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THE HEADLINER PROJECT launched today with Will Smith, bringing the genuine artistry of a Hollywood icon to ambitious companies across six markets.

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Put a Hollywood Star in Your Company’s Advertising

TOKYO, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Eclairer Inc. today officially launched THE HEADLINER PROJECT, a corporate advertising program featuring award-winning actor, musician, and producer Will Smith with applications open in six markets: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan (China), Australia, India, and Indonesia.

Background 
In an age where generative AI enables anyone to produce information and content, trust in who delivers the message has become more valuable than ever.

That is precisely why authenticity has never been more valuable. Now that synthetic faces and generated voices can be produced with ease, this project deals in the real and nothing else: authentic photography and film of a genuine, acclaimed actor, captured with Hollywood’s production craft. What elevates a brand is not imitation, but authenticity itself. Meanwhile, countless companies with outstanding products and services remain unable to deliver their value to the market, held back by barriers of brand power and recognition. Through Smith’s reach and expressive power, the program communicates the true value of companies to the world and supports the creation of new business opportunities.

About THE HEADLINER PROJECT 
THE HEADLINER PROJECT is a corporate advertising service that enables companies to deploy advertising creative featuring Will Smith. Engaging a global star typically requires substantial upfront investment ̶ contract fees, shooting, and production costs. Under this program, those initial costs are covered by the project, allowing companies to use official Will Smith assets for a usage fee.

The service provides curated official creative ̶ cinematic, story-driven photo and video assets ̶ that companies can feature as their own main visuals. All assets are designed for advanced adaptation, including background removal and tone adjustment, enabling seamless integration into each brand’s visual world. Creative can be deployed across both online and offline media, from web advertising, social media, and landing pages to large-scale OOH, transit advertising, and in-store visuals.

The six selected markets span Asia and Oceania ̶ all regions where economic growth and the digitalization of advertising are advancing rapidly, yet where global-star endorsements have long been within reach of only a handful of major corporations. Smith’s work has been widely loved across these regions for decades, and his rare power as a “universal language” that transcends countries and languages will support companies taking on these markets.

Key Features
1. World-class brand value, remarkably seamless ̶ The program eliminates the complexity of direct Hollywood negotiations, intricate international licensing contracts, and the risk of heavy upfront investment. Companies can feature Smith’s official creative as their own main visual, instantly elevating brand credibility and scale to a global standard. Hollywood talent contracts ̶ once within reach of only major corporations ̶ are now accessible to far more companies.

2. Curated creative assets that tell a story ̶ A quality-first selection of cinematic, emotionally rich photo and video assets, spanning business scenes to evocative storytelling moments, delivers commanding presence as a corporate asset. All assets are real photography and film; no synthetic or AI-generated likeness is used. This protects Smith’s own image and the cinematic quality that underpins it. Voice-over assets recorded by Smith are also available, enabling creative that builds deep emotional resonance.

3. Advanced customization, fully integrated into your brand world ̶ The program provides curated official photo and video assets formally licensed by Smith’s team. Cinematic, finely crafted creative can be used as your main visual with all rights already cleared. Assets are designed for advanced adaptation ̶ background removal, tone curve adjustment, and layout integration ̶ enabling full alignment with your brand’s visual world.

4. Omnichannel presence across online and offline ̶ Deploy seamlessly across digital channels (web advertising, social media, landing pages) and physical media (large-scale OOH, transit advertising, in-store main visuals), with usage across six markets.

Comment from the Project Lead (Itsuo Teruya) 
“No matter how exceptional a business is, if no one knows about it, it may as well not exist. THE HEADLINER PROJECT is a platform designed to amplify the value of ambitious companies with world-class reach ̶ turning value the world hasn’t discovered into value the world knows. We look forward to writing new growth stories together with companies ready for their next stage.” 

Profile : Will Smith

Will Smith is one of the defining entertainers of his generation: an Academy Award–winning actor, multi-platinum recording artist, best-selling author, and producer whose work moves effortlessly between blockbuster spectacle and genuine heart. He made history as the winner of the first-ever Grammy for rap, going on to earn four in total, before launching hip-hop further into the mainstream and headlining era-defining films like Independence Day, Men in Black, and Bad Boys – culminating in a Best Actor win for King Richard.

In recent years he’s carried that same curiosity into the real world with National Geographic, venturing across all seven continents in Pole to Pole with Will Smith and exploring the planet’s wonders in Welcome to Earth; pushing his own limits while inviting audiences along for the discovery. Beyond the screen, he’s a dedicated entrepreneur and philanthropist, building businesses and backing causes with the same ambition he brings to his art. With new films on the horizon, Smith remains what he’s always been: a storyteller who keeps finding bigger worlds to explore.

Service Overview

Name: THE HEADLINER PROJECTLaunch: October 1st 2026, 8:00 AM JSTMarkets: Japan / South Korea / Taiwan (China) / Australia / India / IndonesiaHow to Apply: https://headliner-project.com/

*All applicants are subject to a corporate review by the project office.

