" class="no-js "lang="en-US"> EXCLUSIVE: The World's First Ever Hybrid NFT Feature Film - ‘Lockdown’
Friday, March 29, 2024

EXCLUSIVE: The World’s First Ever Hybrid NFT Feature Film – ‘Lockdown’

Non-fungible tokens are becoming more and more popular as each day passes. In the first quarter of 2021, NFT sales exceeded $2 billion, an increase of nearly 2100% from Q4 of 2020. However, it is Bizhan Tong’s production of ‘Lockdown’, Asia’s first ever NFT feature film and the world’s first ever Hybrid NFT feature film, that marks another monumental milestone for the digital art space.

‘Lockdown’ – The title itself is something each of us all have a unique and personal relationship with. ‘Lockdown’ tells the story of an actor, played by Kevin Leslie, who enters an audition with a casting director, played by Xander Berkeley of ‘The Walking Dead’. In the audition, the actor is forced to pass a series of tests, otherwise somebody around him will die. As the events heighten, the actor is forced to confront his past, overcome his present and figure out why he is in this game. Bizhan Tong, director and producer of the film, said that ‘Lockdown is a commentary on the events of 2020 including our increased reliance on technology and the innovative ways in which it can be used.’ The film no doubt creates an immersive experience for the audience.

NFTs and h-NFTs – There may be some of you reading who think ‘hang on, I think I know what an NFT is, so what is a Hybrid NFT?’ An NFT is a unique cryptographic token which represents ownership of a bespoke item. These are secured by the Ethereum blockchain. Once an NFT has been purchased, the purchaser receives a certificate secured in Blockchain technology, confirming you are the owner of that unique digital asset. This makes your purchase non-replicable and non-substitutable. A Hybrid NFT involves this digital encryption, as well as a unique physical object that has value in the real world.

The First Ever h-NFT Feature Film – ‘Lockdown’ will be offered as 5 limited edition NFT’s in October, prior to its cinematic release in November, as well as offering 5 NFT premiere tickets, allowing individuals to attend both the Hong Kong and UK premieres of the film with a view of developing future benefits. Tong highlighted that one of the biggest future benefits will be a ‘Lockdown : Extended Cut’ made exclusively available as an NFT which is 17 minutes longer than the original with a notably different viewing experience as a result. This is the 1st time in history where an alternate cut will be made available as NFT.

Phoenix Waters Productions and AMM Global, the film’s two producers, have collaborated with Marvion Media, a specialty firm, to make this venture possible. Interim CEO of Marvion Media, Julian So, commented that ‘Through this collaboration, we can demonstrate how our h-NFTs can be enjoyed as part of the holistic movie experience.’

Bizhan Tong – Bizhan Tong also voiced that ‘the use of NFTs fits with the themes of the film and the groundbreaking nature of our production.’ From this, it is clear that ‘Lockdown’ marks a historic step in the digital art space. Tong inspiringly commented that the usage of NFTs ‘also fits with a more ambitious vision I have for Hong Kong (the film is a UK-HK co-production) by supporting the resurgence of its entertainment industry through embracing progressive ideas. By working with Marvion Media to make Lockdown Asia’s 1st NFT feature film and the world’s 1st h-NFT feature film I believe we have taken a positive stride towards achieving it as well as contributing towards the evolution of digital art.’ It is clear that there is a sense of cultural pride involved in this project.

Some people might think, why not just wait and watch the film without the NFT commotion? And whilst that is a fair comment, Tong believes that NFT’s have that added benefit in ownership which has been eradicated when the DVD market shifted to streaming services. ‘One of the proudest items in my collection are the Limited Edition Kill Bill box sets I imported from Japan; only 2,000 were made and while the films are essentially the same the added value was clear for me as a fan.’ This project seems to want to capture that same sense of nostalgic pride that has been removed by technology.

‘Crypto Keepers’ – Phoenix Waters, recently acquired by a crypto firm, also discussed an upcoming series called ‘Crypto Keepers’, a drama which follows a group of Hongkongers and American bankers competing to create the next BitCoin, which also leans on NFTs. Again, this typifies the evolving nature of the space and could really act as a marketing blueprint for film production in the future. Regarding ‘Crypto Keepers’, Tong expressed that ‘I believe that is merely skimming the surface of the possibilities which exist, and that the use of NFTs can enhance the viewer experience with their favourite films and shows, including impacting the storylines through fan engagement which is what we intend to do with Crypto Keepers.’ This shows how NFts could provide the most immersive form of narrative entertainment, empowering viewers beyond what they watch on the screen.

Conclusion – Combining NFTs with a traditional theatrical release for ‘Lockdown’ is exciting; not only is there more attention drawn to the digital space, but one doesn’t lose the benefits of traditional film, it just gains more. NFTs appeal to human nature. We are curious, we create, we want something new and we always will. It is not a huge leap to say – yes, NFTs are here to stay and that ventures like these could very well capitviate the space on an enormous scale.

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