LOS ANGELES, June 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Created by THINK450, Game Change Game, a poignant documentary about the extraordinary 2020 NBA season, which carried on in the face of COVID and a social justice reckoning, is out today for digital release on STARZ, the streaming network dedicated to narratives by, about and for underrepresented audiences.

The monumental film, which premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival for its theatrical release, is directed by Spike Jordan and Maxime Quoilin with the bi-coastal creative production studio Good Company and created by veteran media leader Christina Norman for THINK450, the partnership and innovation engine of The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). 

"The creation of this film came from our core mission as an organization to amplify the players and their collective voices," said Que Gaskins, President of THINK450. "As we saw our players come together to stand up for change, we knew we had the unique opportunity to document this powerful moment in time from the players' perspective. Game Change Game is a remarkable film, and we are excited to share it with more viewers this month through our partnership with STARZ."

The film affords viewers privileged access to "The NBA Bubble," the infamous bio-secure hub where the elite athletes carried out the 2020 basketball season during the pandemic shutdown. As it highlights their struggle with unforeseen sacrifice, loss, and their own morality amidst disturbing current events of the time, the documentary displays the players' bonds of fierce brotherhood while they use their platform to demand change. 

"Game Change Game really captures all of the emotions that we were experiencing as players and as Black men during that very intense and pivotal time in our society," said CJ McCollum, NBPA President and one of the players featured in the film. "With so many different player perspectives in the film, it is truly a unique expression of our collective experience, and I am honored to be a part of it."

Threading together interviews with more than 40 notable stakeholders, directors Quoilin and Jordan highlight the series of events that led to the creation of the "bubble." They blatantly expose viewers to the waves of police brutality that took place during the same era and how many NBA players decided to take a stand and speak out against injustice - despite the pervasive cultural narrative that sports and athletes are, and should remain, apolitical. The interviewees include athletes like NBPA President CJ McCollum, Chris Paul, Jaylen Brown, as well as leading activists and artists.

Without the use of a narrator, the co-directors expertly craft a fluid storyline, by weaving, amongst the interviews, vital contextual footage from both the archives and the players themselves, including special family moments.

"The meaning of the film shifted as we lived through one cataclysmic event after another. Shot in real-time, it became a deep race conversation, on top of the already deep COVID conversation," said co-director Quoilin. "Ultimately, we hope that the documentary continues to spur an ongoing dialogue about racism and policing in the US and how we can each do our part to make equity a reality for everyone."

Good Company's impeccable reputation for culturally-relevant work and Quoilin and Jordan's bold visual storytelling style made them the perfect fit for a non-traditional sports documentary. Philadelphia native Jordan is known for his music videos like Nas' "Ultra Black" and Future & Juice WRLD's "WRLD on Drugs," while Belgium-born Quoilin is known for his work on Beyonce's Formation World Tour and the fiery Kanye West video, "Come to Life."

When tapped by THINK450, it was an easy yes for the filmmakers, who are both passionate basketball fans and frequent collaborators with uncanny creative sympatico. Together, the pair have previously collaborated on a variety of music videos, including Gunna's "Dollaz On My Head" and Meek Mill's "Believe."

"Max and I have this chemistry; we're on the same wavelength. During the shooting, I would turn to say something, and it was like Max already knew what I was going to say. We had the same intuition about what was needed on-screen," said Jordan.

One of the first shoots to go remote during the pandemic, Game Change Game was filmed in two phases. At first, the co-directors utilized a robust remote filming technology inspired by Errol Morris's Interrotron, which allowed up-close, face-to-face interviews with the players living in the bubble. Once the season ended and COVID restrictions eased to some extent, the directors filmed additional in-person interviews and incorporated a wealth of contextual footage.

Good Company had a hand in every aspect of the film's production. Despite unimaginable flux and emotion, they tirelessly documented the uncommon NBA season as well as spent an additional year honing the story's look and feel in post-production. 

"After living through that intense, paradigm-shifting time, and now, coming out the other side of it with this release feels almost cathartic. We could've never expected the journey the world would go through, but it was all hands on deck for this project from the get-go," commented Producer Jonathan Lia, Good Company's Co-Founder. "I hope this beautiful portrait of the NBA's journey will remind viewers of the power of our collective voices and the strength and healing that can be found when we lean on each other."

