Strange Video From Neill Blomkamp Appears on iPads Dan Koelsch, November 23, 2010August 6, 2012 It’s a pretty common occurance to see video ads display before opening up an app or watching video on the Apple iPad. However, in the latest iPad version of Wired Magazine (issue 18.12), a mysterious and unexplained video appears instead, and it’s credited by District 9 director Neil Blomkamp. What could this be? As you can see above, the found footage-style video shows two kids who drive out to the side of a road and find a nasty-looking dead pig-like creature with a big stamp on it. The stamp says “18.12 AGM Heartland Pat Pend USA” and “US Inspected And Approved”. This looks to be located outside some kind of factory, and the camera points in that direction to make sure we notice it. So, what is this all for? /Film did some research that makes it look like the beginning of an ARG, which isn’t surprising given the marketing campaign for District 9.Here is what I’ve discovered. 18.12 is the number of the issue of WiReD that this video appears in. I did some searching and found out that a Beverly Hills-based company named Sable Productions Ltd. filed for the trademark “AGM Heartland” on October 18th 2010. The trademark use is labeled as:Entertainment services by way of an online website with video, audio and textual content and images featuring characters and storylines about a fictional genetic engineering company that produces genetically engineered and altered organisms Could this be for Blomkamp’s next film, Elysium? /Film also has some quotes from Blomkamp about the film that seem to both contradict and fit perfectly with the tone, style, and content of this viral video. What do you think the video is teasing? It looks to obviously pertain to genetic experimenting (which is apparently government-approved). We’ll stay on top of this and update you if and when we get any new information. Viral Marketing Viral Videos agm heartlandDistrict 9ElysiumNeill BlomKampViral videowired
Sherlock Holmes: The Game Is Afoot! October 30, 2009It seems Warner Bros. has decided to reignite the Sherlock Holmes viral campaign, sending out a new email (or telegraph, rather) earlier today. The email reads: DETECTIVE London seethes with crime — STOP — find your partner upon whom you will rely — STOP — evidence secured for your advance… Read More
“Tron Legacy” Viral Campaign’s Final Countdown December 1, 2010December 1, 2010After weeks of Internet viral activity, the Tron Legacy viral campaign hits the streets once again. We are only 16 days away from the big release and now the two-year viral campaign is coming to a close. The FlynnLives website has been updated with a message saying “The Final Countdown”… Read More
Play Another “Man of Steel” Online Game: “Hero’s Flight” June 6, 2013Briefly: Just a couple of weeks ago, the Man of Steel website had an online game called Metropolis Mayhem. Now, the site is back with a new game called Hero’s Flight, which just changes the perspective, but has a similar concept. Take control of Superman, and fly through the city,… Read More