Premiere - Gran Turismo : Let’s talk with Jacques Camara, the leader behind Prima Esports

By Mulder, Paris, Gaumont Aquaboulevard, 06 august 2023

As part of the Premiere event held at Paris Gaumont Aquaboulevard, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jacques Camara, the leader behind Prima Esports. Since its inception in March 2020, Prima Esports has carved an indelible mark on the competitive gaming scene, showcasing its distinctive style and conquering countless tournaments across various categories. Their remarkable journey culminated in their crowning achievement as the 2022 Gran Turismo World Champions.

In the cinematic masterpiece Gran Turismo director Neill Blomkamp takes the reins, crafting an American biographical sports drama that unveils the extraordinary true story of Jann Mardenborough. This inspirational tale, penned by Jason Hall and Zach Baylin, unfolds against the backdrop of the iconic racing simulation video game series that shares its name. The film boasts an ensemble cast, featuring Archie Madekwe in the role of Mardenborough, supported by the talents of David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, and Djimon Hounsou. A collaborative effort between Columbia Pictures, PlayStation Productions, and 2.0 Entertainment, Gran Turism" promises to bring this captivating narrative to life.

The journey to bring Gran Turismo to the silver screen has been a saga in itself. The concept first emerged in July 2013, with luminaries Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti spearheading production, and Alex Tse penning the script. Joseph Kosinski's directorial vision took the lead in June 2015, guided by a fresh screenplay from Jon and Erich Hoeber. Yet, the Kosinski version eventually hit a roadblock, and by February 2018, its momentum had waned. In a thrilling resurgence, the project was resurrected in May 2022, with Neill Blomkamp at the helm since June. The stellar cast was unveiled in September 2022, and further cast additions followed suit in November. The cameras rolled in Hungary, commencing filming in November and gracefully wrapping up in December. In the realm of post-production, the musical score evolved under the mastery of Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski, succeeding the initial work of Stephen Barton.

The film's visual prowess was curated by cinematographer Jacques Jouffret, who ingeniously harnessed Sony Venice 2 cameras' Rialto extension/detachment system. This inventive approach facilitated the strategic placement of sensors within the confines of vehicles, separate from the primary camera body. Notably, Jann Mardenborough himself donned the role of co-producer, also serving as the daring racing stunt double for Madekwe, who embodied him on screen.

Gran Turismo dazzled audiences with its world premiere at Belgium's Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 30, 2023. The film is set to grace limited theaters on August 11, 2023 in United States, before embarking on a nationwide release in the United States on August 25, 2023, courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing (August 9 2023 in France). You can discover from now our review as always in english and french…

PRiMA Esports, a Sim Racing powerhouse, enjoys sponsorship from industry titans Thrustmaster, Next Level Racing, and Stealth Gamer. In partnership with the renowned Duqueine Team, a stalwart in the French motorsport realm, PRiMA Esports stands tall as a double World Champion. Beyond their victories, PRiMA Esports passionately fuels the dynamic growth of the esports sector, orchestrating captivating online competitions like the Rover All Series and LAN events such as Start Esport Talents.

Synopsis : 
Gran Turismo tells the incredible true story of a team of underdogs: a working-class gamer, a failed ex-race car driver and an idealistic motorsport industry executive. Together, they risk everything to take on the world's most elitist sport. nspiring, thrilling and action-packed, Gran Turismo proves that nothing is impossible when you're determined to take all the risks.

Gran Turismo
Directed by Neill Blomkamp
Written by Jason Hall, Zach Baylin
Story by Jason Hall, Alex Tse
Based on Gran Turismo by PlayStation Studios
Produced by Doug Belgrad, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, Dana Brunetti
Starring  David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet, Geri Halliwell Horner, Djimon Hounsou
Cinematography : Jacques Jouffret
Edited by Colby Parker, Jr.
Music by Lorne Balfe, Andrew Kawczynski
Production companies : Columbia Pictures, PlayStation Productions, 2.0 Entertainment, Trigger Street Productions
Distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing
Release dates : July 30, 2023 (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps), August 25, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 134 minutes

Photos and video interview : Boris Colletier / Mulderville