The documentary can be found on STARZ across all platforms, including in their Juneteenth programming and throughout the month on STARZ linear channels.

Watch the trailer for Game Change Game on STARZ.

About the NPBA:

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA's mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players' group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.

About Good Company:

Good Company is a bi-coastal creative production studio that develops and produces content and experiences at the intersection of art, music and cinema. They are behind some of the most iconic music videos and films of our time, including Beyonce's Lemonade. They also produce award-winning ad campaigns for brands like Meta and Nike and create breathtaking live performance visuals for artists such as Adele, Pharrell and Miley Cyrus. 

Contact Information:
Olia Ougrik
Raconteur LA Partner / Director of Public Relations
[email protected]

Crystal B. Williams
STARZ Executive Director, Corporate and Brand Communications
[email protected]


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Original Source: STARZ Premieres Extraordinary Documentary About the NBA's Transformative 2020 Season 'Game Change Game'

NEW YORK, June 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: Your credit score plays a vital role in your financial life. It affects your ability to secure loans, rent an apartment, and even get a job. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of accessing favorable financial opportunities. On the other hand, a low credit score can hinder your progress and limit your options. But have you ever wondered what the lowest credit score you can have is? 

Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. While the specific credit score thresholds can vary between credit bureaus and lenders, it's generally agreed that a score below 600 is considered low. This range often signifies a higher risk to potential creditors, making it more challenging to secure loans or obtain favorable interest rates.

If you find yourself with a low credit score, don't fret. There are steps you can take to increase your credit score immediately and improve your financial standing. 

Here are a few strategies to consider

Review your credit reports

Start by obtaining free copies of your credit reports from the major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Check them thoroughly for any errors or discrepancies that could be negatively impacting your credit score. If you find any inaccuracies, dispute them with the respective credit bureaus to have them corrected.

Make timely payments

Payment history is a crucial factor in determining your credit score. Consistently paying your bills on time demonstrates responsible financial behavior and can help boost your creditworthiness. Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.

Reduce credit utilization

Credit utilization refers to the amount of credit you're currently using compared to your overall available credit limit. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% to maintain a healthy credit score. Paying down existing balances and avoiding maxing out your credit cards can positively impact your score.

Diversify your credit mix

While having a credit card can be beneficial for building credit, it's not the only way. If you prefer to build credit without a credit card, consider alternative options such as installment loans or secured credit cards. By responsibly managing different types of credit, you can demonstrate your ability to handle various financial obligations.

Avoid opening new accounts unnecessarily

Opening multiple new accounts within a short period can raise red flags and potentially lower your credit score. Be strategic when applying for credit and only do so when necessary. Each new account creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily impact your score.

Practice patience

Building or repairing credit takes time. There is no magical solution to increase your credit score overnight. Be consistent with your responsible financial habits, and over time, you will see improvements in your creditworthiness.

It's worth noting that the specific impact of each action on your credit score may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Additionally, credit scoring models can differ between lenders and credit bureaus. However, the strategies mentioned above generally contribute to positive credit behavior and can help you improve your credit score.

Bottom Line

The lowest credit score you can have is 300. If you find yourself in the range of 300-600, don't despair. There are plenty of ways to get your score up if you stay focused.  Remember, improving your credit score is a gradual process, but with consistent effort and responsible financial habits, you can pave the way for a brighter financial future.

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Credello: What is the Lowest Credit Score You Can Have?

NEW YORK, June 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: Did you know that California has the cheapest whiskey in the country? On the other hand, if you live in North Carolina and love Old Fashioned cocktails, you'll be spending more. A new Credello study revealed the best and worst states to buy whiskey - and the results may surprise you.  

Credello analyzed data from wine-searcher.com and www.totalwine.com to find the best price for a bottle of Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Black Label 750ml in each state. For states under liquor control laws, Credello looked at the official government price of a bottle. Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Black Label is one of the most popular whiskey choices in the U.S., and it turns out that Americans pay wildly different prices for it.   

