The Friday Fix is picture perfect: Star Trek Into Darkness goes global, The Met Ball goes punk, The Sketchbook Project hits the road, Oscillation shakes things up, Buzzfeed and Starbucks get quite a reaction, ASTR are smooth ‘Operators’ and The Lonely Island party like rock stars on Between Two Ferns. Take your best shot…
May marks the official kickoff to summer blockbuster season, and the culmination of one of the most exciting campaigns we’ve ever had the pleasure to work on. Star Trek Into Darkness has continued to roll out the red carpet (in this case, the white carpet) for the globe-trotting international release tour, beaming into Australia, Russia, Germany and Mexico, culminating with the global premiere in London. The star-studded, multinational cast and visionary director J.J. Abrams suited up and reported for duty.
Into Darkness opens in 7 major territories today (including the UK), with another 25 the following weekend (including the US). The franchise continues the tradition of breaking new ground and boldly going where it’s never gone before, as for the first time Star Trek makes its way to the big screen in China. 2D, 3D and IMAX formats let audiences decide how much they want to supersize their epic experience. Following his successful reboot of Star Trek in 2009 and forthcoming Star Wars Episode VII that has the entire galaxy buzzing, all eyes are on Abrams.
Early tracking indicates that the second installment of Abrams’ series is headed for a $90+ million domestic opening weekend - the highest in franchise history. Take it from us… Star Trek Into Darkness is unmissable.
Speaking of shattering, the man behind the darkness is none other than Benedict Cumberbatch, the titular star of BBC’s Sherlock and voice talent in the forthcoming Hobbit sequel The Desolation of Smaug. A newcomer to the Enterprise ensemble, his role as the menacing psychological terrorist John Harrison is striking a chord with critics and sparking heated “conspiracy theories” amongst speculative fans. The concept of a crew torn apart by this maniacal mastermind is illustrated beautifully in this animated 9-frame “Cinemosaic”:
And speaking of speaking, audiences everywhere can’t get enough of his villainous voice, from his ominous trailer narrations to his chilling Starfleet Disruptions. British talk show host Graham Norton decided to playfully take advantage of Cumberbatch’s attention-grabbing voice, showing the actor’s lighter side:
Anticipation for the film is so high that stateside fans can hardly wait until Friday to see it. Fortunately, they won’t have to – Into Darkness has been (graciously) moved one day early in the U.S. Find your nearest IMAX theatre and book your tickets here.
From visual effects master J.J. Abrams, we turn our attention to School of Visual Arts student Daniel Sierra, who has created a masterpiece of a thesis project: Oscillate. The hypnotically stunning piece represents his desire to “create a mesmerizing audio-visual experience in which sight and sound work in unison.” A+ work!
Here’s some more art in motion: the Brooklyn-based Sketchbook Project is a mobile library exhibition, transporting over 4,000 artist notebooks across North America. They gear up for their biggest tour yet, stopping throughout the US and Canada to share art and inspiration. Visit their site to find out when they’ll be in your neighborhood and how you can contribute a sketchbook of your own.
The art of self expression is at the heart of this year’s Met Ball theme Punk: Chaos to Couture. Celebrities and fashionistas ensured that Monday night was full of bold statements – from Anne Hathaway‘s ‘for one night only’ platinum blonde do, to Cara Delevingne‘s studded Burberry - even a white-haired Nicole Richie in custom Topshop.
Yet the night’s real show stopper wasn’t a dress – it was the chandelier. Made from 25,000 razor blades, it hung in the museum’s atrium like a sharply shimmering silver beacon and stopped everyone in their tracks. Bold statements and a rebellious attitude form the backbone of the Punk movement, and the Met‘s exhibition (open until August 14th) explores the impact that it’s had on fashion.
