Lionized “boy bands” like *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys sold millions of records and performed to sold-out crowds of screaming young fans in the 1990s and 2000s, but behind this multi-billion-dollar, pop-idol empire was a con artist who established himself as a maverick entrepreneur and music producer.
Now, a new documentary premiering on Youtube Red in 2018 lays bare the unfiltered story of Lou Pearlman, his remarkable successes and offenses, and his tragic end while serving a 25-year prison sentence for multiple felony convictions.
From producer Pilgrim Media Group, The Lou Pearlman Project (working title) reveals the dark side of stardom and the music industry as members of multi-platinum-selling bands like *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, O-Town and Take 5 tell all about working with Pearlman. The project includes in-depth interviews with those who collaborated most closely with Pearlman: Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean; O-Town’s Ashley Parker Angel; recording artist and brother of Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter, Aaron Carter; *NSYNC’s JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Lance Bass, who also serves as an executive producer of the project; and moms Diane Bass (mother of Lance Bass) and Lynn Bomar Harless (mother of *NSYNC member and superstar Justin Timberlake).
Also featured are entertainment industry experts who speak to the meteoric rise of the man responsible for these mega-acts, while federal agents, former friends and colleagues, and victims of Pearlman’s unprecedented Ponzi scheme and other scams candidly expose the abuse and fraud that culminated in his stunning undoing.
“Viewers are going to be captivated by these riveting stories from some of the biggest names in music as they recount the extraordinary challenges they’ve faced on their Rise to fame,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “Music is wildly popular on our platform, and this documentary gives fans a level of access to the true stories and real life highs and lows of their favorite artists that they can’t find anywhere else.”
Said Executive Producer and former *NSYNC member Lance Bass, “I’ve always wanted to tell the story of the rise and fall of Lou Pearlman; I thought I knew most of the story since I had a front row seat. I was fascinated to learn so much more through the eyes of other artists that were also subjected to Pearlman and his nefarious operation.”
Added Pilgrim Media Group CEO and Executive Producer Craig Piligian, “This documentary marries pop-music history and true crime as it takes a unique look into how Pearlman created superstars, while all along taking advantage of them. Even as the film highlights the great talents that emerged on his watch, it sheds new light on a sad legacy and dramatic fall from grace.”
The Lou Pearlman Project is produced for Youtube Red by Pilgrim Media Group; Craig Piligian, Nicholas Caprio and Sam Korkis are executive producers. Lance Bass also serves as executive producer. YouTube Red is a subscription that gives you access to Youtube Red Original movies and series, a premium music service and an uninterrupted experience across YouTube. Youtube Red is currently available in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Korea.
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