Top 10 most expensive states to buy whiskey  

At $32 a bottle, Alaska is the most expensive state for buying whiskey. It does make sense considering how remote it is - grocery items are less accessible, and, apparently, so is whiskey.  

Here are the 10 most expensive states for buying a bottle of whiskey:   

1. Alaska: $32.00  
2. North Carolina: $28.95  
3. Nebraska: $27.99  
4. North Dakota: $27.49  
5. Vermont: $26.99  
6. Utah: $26.99  
7. Alabama: $26.99  
8. Montana: $26.20  
9. New Jersey: $26.09 
10. Pennsylvania: $25.99 

Top 10 cheapest states to buy whiskey  

The Golden State not only has a lot of beautiful coastlines, but it also has the cheapest whiskey in the U.S. - you can purchase a 750 ml bottle of Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Black Label for as little as $14.95 in California.  

Here are the 10 least expensive states for purchasing whiskey:  

1. California: $14.95  
2. Colorado: $16.99  
3. Texas: $18.49  
4. Arizona: $18.99  
5. Maryland: $18.99  
6. New Mexico: $18.99  
7. Washington: $18.99  
8. Florida: $19.99  
9. Mississippi: $19.99  
10. South Carolina: $19.99  

From cost of living differences to government regulations, there are various factors that affect the price of whiskey across the country.The same bottle of Jack Daniel's Old No.7 Black Label 750ml can cost $17 less if you're in California instead of Alaska, which is a notable difference. Depending on where you live, it may be worth stocking up somewhere else

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Credello: New Study Reveals the Best and Worst States to Buy Whiskey

NEW YORK, June 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: There are many ways to discover the world, from all-inclusive Caribbean cruises to bicycle tours in Europe. If you're into traveling by sea and going on fishing trips, you may be currently looking into financing options for a new or used boat purchase. Perhaps you even dream of owning a yacht one day - the average cost of a yacht is not for the faint of heart, but if you are serious about owning one, it's not impossible. 

What better way to inspire your next adventure and motivate yourself to save money for a boat than creating a travel bucket list? According to TheTravel.com, the following dreamy destinations offer the best fishing in the world.  

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is ideal for fishing due to its abundant marine life, prime location at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and the presence of nutrient-rich currents and underwater structures. Deep-sea fishing opportunities, including marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and more, attract anglers from around the world.

Punta Gorda, Florida

Punta Gorda, Florida is a great fishing destination due to its access to diverse ecosystems, including Charlotte Harbor, the Peace River, and the Gulf of Mexico. These waters feature a variety of fish species, such as snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, and grouper. 

Cairns, Australia

Situated along the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by pristine waters, Cairns offers access to a vast array of fish species, including marlin, barramundi, coral trout, Spanish mackerel, and more. Its diverse marine ecosystem and professional fishing charters make it a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. 

North Lake, Prince Edward Island, Canada

North Lake, Prince Edward Island, Canada is a prime fishing spot. It is famous for its abundant lobster and tuna populations. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence provide an ideal habitat for various fish species. Anglers can enjoy catching tuna, mackerel, haddock, cod, and other marine treasures in this picturesque location.

Andaman Islands, India

Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are home to a diverse marine ecosystem. Anglers can reel in a variety of prized catches, including barracuda, snapper, grouper, trevally, and the famous Andaman game fish, the Giant Trevally, providing an unforgettable fishing experience.

Big Pine Key, Florida, U.S.

Don't want to travel internationally? Big Pine Key, Florida, is a prime fishing destination in the U.S. Located in the Florida Keys, it offers access to the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Anglers can target species like tarpon, bonefish, permit, snapper, and grouper, making it a paradise for saltwater fishing enthusiasts.

Bristol Bay, Alaska

Bristol Bay, is home to the largest sockeye salmon run on Earth, attracting fishing fans from across the globe. The bay also offers excellent fishing for other species like king salmon, silver salmon, rainbow trout, and Arctic char, providing an unforgettable fishing experience in a pristine natural setting.

