HBO Max Greenlights Irina Rimes Series & Lizzo Documentary

HBO Max has ordered On My Way with Irina Rimes, a docuseries about the Romanian artist, and an untitled Lizzo documentary, following the three-time Grammy Award-winning singer.

On My Way with Irina Rimes will follow the artist as she sets off in her mobile studio for two weeks, traveling across six cities to finish her album Home. Throughout the series, she recalls the most important moments of her life and career, as well as the people who helped her get to where she is.

Rimes will be joined by music industry professionals, artists and public figures who have been part of her journey, including Tudor Chirilă, Andra, Cătălin Măruță, Damian Drăghici, Adrian Despot, The Motans, Alex Cotoi and more.

Antony Root and Johnathan Young serve as executive producers, while Ioanina Pavel, Mara Ciama, Iliana Dumitrache, Alexandru Dorobanțu and Cosmin Dogaru (Stay Sharp) are producers.

The docuseries is set to bow on HBO Max on June 3.

“The documentary came out of the need to say things: about me, about the people working on this project, about what’s going on behind the stage, behind the camera, about the industry, about what it means to build a musical project,” Rimes said. “I want to show people what the struggle of an artist is. Let my mother, father, relatives and friends understand why I don’t have time to visit them, why I don’t answer the phone all the time, why I sometimes sleep until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, but most importantly, why I write what I write. I want people to see what sacrifice you make when you decide you want to be an artist. How and what you must give up, while at the same time, everything revolves around you. You can’t be an artist 8 hours a day, from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. You’re an artist from the moment you decide you won’t do anything else in this life. I’m honored to be able to share my story with HBO Max, and I thank them for their trust.”

Executive producer Young added, “Irina’s story is deeply personal but at the same time universal and incredibly relatable. The struggle to find your voice, the compromises and difficult decisions you have to make, the lure of home but the need to find your own path on your own. Irina’s road trip promised to be a journey of discovery, and it certainly is. We see Irina relax, reflect and recharge. Always with warmth and incredible honesty. On My Way with Irina Rimes is a gem, and it’s been a privilege to be a small part of Irina’s ongoing journey.”

HBO Max also greenlit an untitled documentary following singer, songwriter, rapper, flutist and actress Lizzo as she influences the sound of popular music while balancing life, love and stardom. The film is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Doug Pray (The Defiant Ones).

The documentary is presented by Warner Music Entertainment and Live Nation Productions and is an Atlantic Films Production in association with Boardwalk Pictures and Diamond Docs.

“To get the chance to work with someone we have admired and adored for so long is a dream come true,” said Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max. “Lizzo’s formidable talent has entertained and inspired millions, and we are ecstatic to help share her incredible journey.”

Lizzo said, “Growing up, I never dreamed I’d get to experience all of the things I’ve accomplished in my life, and I’m just getting started. I’m so excited I get to share and relive my journey with my fans and HBO Max. From Cuz I Love You to my dramatic world tour, losing and gaining love, and creating my new album Special, y’all get to see the amount of time, patience, blood, sweat and tears that went into this process. It takes ten years to become an ‘overnight success,’ and hopefully I can inspire other young creatives to keep going.”