or


[04/09/24 - 10:01 AM]
Video: Trailer & Key Art Debut - Hulu Original Documentary "The Contestant"
This true story of a Japanese reality TV star left naked in a room for more than a year, tasked with filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn food and clothing, prompts innumerable questions about our culture of oversharing.

[via press release from Hulu]

TRAILER & KEY ART DEBUT: Hulu Original Documentary THE CONTESTANT

The incredible true story will premiere Thursday, May 2, only on Hulu.

SYNOPSIS: This true story of a Japanese reality TV star left naked in a room for more than a year, tasked with filling out magazine sweepstakes to earn food and clothing, prompts innumerable questions about our culture of oversharing.

Before the onslaught of reality television in the West, there was an ominous harbinger in Japan of what was to come in our oversharing-obsessed culture. "The Contestant" traces the experience of aspiring comedian Tomoaki Hamatsu, nicknamed Nasubi, who unwittingly became an extreme case study.

In 1998, Nasubi thought he was attending an audition when a successful Japanese TV producer, Toshio Tsuchiya, enlisted him to take part in a challenge. Tsuchiya led Nasubi into a room, ordered him to strip naked and left him with a stack of magazines. Nasubi's task was to fill out contest coupons in order to win what he needed to survive - food, clothing, appliances, etc. - until he reached the prize goal of one million yen.

Although Nasubi could have left at any time, he stayed for months with a fierce determination to complete his mission. He was cut off from all contact with his family and the world except for occasional interactions with Tsuchiya.

What Nasubi didn't realize was that his experiences were being broadcast to over 15 million people in a TV show called "Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes." Without his knowledge or consent, Nasubi became the most famous television personality in Japan.

While parts of Nasubi's infamy have been recounted before on YouTube and "This American Life," director Clair Titley and producer Megumi Inman bring a revelatory depth of insight by interviewing Nasubi, Tsuchiya, and others close to them. The filmmakers explore further twists in Nasubi's life after "Denpa Shonen" to deliver one of the most WTF stories of the year.

CREDITS: "The Contestant" is written and directed by Clair Titley. The film is produced by Megumi Inman, Andee Ryder and Ian Bonhôte for Misfits Entertainment, and Amit Dey for MRC. Fred Armisen narrates, along with Takehiro Hira. The film is edited by Rachel Meyrick and Katie Bryer, with original music by Nainita Desai. The director of photography is Mikul Villaluna Eriksson.

SOCIAL: Twitter: @Hulu Instagram: @Hulu Facebook: @Hulu





  [april 2024]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· SHOWATCH
(series past and present)
· DEVWATCH
(series in development)
· MOVIEWATCH
(tv movies and mini-series)





most recent video | view all posts
[10/03/25 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "27 Nights" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When a woman is admitted by her daughters to a psychiatric clinic for her carefree ways, an expert must judge if she is ill or simply wants to enjoy life.

[10/03/25 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Steve" - Official Trailer #2 - Netflix
Over one intense day, the devoted head teacher of a last-chance reform school strives to keep his students in line while facing pressures of his own.

[10/02/25 - 03:01 PM]
Video: "Twisted Wonderland" - Trailer - Disney+
Your favorite villains reimagined in ways you've never dared to dream.

[10/02/25 - 11:54 AM]
Video: "9-1-1" Official Trailer - Premieres October 9 on ABC and Stream on Hulu
Watch now and get ready to take off into a new season premiering October 9 on ABC and stream on Hulu.

[10/02/25 - 10:15 AM]
Video: Starz Releases Explosive Trailer and Key Art for the Third and Final Season of "Power Book IV: Force," Premiering November 7
After cutting ties in New York, Tommy's (Joseph Sikora) newfound family and the allure of Chicago's ruthless drug game enticed him to stay and set his sights on taking over the Windy City.

[10/02/25 - 10:02 AM]
Video: "Marvel's Spidey and Iron Man: Avengers Team-Up!" Theme Song and Key Art Revealed
The special premieres Thursday, Oct. 16, on Disney Jr. (8 a.m. EDT/PDT) and later that day on Disney Channel and Disney Jr. On Demand.

[10/02/25 - 09:00 AM]
Video: ALLBLK Rolls Out Trailer for New Coming-of-Age Drama Series, "G.R.I.T.S.," Premiering October 30
The eight-episode series follows three friends navigating life, ambition and womanhood in the South.

[10/02/25 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Charlotte's Web" - Official Trailer - HBO Max Family
Experience the power of friendship in the latest adaptation of E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web"

[10/02/25 - 07:26 AM]
Video: Investigation Discovery Sets Premiere Date & Debuts First Look at Gripping Family Mystery Documentary, "The Secrets We Bury"
An empathetic account of a Long Island family unwinding a decades old mystery around their father's disappearance, "The Secrets We Bury" will premiere Tuesday, December 16.

[10/02/25 - 06:04 AM]
Video: Prime Video Releases the Official Trailer and Brand-New Imagery for the Second Season of "Maxton Hall - The World Between Us"
Viewers finally return to Maxton Hall Private School with three new episodes on November 7, with a new episode following weekly on Prime Video.

[10/02/25 - 03:01 AM]
Video: "Breathless" Season 2 - Official Trailer - Netflix
A passionate medical team is devoted to saving lives in a bustling public hospital where tensions - and romance - keep their pulses racing.

[10/02/25 - 01:01 AM]
Video: Netflix Unveils Official Trailer for "Amsterdam Empire" Starring Famke Janssen
When Jack's (Jacob Derwig) affair comes to light, his wife Betty (Famke Janssen) hatches a bitter plan to strip him of the thing he loves most: The Jackal, his coffeeshop empire.

[10/01/25 - 01:01 PM]
Video: "Son of a Donkey" - Official Trailer - Netflix
Theo comes up with chaotic schemes to save his impounded car. Meanwhile, his dying dad will stop at nothing to find himself a new kidney.

[10/01/25 - 10:05 AM]
Video: Paramount+ Launches Official Trailer for "Landman" Season Two Premiering on November 16
In season two, as oil rises from the earth, so do secrets - and Tommy Norris's (Billy Bob Thornton) breaking point may be closer than he realizes.

[10/01/25 - 10:04 AM]
Video: Tubi Rings in Spooky Season with Hair-Raising Trailer for "R.L. Stine's Pumpkinhead"
A teenager, Sam thought moving to Redhaven was the worst part - until his brother Finn vanishes and no one, not even their mom, remembers he existed.