Operating Company

Company: Eclairer Inc.Website: https://eclairer.co.jp/

Media Contact 
Momo Takase / E-mail: contact@headliner-project.com

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VERIZON FIOS CUSTOMERS MAY LOSE STARZ

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARZ issued the following statement regarding the status of its negotiations with Verizon and the potential loss of all STARZ channels, STARZ On Demand and the STARZ app through Verizon Fios.

“STARZ has been negotiating in good faith with Verizon on a distribution agreement that would ensure our shared customers continue to have uninterrupted access to STARZ’s premium programming,” said Alison Hoffman, President of STARZ Networks. “As an independent programmer dedicated to women and underrepresented audiences, STARZ is vital to a competitive media marketplace, providing diverse programming alternatives to content from larger conglomerates. Limiting access to STARZ would reduce competition and consumer choice. Unless an agreement is reached imminently, our viewers should be prepared for Verizon to remove STARZ.”

If this happens, it would impact Verizon Fios’ customers’ ability to watch STARZ’s programming, including the full “Power” Universe and the upcoming “Power: Origins,” every episode of the timeless romantic drama “Outlander” and its critically acclaimed prequel, “Outlander: Blood of my Blood,” the upcoming season of the award-winning “P-Valley,” the current season of the crime drama “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” and the upcoming premiere of critically acclaimed drama, “Tip Toe,” which are available exclusively on STARZ. Fans would also lose access to STARZ’s extensive film library, including the global phenomenon Michael.

About STARZ
STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning “We’re All Adults Here.” Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.

# # #

Press Inquiries – Contact:
Jennifer Minezaki
jennifer.minezaki@starz.com 

Erin Moody
erin.moody@starz.com

Stephanie Lambert
stephanie.lambert@starz.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verizon-fios-customers-may-lose-starz-302895108.html

SOURCE Starz Entertainment LLC

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Vyrao is acquired by a newly established Healthcare & Beauty Platform, Tresalis, Naming Yasmin Sewell Chief Brand Officer

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The new owner-operator platform, anchored by ATHOS and Dr. Fernando Tamez, becomes majority shareholder and operating partner; founder Yasmin Sewell continues to lead as Chief Brand Officer and shareholder.

LONDON, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new owner-operator platform, Tresalis, built to acquire and grow science-and efficacy-led consumer health, beauty and wellness brands, today announced the acquisition of Vyrao, the London-founded wellbeing fragrance house. The transaction brings Vyrao under the majority ownership and operating partnership of the new platform. Yasmin Sewell and existing investors will retain minority equity interests in the business.

The new platform is acquiring and building differentiated brands, combining long-term capital with hands-on operating capabilities across brand growth, commercialization, international expansion and shared infrastructure. Focused on science-led brands, the platform brings together an experienced founding team, anchored by ATHOS, a Munich-based family office, and Dr. Fernando Tamez, a serial entrepreneur in health and beauty. Vyrao is its first acquisition and will retain its distinct brand identity and leadership while benefiting from the group’s clinical expertise, operating resources and global network.

Yasmin Sewell, who founded Vyrao in 2021, will continue to lead the brand’s creative and strategic direction as Founder, Chief Brand Officer and shareholder.

Existing investors including but not limited to Elevate Beauty and Manzanita Capital remain equity partners in Vyrao following the transaction. Victoria Kisseleva and Alex Lewis from FRP Corporate Finance advised on the transaction.

“I created Vyrao with the sole purpose of elevating our mood and energy – the brand was always about our well-being with fragrance as the first medium. To be on this new journey now with such brilliant partners, and to be the first on a new platform that’s in complete synergy with the vision and intention of Vyrao is so exciting. It also feels very kismet.” — Yasmin Sewell, Founder, Chief Brand Officer and Shareholder, Vyrao

“We are incredibly excited about the acquisition of Vyrao, a rare brand that sits at the intersection of luxury fragrance, emotional wellbeing, and credible science with a truly distinctive identity and enormous potential to scale globally. The acquisition marks our first investment from Tresalis, the broader platform we have created in partnership with ATHOS, focused on identifying exceptional brands with strong authenticity, differentiated intellectual property and significant international potential.” — Dr. Fernando Tamez

“Vyrao has always stood apart as a pioneer in the beauty category. This partnership is exactly the right next step for the brand to further expand and achieve its full potential. We see tremendous opportunity ahead and are confident in the platform ATHOS and Dr. Tamez are building. Combined with Yasmin’s creative leadership and Vyrao’s distinctive identity, it is a powerful foundation for growth. Elevate Beauty is genuinely excited to remain part of the journey in the brand’s next chapter.”— Cori Aleardi, Founding Partner, Elevate Beauty

About Vyrao

Built on the belief that energy is everything, Vyrao is the pioneer of a new genre of fragrance – reimagining scent as a catalyst for wellbeing by blending master perfumery with the principles of neuroscience. The name derives from the Latin verb “vireo”, meaning “I am verdant, I am vigorous, I sprout fresh green growth” – underscoring the brand’s energy-amplifying purpose.

