Cool Sh*t - A LEGO Biopic, Disney x Epic Games, A Mixed Reality Magnifying Glass, Louis Vuitton Chocolate and more...
Vol. 46
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#1 – LEGO® and Pharrell Williams set to release a movie which tells the life story of the creative genius one brick at a time.
Set for release in October, this is the kind of thing that sets Pharrell apart. It’s why, apart from being musically gifted, he’s also the creative director for Louis Vuitton amongst other things. He’s a think different kind of guy. He treads his own path, always seeking creativity, innovation and a dash of the unexpected.
Just like his hit song ‘Happy’, something I love about this is that it’s likely to appeal to and inspire a younger generation, which I expect is a strategic decision by him.
I wonder if the movie will top this epic Call of Duty LEGO short from 13 years ago… 🙂
#2 – Disney makes an Epic move in gaming.
It’s crazy to think that the biggest entertainment juggernaut in the world has mostly avoided gaming since 2016, when it shut down the Disney Interactive Studios division that was, at one point, losing some $200 million per year. So their recent move to acquire a $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games is super interesting.
It’s easy to see the appeal of huge franchises like Star Wars creating experiences in worlds like Fortnite, which already relies primarily on IP licensing to deliver something new for current players and as a way to bring in new players. This is a smart way for Disney to start IP brand-building with youngsters too, which is the reason you see so many cartoon versions of the Star Wars universe on Disney Plus.
Given Fortnite already broadcasts movies and music concerts, Disney will surely expand on this. I think this could lead to some really exciting entertainment experiences. One to watch… 👀
#3 – Mixed reality magnifying glass for kids.
From time to time I post about tech devices that I feel conflicted about. I’m a big advocate for disconnecting with devices to connect more deeply with the real world. At the same time, I love technology and believe it has the power to change the world.
This piqued my interest because it’s a new take on a device that has seen very little innovation since it was first invented in the thirteenth century. Kids are growing up in a device-heavy world. Rather than fact-finding in a book, they are most likely to use Google. So I can see the appeal of this.
Using mixed reality technologies, the gadget overlays virtual creatures like insects and animals on top of real-world objects, making them look like they’re actually in your real-world environment. It also provides real-time information on-screen that you’d otherwise have to search elsewhere for.
I’d love to see an alternate version of this which still gets kids out in the real world hunting for things they are fascinated by rather than giving them virtual objects to look at. It could still give them access to all the expanded information they could ever need.
Imagine looking at a ladybug for the first time and having every question your 4-year-old brain could muster answered in an instant. Now throw in voice assistance… 🤔
#4 – LEGO love.
Launched in Malaysia for Valentine’s Day, this ‘Brick Date’ is super cute. A really simple idea that gives couples a unique way to connect for an evening.
A smart move to release it in a single market too. Suffice to say, it sold out.
5 – Louis Vuitton has a sweet tooth.
Honestly, I can’t quite decide why I like this so much. I’m not a fan of Louis Vuitton’s products at all. However, I am a fan of their marketing and I’ve written plenty of times about the work they’ve done in the gaming space.
Everyone loves chocolate, especially when it’s made by a world-renowned French chocolatier. The product looks great too.
It’s not creative or innovative but it’s a simple idea done well, which connects the brand with the consumer in a non-traditional way.
Need to boost your mental health, improve your relationships and boost your immune system? Have a listen to this and up your acts of kindness game then… ❤
British punk/alt-rock band IDLES ‘Dancer’ makes it onto the Cool Sh*t Spotify playlist this week.
Aussie production, Boy Swallows Universe, is OUTSTANDING! Expecting by the end of 2024 this remains in my top 5 shows of the year.
ICYMI - Cool Sh*t Vol. 45 - Competitive Marble League, Virtual Protests, Hendrick's Gin, Walkman Revival, Bamboo Bikes and more...
Cool Sh*t is typically written from the comfort of my own home, here in Sydney, Australia - Gadigal land. Always was, always will be. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The views expressed are my own.