Discovery has commissioned 1×60-min fast turnaround documentary special GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack (wt) to be hosted by ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Jordan Belfort.
Produced by ITN Productions, it explores the story of how a group of amateur traders played the Wall Street pros at their own game. It premieres on discovery+ in the UK on April 8th and internationally this year.
It follows the story of GameStop and its skyrocketing stock price hitting the headlines in January 2021, exploring what had caused the struggling videogame retailer’s shares to climb through the roof overnight – in particular a group of young, risk-embracing day traders who used social media to organise a massive stock buy-up.
Narrated by ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ Jordan Belfort, it sees him track the timeline of what happened in layman’s terms, and why we all need to pay attention. The special will also feature insider accounts from those at the centre of GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack.
In the 1990s, Jordan Belfort built a Wall Street successful firm, earning the nickname ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’, until it all came crashing down in 1999, when he pled guilty to securities fraud and money laundering and served 22 months in prison.
Belfort said, “Now I’ve found some very creative ways to make money on Wall Street, but I’ve got to say, personally, I love the fact that everyone now has the ability to organise and give the Wall Street players a run for their money, it’s a real David versus Goliath story. I’m praying that the amateur traders are victorious but one thing I can assure you of, it’s going to be a wild ride every step of the way!”
Simon Downing, SVP, Head of Factual & Sports, Discovery UK said, “Our investigative discovery+ Originals have been incredibly popular around the world and we’re delighted to bring fans this timely documentary next month.”
Ian Russell, Head of International Programmes, ITN Productions added: “This is an incredible story with the perfect host to shine a light on how social media is changing the way stocks are traded. ITN Productions’ international infrastructure, news archive and ability to move quickly make us uniquely placed to produce a project like this.”
GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack was commissioned by Simon Downing and Victoria Noble for discovery+ and Jeremy Phillips is the Executive Producer. Bruce Kennedy and Ian Russell are the Executive Producers for ITN Productions and Mark Radice is Producer, ITN Productions.
It will be available on discovery+ in the UK on April 8th and internationally this year.
Jon Creamer
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