As Stranger Things season 5 breaks viewership records for Netflix, and the world of the show continues to expand in books, games, podcasts and stage shows, fans are clamoring for any opportunity to get closer to its home of Hawkins, Indiana.
Now, they can explore the fictional locale for the first time in an expansion for the latest edition of the legendary game, Microsoft Flight Simulator.
‘Hawkins Heli-Tours,’ an ad for the collab from Boo Agency, positions the expansion as a ‘homecoming’ for fans craving a full picture of Hawkins. The spot features an in-universe travel agency marketing a helicopter tour of the town that’s exactly as twisted as you’d expect for Hawkins.
Directed by the Lynch Brothers, it features a mix of live-action sets, in-game footage and a real helicopter, building on the retro texture of the series for fans of the game. It features an original jingle and, much like the series itself, contains Easter eggs for repeat viewing (a hidden message reads: “Hawkins Needs Pilots Now Send Help”). A real telephone number flashes on-screen for an IRL extension to the campaign.
Speaking of IRL, an experiential aspect of the campaign from the Microsoft Experience Center and Spark Agency recreated the fictional travel agency at a real New York location, complete with helicopter simulator. The team also turned the Microsoft Cube in Times Square into a 3D CRT monitor.
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Credits
Creative director: Izaak Flanders
Senior creative: Iain Littlemore
Creative: Isik Ulgenalp
Executive producer: Stephanie Charmail
Motion design: Amelia Potter
Digital design: Paris Scott
Design director: George Allen
Design: Matthew Tebbs, Jason Hall
Directors: The Lynch Brothers [David Lynch, Keith Lynch]
DOP: Sashi Kissoon
AD: Richard Newman
Sound: Pete Cowasji
Production designer: Sam Harley
Assistant producer: Reine Issa
Art department: Claire Johnston
Costume Designer: Laura Smith
Hair & makeup: Ava Gillies
Props team: Claire Johnston, Ava Gillies, Ali McNab, Archie Williams, Rebekah Whelan
Hero talent [Rick]: Borris Anthony York
Supporting cast: Sam Shoubber
Creative outpost [Post-Production]
Executive producer: Charlotte Whittall
Senior VFX Producer: Andy Salem
Senior editor & motion graphics designer: Kyli John
Senior VFX Artist: James ‘Krispy’ Cornwell
VFX artist: Taylor Vaux-Nobes
Senior colorist: Jack Caswell
Color assist: Zoe Francis
Sound designer: Luke Isom
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