Internet videos are designed to be short and sweet, trying anything and everything to make you laugh, smile or freak out. Yet commenting, emoticon sharing and simply writing “LOL” fail to capture the human quality behind the responses they elicit. That’s why the pop culture purveyors at Buzzfeed have partnered with Starbucks to introduce the “Reaction Cam” feature on their blog, allowing users to record and upload a 3-second GIF and give comments a more human touch. Try it for yourself – it will have you saying “OMG!”
Here’s a song that’s bound to get a reaction: New York-based duo ASTR presents their smooth and satisfying indie pop tune, “Operate.” Don’t be surprised if you give it a listen and find yourself humming it all throughout the weekend.
It’s been too long since we’ve found ourselves Between Two Ferns, watching our ever-gracious host Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover trilogy) talking to – and offending – some of our favorite celebrities in his low-budget, cult classic web series. After a lengthy hiatus he returns with flying colors, chatting with Oscar-nominated actor James Franco (Oz The Great and Powerful). The interview takes an unexpected and outrageous turn when the musical comedy trio The Lonely Island crashes the Spring Break party, debuting another instant classic. This video is Not Safe For Work, but it is safe for play:
Sharing is caring: pass along the Friday Fix, and be sure to keep up with FIVE33 for all of pop culture’s greatest hits.
Those 3 special words you’ve been dying to hear: Friday Fix Time!
As the Valentine’s Day romance lingers, we show some love to Justin Timberlake’s swanky “Suit & Tie,” Rihanna’s steamy “Stay” video, an Oscar tribute by Olly Moss, Wreck-It Ralph in the real world, Soulja Boy getting his Purity Ring on, Minnie Mouse celebrating her 20th anniversary to the max and Top Shop taking you to Fashion Week. What’s not to love?
Award Season is in full swing, crowning the best of the best in all areas of entertainment. Last Sunday, The Grammys blew the roof off the Staples Center thanks in no small part to the return of uber-talent Justin Timberlake, backed up by a ‘big band’ blowout. As if the triple-threat superstar needed any help generating buzz, his latest video for “Suit and Tie” features Jay Z and is directed by the twisted genius of David Fincher. Suit up, look sharp:
Also leading the pop music vanguard is the show-stealing Rihanna, who dazzled Grammy viewers with a spectacular performance last weekend. Now her latest video “Stay” has landed with a huge splash. Not surprisingly, when you take a stripped-down sex symbol and just add water, the results may be too hot to handle. Just don’t be surprised if her cutting lyrics and powerful vocals break your heart.
FIVE33 have been feeling the flow of Purity Ring, who add their fresh new flavor to Soulja Boy’s hip hop track “Grammy.” While not nominated for one, this group is definitely a fast-rising favorite, and one to put squarely on your radar.
The Golden Globes already locked in their selection for the year’s best films, but the definitive Academy Awards are still right around the corner. As industry debate reaches a fever pitch on who will take home the coveted statue for Best Picture, Olly Moss looks not to the future, but to the glorious history of cinema, capturing 85 years of on-screen iconography in one image. Think you have the smarts to name all the winners?
Speaking of Oscar contention, the year’s biggest ”block-buster” Wreck-It Ralph shows what happens when video games get real – but what happens when the animated adventure gets even MORE real? Instead of pondering Inception-style hypothetical questions, check out this 60-second live-action short that brings Wreck-It Ralph to life:
And when he’s not breaking out of one game, he’s breaking into another. This month he crashes into Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed on Nintendo 3DS - complete with his signature “Wrecking Ball” power up move!
New York Fashion Week is over and London is now stepping up onto the catwalk. Fresh, quirky and innovative collections are guaranteed and, yet again the British high street’s favorite brand is leading the way. Taking fashion show interactivity a step further than last season’s Shoot the Show, Topshop have teamed up with Google + to give users an even more immersive experience. Find out what it’s like to be Cara Delevingne via her Digital Diary and then walk a mile in her heels thanks to the Model Cam! Chat to the Topshop design team live from HQ before the show, watch the event in real time on Youtube and then use the ‘Be a Buyer’ app to select your favorite pieces. Scoring your ticket to Fashion Week just got a whole lot easier.
