BMW – The Hire
Who remembers "The Hire" from BMW?
In 2002 there were a total of eight episodes with Clive Owen in the leading role and other stars such as Mickey Rourke, Stellan Skarsgård and Gary Oldman, directed by Wong Kar Wai, Tony Scott or, as in the example, Guy Ritchie, with Madonna in the leading role.
As a reminder, the films were available on DVD (those silver plastic disks), which were highly coveted at the time and traded at high prices...
Content-sharing on Boomer, so to speak 😉
Find the episodes and more information on brandhopper.
Black Mirror “Bandersnatch”
Netflix is testing the possibilities of interactive content.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is an interactive film released by Netflix in 2018, created by Charlie Brooker as part of the Black Mirror anthology series. Set in 1984, it follows Stefan Butler, a young programmer developing a video game called Bandersnatch, based on a choose-your-own-adventure book. As Stefan struggles with deadlines, personal trauma, and reality itself, viewers make decisions that shape his fate.
The film’s key innovation is its interactive storytelling, allowing viewers to choose Stefan’s actions, from simple decisions like what cereal he eats to major plot points affecting his sanity and the game’s success. These choices lead to multiple branching narratives, several different endings, and even secret paths.
As Stefan dives deeper into his work, he begins questioning free will and reality, with meta-commentary on the illusion of choice—mirroring Black Mirror’s themes of technology’s dark impact. Some endings are tragic, involving madness or murder, while others reveal hidden layers of the story, such as Stefan discovering he is being controlled by Netflix itself.
The film was widely praised for its innovative use of interactivity, blending traditional cinema with gaming elements. However, some criticized it for feeling gimmicky or frustrating due to its looping structure. Regardless, Bandersnatch pushed the boundaries of storytelling and set a precedent for future interactive content on streaming platforms.
Watch it on Netflix.
Porsche launches Taycan AR-App
Porsche, in collaboration with Frankfurt-based mixed-reality experts NSYNK, has developed the Taycan AR Event App, an augmented reality tool that allows content creators to explore and showcase the inner workings of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. This app provides an interactive way to highlight the sports car’s intricate engineering, unique technical features, and advanced charging infrastructure using live-action video and audio.
Initially designed for Porsche launch events, the app was created as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional display methods, such as using a stripped-down “skateboard” chassis to reveal the car’s internal components. Producing and transporting such physical models is expensive, labor-intensive, and fragile. The AR app, however, offers a flexible, scalable, and engaging way to present the Taycan’s technology without logistical constraints.
With the growing influence of mobile technology, the app leverages augmented reality to bring engineering details to life, making them accessible to a wider audience. Content creators can use it to produce immersive, educational, and visually compelling presentations, enhancing the understanding of Porsche’s electric vehicle innovations. The Taycan AR Event App represents a modern approach to automotive storytelling, blending cutting-edge technology with digital media to engage enthusiasts and consumers alike.
