ Exclusively for Snapchat
New Snap Original ‘As I Am’ sheds light on violence, stereotypes, discrimination and hate crimes inflicted on Asian Americans while also celebrating the diverse experience of being Asian-American in 2021. Premiering Friday, May 28 on Snapchat’s Discover.
Watch the trailer and subscribe on Snapchat HERE
(May 25, 2021 - London) Factual production company Barcroft Studios, part of Future plc, and BIPOC-owned production company CALICO, today announce ‘As I Am’ (6 x 6’), a new unscripted Snap Original series made exclusively for Snapchat’s mobile-first audience.
In an effort to bring greater awareness to the stories of the Asian American community in the United States, this ground-breaking first-person series follows the stories of six individuals who shed light on and celebrate the diverse experience of being Asian-American in 2021 America.
Each episode follows a central character who takes us into their world through immersive, dynamic storytelling - as they share their culture and history, challenge and break down stereotypes, address ongoing discrimination, hate crimes and terrorism. From a campaigner fighting to protect senior citizens from violence to a stand-up tackling stereotypes of Asians in comedy, to rapper and activist China Mac, these individuals share their hopes and fears, while giving us a window into their daily lives.
The series is a co-production between Barcroft Studios and CALICO. Executive Producers are John Farrar for Barcroft Studios and Danny Lee for CALICO.
The series is directed by Alice Gu, acclaimed feature documentary director of The Donut King and produced by Ellie Winstanley and Alex Mucadum for Barcroft Studios.
Danny Lee, of CALICO, said: “As a first-generation Asian-American who grew up in the face of racism, this recent wave of hate crimes stoked by fear has turned the clock back dramatically. Thanks to our partners at Snap and Barcroft for taking the initiative in addressing the problem organically by providing a platform to show Asian Americans as multidimensional, and ultimately proving we are not your enemy.”
John Farrar, Chief Creative Officer at Barcroft Studios, said: “We are extremely proud to be partnering with CALICO and Snap on this timely and powerful series. These are extraordinary films told by fearless individuals and we feel deeply honoured to assist in amplifying this important message.”
The new series follows the substantial success of Barcroft Studios content on Snapchat, and is their fourth Snap Original following ‘Mind Yourself', ‘Frontline Heroes’ and ‘Free Tuition’.
Barcroft Studios’ other shows including ‘Transformed’, ‘Ridiculous Rides’, ‘Born Different’, ‘Shake My Beauty’, ‘My Extraordinary Family’ ‘Hooked on the Look’, ‘Brand New Me’ and ‘Love Don’t Judge’ are available now to Snapchatters globally on the Discover page, and previously released episodes are available using Snapchat’s Search feature. Each month, Barcroft Studios’ shows attract over 69 million unique viewers.
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About Barcroft Studios
Barcroft Studios is an award-winning factual production company that specialises in producing amazing content, enjoyed and shared by millions of people worldwide. Its partners are global platforms, broadcasters and media outlets around the world.
Part of Future plc, the business is dedicated to creating world-class television and digital video content celebrating a diverse range of incredible true stories.
truly, Barcroft Studios’ digital channel, is the home of amazing true stories, with a mission to celebrate difference, maintain a sense of wonder and confront the extreme. truly is one of the most popular factual channels on the internet and is followed by a passionate, global audience. In early 2020 truly channels and original shows surpassed 70 million followers across YouTube, Facebook and Snapchat.
Barcroft Studios was acquired by Future plc in November 2019.
http://www.barcroftstudios.com/
About Future
Future is a global platform business for specialist media with diversified revenue streams. Its content reaches 1 in 3 adults in both the UK and the US.
The Media division is high-growth with three complementary revenue streams: eCommerce, events and digital advertising including advertising within newsletters. It operates in a number of sectors including technology, games, music, home interest, hobbies and B2B and its brands include Truly, TechRadar, PC Gamer, Tom's Guide, Android Central, Homebuilding & Renovating Show, GamesRadar+, The Photography Show, Top Ten Reviews, Live Science, Guitar World, MusicRadar, Space.com and Tom's Hardware.
The Magazine division focuses on publishing specialist content, with a combined global circulation of over 3 million delivered through more than 220 publications. The portfolio spans technology, games and entertainment, sports, music, creative and photography, hobbies, homes and garden, real life, country lifestyle, TV and film and B2B. Its titles include Country Life, Wallpaper*, Classic Rock, Guitar Player, FourFourTwo, Homebuilding & Renovating, Digital Camera, Guitarist, How It Works, woman&home, Total Film, What Hi-Fi? and Music Week.
www.futureplc.com
