"Altered Carbon" is Netflix's new series focused on a reality in which people can live forever by transferring their consciousness — but has the latest part of its marketing campaign gone a step too far? The futuristic science-fiction thriller sounds like an extended episode of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror and has become one of this year's series worth watching.
Netflix never ceases to amaze. The series stirs up great emotions and expectations for good reason. The producers once again rely on surprising technologies, incredible production values, an excellent cast and a story full of mysteries.
What is the series about?
A futuristic thriller from Netflix
"Altered Carbon" concerns human consciousness being downloaded into bodies known as sleeves. Based on the book by Richard K. Morgan, this futuristic story is set in a future more than 300 years removed from our reality. A corporation called Psychasec sells sleeves into which people can transfer their consciousness and thereby extend their lives indefinitely. The main character is Takeshi Kovacs, played by Joel Kinnaman, known among others from the series "House of Cards." A lone soldier who was the only survivor in an elite unit that was defeated during an uprising against the new world order. Laurens Bancroft — a very wealthy and long-lived man — offers Kovacs a chance at life again. There is one condition, however: in return, he must solve the murder of... Bancroft himself.
A cyberpunk world within reach
What can be noticed is that Netflix's new series seems similar to film productions such as "Blade Runner 2049," "Ghost in the Shell" and "The Matrix." When it comes to inventive building of a cyberpunk world, "Altered Carbon" is unmatched in this regard. A world set in the future, artificial intelligences; technically advanced weapons and body modifications — this is modern sci-fi, shown across 10 episodes already available on Netflix.
The "Altered Carbon" pavilion brought to reality
A campaign inspired by a fictional company
An event called "Pawilon Altered Carbon Powered by Netflix" appeared on Facebook, created by the company's official profile. The Polish branch of the VOD service decided to reflect for viewers the world shown in the series.
Netflix's idea was to create a rather unusual campaign, in cooperation with the fictional in-story company Psychasec, and the joint stand presented at the CES trade fair is an exhibition area for Psychasec's products. The display was accompanied by the slogan, "no body lives forever".
The pavilion in Warsaw – details
Netflix decided to bring the marketing campaign promoting "Altered Carbon" to Poland and thereby encourage Poles in a rather extraordinary way to get to know the latest production. Modeled on the grand exhibition in Las Vegas resembling a shop with "human sleeves," a pavilion with the same set design was created and can be seen in Warsaw. On February 2-4 at the Ethos gallery at Plac Trzech Krzyży 10/14. Fans of cyberpunk atmospheres can see what the world may look like more than 300 years from now and choose the right "sleeve" for themselves. What's more, a screening of the first two episodes is planned for Saturday and Sunday. Admission is completely free.
The series has been streaming since February 2, 2018 on Netflix.
Summary
Netflix combines the promotion of the series "Altered Carbon" with an interactive event in Warsaw that reflects the world presented in the production. The pavilion, inspired by the fictional corporation Psychasec, will be available to fans on February 2–4. Interestingly, the concept refers to an earlier exhibition at the CES trade fair in Las Vegas, which shows the platform's global marketing strategy, tailored to local audiences.
