Ahead of the event in the 'interactive waiting room', she focused her efforts on using her platform to promote the importance of voting, with an addresses from Jameela Jamil, Alicia Keys, Lizzo and others.
And before anyone asks - YES, THIS ABSOLUTELY TOPS Travis Scott x Fortnite.
Insane 3D visuals, entirely live, an invitation into Billie's uniquely dark and stunning world, seamlessly interwoven commerce throughout, a true harnessing of fandom AND a call to arms to vote.
Genius.
Also, I was writing a deck on world building & fandoms the other day that was focusing on BIllie - this is her starting to create & shape a more fully-rounded & immersive world for fans to dive into.
In a talk I did earlier this year about big entertainment trends that were rapidly reshaping the wider landscape, I mentioned that the boundaries between content, commerce & community would soon be blurring into one.
Well, I wasn't far off...
2/5
This fantastic deep-dive presentation details the new formula that makes up what they've coined 'interactive ecommerce' - combining recommendation, community & entertainment.
It then delves into the best example of it in the world today, Pinduoduo
The advertising industry should be quaking in their boots right about now.
Because they are being intensely squeezed on all sides - creativity, content & distribution
And I'm willing to bet that most can't even see what's happening & how fast it's coming around the bend
2/8
On one side, you've got the Gen Z/TikTok creators who are making their own insane content with unrestricted imagination, limitless experimentation & platforms that can push it out to millions, making them an overnight success.
On the other side, you've got gigantic content & distribution powerhouses getting into the agency game, bypassing the industry players & offering brands everything they'd want & more, all tied up with a shiny bow.
Today, Epic Games pulled off a massive 'fuck you' to Apple by bypassing the iOS payments demand of 30% commission for in-iOS payments, by offering their own Epic Payments option that was both easier AND 20% cheaper - as a push back against Apple's gatekeeper status
2/3
In response, Apple pulled the Epic/Fortnite app from the app store altogether, because to NOT do so, would be to open up a challenge from all apps/brands within iOS against commission fees.
3/3
BUT in a genius move, Epic released a 'Free Fortnite' ad modelled on the famous Apple 1984 spot, as a parody but also a challenge to Apple's ongoing supremacy.