SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Higgsfield, a fast-scaling AI-native video platform for creators, today announced a series of firsts for AI-generated entertainment. The company is debuting its inaugural pilot episode, Arena Zero, to launch Higgsfield Original Series, a dedicated destination for AI-generated episodic content.
The sci-fi epic was directed by SXSW and Rotterdam-selected filmmaker Aitore Zholdaskali (Auru, distributed by France's Loco Films). Using Higgsfield's "Soul Cinema" tool, his four-person team executed over 5,000 generations to build hyper-realistic characters and environments where visuals serve the story. Reflecting on the production process, Zholdaskali emphasized the creative freedom the platform provides. "AI is redefining what's possible for independent directors," he explained. "It opens up space to experiment, move faster, and explore ambitious concepts on a scale that once required entire teams and significant resources."
He added "But ultimately, technology won't replace talent. It rewards those who truly understand storytelling, rhythm, and emotion, and reveals those who don't".
The inaugural pilot debuting on Higgsfield Original Series include a sci-fi epic Arena Zero, alongside teasers Spit & Glow, Bucket List, Mother Trucker, Misfortune, Vermin Control Unit, Tails of Steel, Dinoforce, Viking Courier, and Buddy. To determine which of these concepts move forward, Higgsfield is introducing a crowdsourced greenlighting model that invites audiences to watch, vote on, and decide which pilots get developed into full series.
The platform will soon allow anyone to create, submit, and pitch their own pilot concepts with the potential to be greenlit by the community and developed into a full series through support from Higgsfield. Winning concepts will get support and promotion by Higgsfield for full-scale production, distributed across Higgsfield Originals and social media. The model compresses the path from concept to screen and de-risks greenlighting by building an engaged audience before a single full episode is produced.
AI content created on Higgsfield has already generated more than 4 billion views across the Higgsfield channels. This shift in demand is fueling a rapidly expanding creator economy that opens new pathways for how content is inspired, discovered, developed, and promoted. Notably, Higgsfield recently received 8,752 submissions from 139 countries for its AI film competition, featuring the industry's largest prize pool from an independent platform. On the basis of strong demand, Higgsfield is making the move to build a dedicated pilot program for new and original generative AI episodic content with the aim of supporting independent AI filmmakers.
As AI entertainment moves from short-form clips to full episodic series, Higgsfield sees the next wave of on-screen talent coming from the creator economy. While traditional film and TV production continues to rely on trained actors and physical sets. AI-generated content creates a parallel lane, where casting decisions can be instant and reflect real-time audience preferences, visual recognizability, reach and cultural relevance. The creator economy, now valued at over $250 billion globally, has already started to produce that talent pool.
To bring this shift to market responsibly, Higgsfield is introducing an ethical AI Likeness Licensing framework. Recognizable influencers who choose to license their likeness retain full control over which projects they appear in, with transparent compensation and clear attribution built into the platform. This allows them to monetize their personal brand, generate new forms of income, and star in multiple projects simultaneously. For independent creators, this unlocks affordable access to recognizable faces, boosting their content marketability and reach. Higgsfield is already receiving inbound offers from prominent influencers eager to feature their likenesses, and the company plans to actively collaborate with both physical and digital creators for upcoming projects.
Today's announcement coincides with Higgsfield's one-year anniversary. Since launch, the platform has reached users in over 240 countries and independent territories, shipped more than 200 product releases, and crossed a $300 million annual run rate within its first eleven months.
"The entertainment and film economies are being reshaped before our eyes, creating unprecedented opportunities for creators and influencers to become the next breakout stars," said Alex Mashrabov, CEO of Higgsfield. "We're building an end-to-end solution that takes a creator from concept to screen without the traditional gatekeepers. We believe this will unlock a new content economy — one where audiences decide what gets made."
For more information and to vote on pilots, visit https://higgsfield.ai/original-series
About Higgsfield
Higgsfield is an AI-native generative video platform built for professional creators, brands, agencies, and marketing teams producing high-fidelity videos at scale. The company develops its own generative video and image models and integrates leading third-party models such as OpenAI's Sora, Google's Veo and Nano Banana, Alibaba's WAN, Kuaishou's Kling, Bytedance's Seedream and Seedance, MiniMax, and others into a single, production-ready workflow. This allows teams to seamlessly incorporate the best of image, video and audio models for any creative task.
CONTACT: press@higgsfield.ai
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Higgsfield Launches Industry-First Crowdsourced AI TV Pilot Where Influencers Become AI Film Stars
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"More than a game"
- Wyndham Clark captures dramatic comeback victory, while CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im showcase the strength of Korean golf.
