An anti-social stunt for a social media generation

An anti-social stunt for a social media generation

A disruptive Netflix launch stunt for The Gentlemen, designed to generate attention and social conversation.

Client

NETFLIX

NETFLIX

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Description of work

Social

Social

The Gentlemen social campaign activation

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Challenge

Create a visually arresting out-of-home moment to tease the second season of The Gentlemen.

Season One of The Gentlemen hadn’t even aired when Netflix invited us to explore ideas for the launch of Season Two. With exclusive early access to the show, we were able to dig into its world, themes and tone — from inherited wealth and criminal enterprise to aristocratic excess and very questionable behaviour.

Season One of The Gentlemen hadn’t even aired when Netflix invited us to explore ideas for the launch of Season Two. With exclusive early access to the show, we were able to dig into its world, themes and tone — from inherited wealth and criminal enterprise to aristocratic excess and very questionable behaviour.

The winning idea was deliberately simple: a billboard with a giant burning joint. It captured the show’s world in one provocative image — money, drugs and upper-class criminality, all wrapped up in a format designed to make people stop, stare and share. But it was also a fine line to tread, particularly with the ASA’s stance on anything that could be seen to glamorise drug use. Working with Paris-based CGI specialists Busterwood, we created a digital out-of-home stunt that blurred the line between real-world installation and social-first spectacle. A billboard that appeared to burn in public — just believable enough to make people question what they were seeing.

The winning idea was deliberately simple: a billboard with a giant burning joint. It captured the show’s world in one provocative image — money, drugs and upper-class criminality, all wrapped up in a format designed to make people stop, stare and share. But it was also a fine line to tread, particularly with the ASA’s stance on anything that could be seen to glamorise drug use. Working with Paris-based CGI specialists Busterwood, we created a digital out-of-home stunt that blurred the line between real-world installation and social-first spectacle. A billboard that appeared to burn in public — just believable enough to make people question what they were seeing.

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Conclusion

"At Netflix, our goal is to cut through in culture in a way that's super authentic and creates excitement from fans." Jordan Peters Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships EMEA

"At Netflix, our goal is to cut through in culture in a way that's super authentic and creates excitement from fans." Jordan Peters Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships EMEA