Tahuayo River, Amazon River, Peru

The Tahuayo River in the Amazon River region of Peru offers exceptional fishing opportunities. Its diverse ecosystem hosts an abundance of fish species, including peacock bass, catfish, piranhas, and arapaima. Anglers can experience the thrill of catching these prized fish while immersing themselves in the untouched beauty of the Amazon rainforest.

Agua Boa, Amazon River, Brazil

Agua Boa, located in the Amazon River region of Brazil, is a premier fishing destination. Its pristine waters are home to a variety of fish, including peacock bass, arapaima, pacu, and catfish. Anglers can enjoy catch-and-release fishing surrounded by the breathtaking Amazon rainforest - an unforgettable fishing experience. 

The Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal in Brazil is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Its extensive wetlands and rivers are home to an incredible variety of fish species, including dorado, piranha, pacu, and catfish. Anglers can enjoy both fly fishing and bait fishing in this pristine ecosystem, surrounded by abundant wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Credello: The Best Places for Fishing in the World

NEW YORK, June 7, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Credello: It has been fascinating to watch the trajectory of Airbnb. Several years ago, the business model seemed to be working extremely well. People could put up their apartments, condos, houses, and other living spaces for travelers to rent, along with various amenities. Many travelers liked using it because it was cheaper than most hotels.

Since then, though, the number of people using Airbnb has dropped off. Most people seem to feel that's because the rental costs have skyrocketed. Cleaning fees and other charges are often added on. That makes the cost of most Airbnb rentals more than the average hotel, defeating the purpose of using the service in the first place.

If you hope to travel on a budget, Airbnb may have worked for you in the past, but perhaps not right now. The website just launched a new category for budget travelers, though. It's worth exploring, so let's check it out right now.

The Airbnb Makeover

It's worth noting that Airbnb is in the process of implementing many new features at the moment. The budget traveler option is just one of them. 

They're creating a feature that gives someone who cancels their reservation within 30 days of making it an equal amount of website credit. They're also adding 24/7 customer support. There will be many operators available. There will also be clearer checkout instructions for guests. 

It's unclear whether these changes will be a hit with Airbnb users and whether the platform will experience a comeback once they're all up and running.

Now, let's move on to the budget traveler feature. 

Airbnb Rooms

This budget-friendly option is called Airbnb Rooms. It works in conjunction with a feature called the Host Passport. Basically, the idea is that you can get a cheaper fare to stay in a room in someone's residence, but that person or family will not be out of the house while you do so. 

You can look on the app and learn details about the person or family with whom you'll be staying. Based on what you find, you can decide whether you'd like to save money by booking a room while they're at home.

Privacy and Safety Concerns

You might have privacy or safety concerns if you stay in a room in someone's residence while they're at home. However, you can look at details on the Airbnb website during the booking process to put your mind at ease.

For example, you can book a room with privacy safeguards such as locks on your bedroom door. You might also book a room in a residence where you can have a private bathroom during your stay.

Should You Try This Feature?

If you're thinking about traveling this year and have a limited amount of cash to spend on your lodgings, you might think about utilizing Airbnb's new Rooms feature. The home's owner will be there, but you can have limited interactions with them if you'd prefer to keep to yourself.

You can look into the privacy and safety features of each room on the Airbnb website before booking. Also, you can learn more about the home's owners on the site.

If you still have any concerns, you might remember that each host who signs up with Airbnb goes through a meticulous vetting process. The platform has all their personal information. If they did anything inappropriate, they would immediately be disqualified from hosting anyone else. 

Ultimately, you'll need to consider how open you are to meeting someone new. You can also look at the rate the site offers through the new Rooms feature and compare it to some area hotels and other places to stay.

If you're feeling adventurous, trying this new feature might appeal to you. If you want a more traditional hotel or motel option, you can always go that route, though it might eat into your travel budget more than you'd like. 

About Credello

Credello is a financial tech company offering a personal finance tool that simplifies financial decisions through personalized, on-demand recommendations — so users can borrow, save, or invest with confidence. Credello believes that finding the right financial product should be as easy and interactive as online shopping, and we are on a mission to make that possible. For more information, please visit https://www.credello.com. 

Contact Information:
Keyonda Goosby
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
(201) 633-2125


Original Source: Credello: Airbnb Just Launched a New Category for Budget Travelers