Vyrao was founded by Yasmin Sewell, renowned fashion and creative director behind luxury retailers Browns and Liberty, and a certified expert in reiki, with extensive training in Ayurveda, flower essences, and other holistic practices. Sewell set out to build a brand around the belief that joy and wellness are the new luxury, bringing a revolutionary, multi-dimensional approach to mood-boosting fragrance.

Each neuroscent is developed using clean ingredients and informed by neuroscience research into their emotional benefits, in partnership with International Flavors & Fragrances’ Science of Wellness program. Since launching The Sixth, Vyrao has gone on to release Sun Rae, Mamajuju, Ludeaux, Ludatrix and, most recently, Ever 11, each built around ingredients selected for their mood effects. As part of its continued evolution, in 2025, Vyrao worked with IFF’s Science of Wellness program to reformulate four of its original fragrances – Witchy Woo, Free 00,Georgette, and I am Verdant – ensuring that all ingredients are not only vegan and cruelty-free but also non-toxic and phthalate-free.

The range has since expanded beyond fragrance into candles, incense, and cream scents. In 2026, Vyrao entered body care with its multi-award-winning cream scents for hands and neck – a new, multifunctional fragrance format.

“I founded Vyrao with the intention of sparking joy and boosting emotional wellbeing through the senses: scent, colour, light, and image,” said Sewell.

In the five years since launch, Vyrao has grown into a global presence, now stocked by leading retailers including Liberty London, Harvey Nichols, Space NK, Mecca, Skins, Revolve, FWRD, Goop, The Webster and Violet Grey.

Along the way, the brand has been recognised by leading titles including Vogue, Allure, BoF, Forbes, The New York Times, HTSI and ELLE, and has received more than 15 industry awards, including Fragrance Foundation UK, InStyle, Marie Claire UK & US, GQ Grooming, Harper’s Bazaar Fragrance & Skincare Awards, and Condé Nast Traveller.

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SOURCE Vyrao

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LG Energy Solution Partners With indiGOtech to Explore 46-Series Cylindrical Battery Supply for U.S. Commercial Electric Vans

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SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Energy Solution today announced that it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with U.S.-based commercial electric vehicle (EV) startup indiGOtech to explore battery supply and technological collaboration.

indiGOtech is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, and specializes in electrifying commercial van platforms for the North American market. The company is developing an ecosystem that integrates vehicles, charging infrastructure, and digital services. 

Under the MoU, the partners will work toward a final agreement for LG Energy Solution to supply 46-series NCM cylindrical battery cells from 2027 to 2030 for indiGOtech’s upcoming Flow Ride and Flow Cargo EVs.

The partners will support joint business development through vehicle-battery integration and performance verification efforts. To maximize vehicle performance, both companies intend to review opportunities to extend driving range and reduce charging times.

“Urban ride hail and delivery must electrify and automate at scale, but today’s electric vehicles are not designed for purpose, and are severely limited by the local charging infrastructure – that’s why vast majority of rides and deliveries are still driven by gas vehicles.” said Will Graylin, Chairman and CEO of indiGOtech. “Working toward a long-term relationship with LG Energy Solution brings together advanced battery technology for durable economic advantage for vehicles, drivers and fleet operators.”

“Based on LG Energy Solution’s 46-series NCM cylindrical battery technology that boasts high energy density and rapid charging capabilities, we will closely collaborate with indiGOtech, which is successfully building the Transportation-as-a-Service (TaaS) ecosystem in the U.S.,” said Sunghwan Oh, Mobility & IT Battery Marketing Group Leader of LG Energy Solution. “Leveraging this partnership, we plan to enter the diverse commercial vehicle market in the U.S., including logistics, last-mile delivery, and ride-hailing.”

LG Energy Solution is also strengthening its competitiveness by securing additional customers for its 46-series cylindrical batteries. The company reported that cylindrical battery shipments increased by 1.5 times year on year as of Q2, supported by stable mass production and expanded deliveries of its 46-series batteries.

About LG Energy Solution

LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With more than 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world with over 100,000 patents. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, and Asia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers. Committed to building sustainable battery ecosystem, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its value chain by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution’s ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com.

About indiGOtech

indiGOtech is building the intelligent mobility platform for the next era of sustainable local transport and commerce. Headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company develops an integrated ecosystem that combines smart electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and mobility services—engineered to reduce cost per mile and maximize fleet performance. Through its connected platform, indiGOtech aims to accelerate the electrification of commercial fleets across logistics, last-mile delivery, and ride-hailing segments in North America.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lg-energy-solution-partners-with-indigotech-to-explore-46-series-cylindrical-battery-supply-for-us-commercial-electric-vans-302894176.html

SOURCE LG Energy Solution

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