Idris Elba to Host BBC Interactive Series

LONDON: Luther star Idris Elba is set to host the interactive series Story of Now, a 20-parter commissioned for the newly launched experimental platform BBC Taster.

The series of five-minute shorts will explore some of the fundamental questions about the human condition and world history, with experts in their field weighing in on major issues. Each documentary will ask questions about the events, ideas and innovations from the past 13.8 billion years that have led to the present moment.

The videos combine games, web pages, slideshows, other videos and polls. They were ordered exclusively for the experimental digital space BBC Taster, which will feature content from stars such as Simon Reeve, Lena Dunham and Run the Jewels. TouchCast Studios developed the films to explore the potential of interactive formats.

Martin Davidson, the head of commissioning for BBC History, said: “The creative opportunities offered by interactive video are huge. Story of Now has taken full advantage, seamlessly blending classic filmmaking with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to reach new audiences with our world-class content.”

Paul Field, the CEO of TouchCast Studios UK and exec producer of Story of Now, added: “It is entirely apt that a major series using new talent and sparking new talking points uses groundbreaking technology to throw these debates forward. In Story of Now, viewers can interact with games, web pages, other video, slideshows, polls and 360 panoramas from inside the main film.”