The sci-fi thriller RZR has made waves in the television industry by securing a Primetime Emmy nomination. This groundbreaking series, created by Afro-Latino showrunner David Bianchi, delves into a dystopian future where neural implants, artificial intelligence, and black-market crime converge. Bianchi, who serves as the creator, executive producer, co-writer, and lead actor, has steered the project to significant acclaim.
The Emmy nomination for RZR is in the category of Outstanding Performer in a Short Form Comedy or Drama, recognising Mena Suvari for her role as Detective Thompson. Suvari, known for her performances in American Beauty and Spun, brings depth to the character in this dark and thrilling narrative.
David Bianchi is supported by a brilliant cast, including series regulars Mimi Davila (Broken Angels, South Beach), Christopher Marquette (Barry, The Girl Next Door), and Richard Cabral (American Crime, Mayans MC). The series also features special guest appearances from Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anarchy, Mayans MC) and Danny Trejo (Machete, Predators).
Reflecting on the Emmy nomination, Bianchi expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is a massive honor to be hailed by the Television Academy and achieve the title of excellence in television. The Emmy is truly a world-class symbol of greatness.”
It is the first title to be released from Gala Film, a branch of the innovative Web3 entertainment company Gala, which has been instrumental in the series’ success. Gala CEO Eric Shiermeyer highlighted the importance of RZR in their mission to empower both established and emerging artists, stating, “With this marking our first project under Gala Films, we’re breaking new ground in how Web3 entertainment is presented to audiences.”
The production team behind RZR includes notable names such as producer Noelle Hubbell (Don’t Worry Darling, Agents of Shield) and casting director Claire Koonce (Beef, Black Panther). The series also benefits from the directorial expertise of Yuri Alves (Grind: The Robert Wilmote Story), a two-time regional Emmy winner, alongside Christopher Folkens (Catalyst) and Daniel J. Pico (Marfa Girl), who also co-wrote the series.
As Gala continues to expand its presence in the Web3 entertainment space, the success of RZR marks a significant milestone. Following its partnerships with major entities like NBCU, DreamWorks, and AMC, Gala’s influence in the entertainment industry is only set to grow, as seen with their successful ventures in Gala Music, collaborating with icons such as Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.
Exertion3 Films, founded by David Bianchi in 2008, has produced six feature films, with projects licensed by major networks and streaming platforms including Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, and Paramount+.
The Emmy nomination for RZR not only highlights the exceptional talent involved but also cements the series as a standout in the evolving landscape of sci-fi television. We’re excited to see Exertion3 Films and Gala continue their expansion, alongside future projects from David Bianchi. Mena Suvari’s Emmy nomination is a testament to her exceptional talent, and with an exciting slate of upcoming films, we’re eager to see her continue to shine on screen.