The new short film The Escape, featuring Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal and Vera Farmiga, will premiere on BMWFilms.com on Oct. 23. The film continues in the tradition of The Hire, a series of unique short films released between 2001 and 2002 that created a stir on the international marketing scene and beyond: The eight films, aired in two seasons, realized a totally new approach.
David Fincher, known as the director of films such as The Game with Michael Douglas and Fight Club with Brad Pitt, executive produced the first series. Renowned authors, directors and actors brought gripping stories to life. In each film, British actor Clive Owen played the lead role alongside a BMW. The supposedly most popular film of the first season titled Star featured Madonna as Clive Owen’s “passenger” in a BMW M5. The second series, which was released in 2002, was executive produced by cult Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.
Fifteen years on, BMWFilms.com returns with a tribute film, once again featuring Clive Owen behind the wheel and also starring Dakota Fanning, Jon Bernthal, and Vera Farmiga. The film was directed by South African director and Academy Award® nominee Neill Blomkamp and realized for BMW North America by Geisel Productions, New York.
“I firmly believe that ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ can be communicated effectively through emotional stories and that, by this, we can strengthen our BMW brand’s core values. With a Hollywood-quality realisation, global stars, an Academy Award® nominated director and a consistent ‘online first’ approach, we are once again setting new standards for content marketing,” explained Hildegard Wortmann, senior vice president Brand BMW. “The new short film The Escap’ is designed as an homage to the 15th anniversary of The Hire. Clive Owen was keen from the start when he heard of our plans. We are delighted to have Clive on board again – with his style and coolness he is perfect for the role.”