Models aren’t the only ones getting all dressed up in designer fashion this week. Alber Elbaz has created a bespoke dress for none other than Minnie Mouse. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris, Minnie is now the proud owner of a royal blue embellished Lanvin dress – now that’s celebrating in style!
Happy Valentine’s Day weekend to all. Share the love – share the Fix.
This week’s Friday Fix is a wild mix: Wreck-It Ralph takes over London’s 8-Bit Lane and jumps ‘Behind the Screens,’ The Golden Globes score big laughs, The Croods and Catching Fire light up our lives, Mondo salutes Spielberg and WWF launches a truly wild app. Plus bumpin’ new tunes from Tegan and Sara and Robert Delong, for the win.
As Hollywood’s stars were shining bright for the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, the evening was chock-full of laughs. Hosting duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, former Saturday Night Live alumni, more than filled the shoes of 3-time emcee Ricky Gervais, setting a vivacious and playful tone with their opening monologue:
Speaking of award nominees… to herald the arrival of our Oscar-nominated pal Wreck-It Ralph in UK theaters this weekend, Disney has given London a retro makeover, turning the iconic Brick Lane into 8-Bit Lane. If you can’t make it down there, a virtual tour of the immersive installment can be taken online at http://8bitlane.co.uk/.
For those eagle-eyed enough to spot 8 hidden goodies, a special “Behind the Screens” featurette is unlocked, offering laugh-out-loud insights into Ralph and his world. We earned this video the old fashioned way, but we’ll happily share our rewards with you:
The Croods also released a sneak peek clip this week, offering a glimpse into the humor and heart of this animated adventure – you’d have to be living in a cave to miss it. This fun-loving family is setting the world – or at least a field of tall, dry grass – ablaze:
And speaking of firestarters, Katniss and the rest of the Hunger Gamers (those who survived, anyway…) gear up for another adventure as the hotly-anticipated sequel Catching Fire heats up. The teaser poster doesn’t give much away for the next installment, set for release in November, but it’s enough to spark our interest.
The movie posters catching our fire this week aren’t for upcoming films, but rather an iconic nod to the classics. Living legend Steven Spielberg has a deep catalogue of iconic credits to his name, and FIVE33′s favorite poster art collective Mondo pay homage to his incredible body of work with new designs for Jaws and E.T. The Extraterrestrial. When Spielberg’s inspiration fuels Mondo’s imagination, the sky’s the limit.
Also making headlines in the graphic design sphere is this stunning and stylish World Wildlife Fund app, designed by AKQA Studios. The interactive experience lets users explore facts, footage and ecosystems of some of the rarest and most beautiful endangered animals on the planet, including pandas, tigers, turtles, elephants, bison, polar bears and snow leopards. It’s a perfect marriage of form and function, where wildlife preservation meets technological innovation. We suggest you check it out while you still have the chance.
Much to our delight, Tegan and Sara are back with a bubbly new track. The Canadian twin sisters add some piano pop and synthetic ambiance to their power ballad “I Was a Fool.” Their upcoming album ‘Heartthrob’ doesn’t drop until Jan. 29th, but you’d be a fool not to press ‘play’ now for an early listen:
Also catching our eyes – and ears – is the fresh new beat from Robert Delong ‘Global Concepts,’ combining an irresistible dance floor anthem with a Blue Man Group-inspired stage show. Needless to say, it made us f****** dance!
And with those immortal words echoing into the weekend, we’ll see you next Friday for more of FIVE33′s Fix.
The FIVE33 Group is a creative communications agency known for its groundbreaking International campaigns.
With a global business and enviable client base in entertainment, fashion, retail and sport, FIVE33 combine quality of thought with quality of execution, binding them together in new and unprecedented ways.
Early tracking indicates that the second installment of Abrams’ series is headed for a $90+ million domestic opening weekend - the highest in franchise history. Take it from us… Star Trek Into Darkness is unmissable.