- More than 240,000 spectators attended the tournament, marking a significant year-over-year increase in gallery turnout
- CJ Group strengthens community impact initiatives through youth development programs and charitable partnerships in Texas
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson continues to evolve beyond golf into a global platform combining sports, culture and fan experiences
MCKINNEY, Texas, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, the PGA TOUR event sponsored by CJ Group, successfully concluded on May 24 (local time) at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
This year's tournament delivered a dramatic finish as U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark fired a stunning final-round 61 to rally from behind and capture the title, defeating TEAM CJ player Kim Si-woo by two strokes after Kim had entered the final round in contention for victory at his title sponsor's event.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was seeking defending his title at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, finished in third place, while TEAM CJ's Im Sung-jae closed the tournament tied for ninth.
CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im also showcased the strength of Korean golf during the second round, recording remarkable rounds of 60 and 61 respectively.
Beyond the competition itself, this year's tournament also achieved outstanding commercial and fan engagement results. A total of 240,000 spectators attended the tournament throughout the week, an increase of approximately 60,000 compared to last year, making it one of the most successful editions since CJ Group became title sponsor.
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson once again distinguished itself as more than a traditional golf tournament, combining world-class competition with Korean cultural experiences and fan engagement programs.
During tournament week, approximately 40,000 visitors experienced HOUSE OF CJ, where fans explored Korean food, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle content curated by CJ Group. Players also highlighted the tournament's hospitality experience, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler joking during his official press conference that he could eat "several plates" of the tournament's popular spicy Korean chicken.
CJ Group's long-term involvement in golf reflects a philosophy centered on creating opportunities and building connections through sport. Since launching Korea's first official PGA TOUR event in 2017, the company has continued investing in initiatives that support Korean players, inspire younger generations and connect global fans through shared cultural experiences.
The tournament also continued its charitable initiatives in partnership with the local community. Through the "Birdies on 17" program, CJ Group donates $1,000 for every birdie recorded on Ranch 17 in support of Momentous Institute, a mental health organization affiliated with the tournament. Since 2024, the initiative has contributed $310,000 to support mental health services for children and families in North Texas.
In particular, this year's tournament placed an even greater emphasis on strengthening ties with the Texas community by significantly expanding local youth development initiatives.
As part of these efforts, CJ Group partnered with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas to establish the "JAY LEE AWARD" within the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards program, with a scholarship presentation ceremony held following the completion of the third round. Widely regarded as one of the premier junior golf scholarship programs in the United States, the initiative has helped support the early development of world-class players including Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Wyndham Clark.
The creation of the "JAY LEE AWARD" reflects CJ Group's long-standing "Dream Project" philosophy — a commitment to supporting young athletes throughout their journey and helping connect them to greater opportunities on the global stage. In a congratulatory message delivered during the ceremony, CJ Chairman Jay-Hyun Lee emphasized the company's belief in supporting athletes beyond moments of victory and throughout their growth process.
"At CJ, we focus not only on moments of victory, but on partnering with athletes throughout their journey of growth to help turn their potential into reality," Lee said. "We are proud to serve as dream enablers." He also expressed his gratitude to the families, coaches and the Dallas community for supporting the next generation of golfers and congratulated the junior players on the journey ahead.
A PGA TOUR representative also commented, "THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson stands out on the PGA TOUR for its distinctive fan experience and cultural differentiation. Alongside world-class competition, it has established itself as a unique event where global fans can directly experience new cultures."
About CJ Group
CJ Group is a leading Korean company that shapes and advances global lifestyle.
CJ stands at the forefront of sharing the richness and vibrancy of Korean culture with the world. Across diverse sectors including food, bakery, logistics, and health & beauty, CJ strives to bring greater convenience and joy to everyday life.
Korean Culture Unleashed @ House of CJ
CJ Group introduced House of CJ, a K-Culture platform, for the first time in 2025. In recognition of this initiative, the PGA TOUR awarded CJ with the Best Title Sponsor Integration Award, recognizing the seamless integration of its brand identity throughout the tournament.
This year, House of CJ offers an expanded and more immersive experience. Fans can explore K-beauty & wellness with Olive Young, while global K-food brand and fresh K-bakery Tous Les Jours offer a variety of good and bakery experiences. Located next to the Fan Shop on the 18th fairway, House of CJ is open to the public, creating a vibrant space to experience CJ's diverse offerings.
"More than a game"
- Wyndham Clark captures dramatic comeback victory, while CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im showcase the strength of Korean golf.
- More than 240,000 spectators attended the tournament, marking a significant year-over-year increase in gallery turnout
- CJ Group strengthens community impact initiatives through youth development programs and charitable partnerships in Texas
- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson continues to evolve beyond golf into a global platform combining sports, culture and fan experiences
MCKINNEY, Texas, May 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, the PGA TOUR event sponsored by CJ Group, successfully concluded on May 24 (local time) at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.
This year's tournament delivered a dramatic finish as U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark fired a stunning final-round 61 to rally from behind and capture the title, defeating TEAM CJ player Kim Si-woo by two strokes after Kim had entered the final round in contention for victory at his title sponsor's event.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who was seeking defending his title at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson, finished in third place, while TEAM CJ's Im Sung-jae closed the tournament tied for ninth.
CJ ambassadors Siwoo Kim and Sungjae Im also showcased the strength of Korean golf during the second round, recording remarkable rounds of 60 and 61 respectively.
Beyond the competition itself, this year's tournament also achieved outstanding commercial and fan engagement results. A total of 240,000 spectators attended the tournament throughout the week, an increase of approximately 60,000 compared to last year, making it one of the most successful editions since CJ Group became title sponsor.
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson once again distinguished itself as more than a traditional golf tournament, combining world-class competition with Korean cultural experiences and fan engagement programs.
During tournament week, approximately 40,000 visitors experienced HOUSE OF CJ, where fans explored Korean food, beauty, entertainment and lifestyle content curated by CJ Group. Players also highlighted the tournament's hospitality experience, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler joking during his official press conference that he could eat "several plates" of the tournament's popular spicy Korean chicken.
CJ Group's long-term involvement in golf reflects a philosophy centered on creating opportunities and building connections through sport. Since launching Korea's first official PGA TOUR event in 2017, the company has continued investing in initiatives that support Korean players, inspire younger generations and connect global fans through shared cultural experiences.
The tournament also continued its charitable initiatives in partnership with the local community. Through the "Birdies on 17" program, CJ Group donates $1,000 for every birdie recorded on Ranch 17 in support of Momentous Institute, a mental health organization affiliated with the tournament. Since 2024, the initiative has contributed $310,000 to support mental health services for children and families in North Texas.
In particular, this year's tournament placed an even greater emphasis on strengthening ties with the Texas community by significantly expanding local youth development initiatives.
As part of these efforts, CJ Group partnered with the Salesmanship Club of Dallas to establish the "JAY LEE AWARD" within the Byron Nelson International Junior Golf Awards program, with a scholarship presentation ceremony held following the completion of the third round. Widely regarded as one of the premier junior golf scholarship programs in the United States, the initiative has helped support the early development of world-class players including Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Wyndham Clark.
The creation of the "JAY LEE AWARD" reflects CJ Group's long-standing "Dream Project" philosophy — a commitment to supporting young athletes throughout their journey and helping connect them to greater opportunities on the global stage. In a congratulatory message delivered during the ceremony, CJ Chairman Jay-Hyun Lee emphasized the company's belief in supporting athletes beyond moments of victory and throughout their growth process.
"At CJ, we focus not only on moments of victory, but on partnering with athletes throughout their journey of growth to help turn their potential into reality," Lee said. "We are proud to serve as dream enablers." He also expressed his gratitude to the families, coaches and the Dallas community for supporting the next generation of golfers and congratulated the junior players on the journey ahead.
A PGA TOUR representative also commented, "THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson stands out on the PGA TOUR for its distinctive fan experience and cultural differentiation. Alongside world-class competition, it has established itself as a unique event where global fans can directly experience new cultures."
About CJ Group
CJ Group is a leading Korean company that shapes and advances global lifestyle.
CJ stands at the forefront of sharing the richness and vibrancy of Korean culture with the world. Across diverse sectors including food, bakery, logistics, and health & beauty, CJ strives to bring greater convenience and joy to everyday life.
Korean Culture Unleashed @ House of CJ
CJ Group introduced House of CJ, a K-Culture platform, for the first time in 2025. In recognition of this initiative, the PGA TOUR awarded CJ with the Best Title Sponsor Integration Award, recognizing the seamless integration of its brand identity throughout the tournament.
This year, House of CJ offers an expanded and more immersive experience. Fans can explore K-beauty & wellness with Olive Young, while global K-food brand and fresh K-bakery Tous Les Jours offer a variety of good and bakery experiences. Located next to the Fan Shop on the 18th fairway, House of CJ is open to the public, creating a vibrant space to experience CJ's diverse offerings.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
CJ Group Showcases K-Wave in the U.S. Through THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
