YouTube creator remixes The Wire into character-focused episodes - proving curation and editing skills beat traditional CVs for career building.
It's only February, but this is the coolest thing I’ve seen so far this year. It blends pop culture, education and entertainment - and there’s zero A.I. involved 😄
A YouTube user called 'KeepItCool' has been remixing subplots and character arcs from one of the greatest TV shows of all time - creating completely new episodes in the process.
'The Wire', HBO's ode to the heart and soul of the city of Baltimore, has a vast cast of characters and subplots over its 60 hours of runtime.
KeepItCool extracts noncontiguous scenes from The Wire and remixes them to create short stories focused on a particular character or theme. They call them Scene Remixes. The goal is for someone who hasn't seen the show to “think I am presenting completely unedited episodes”.
I watched five of them over the weekend. They’re brilliant.
But it goes so much further than this one example. This approach can be a game-changer in career skills, education, and for brands. Here's why:
i) Durable skills: This work requires curation, editing, narrative, context, decision making. It’s hugely creative, yet also demand analytical skills too
ii) Proof of work: What a great way to demonstrate your skills. This format beats a one-page CV.
iii) Teaching method: Using pop culture is an excellent way to keep people interested and engaged. And a show like The Wire can teach us about all kinds of topics - from politics to economics
i) Deeper connection: some minor characters flit in and out when you watch sequentially. Now, they’re brought to life. Super fans love this
ii) Open up to new audiences: This mini episodes are a perfect entry point to the show and its characters. More depth than a trailer; lighter lift than a full-season commit
iii) Unlock hidden value: these could almost be spin-offs in their own right. And it’s worth noting HBO granted permission for the remixes to be up on YouTube. Smart.
Imagine this being part of a school curriculum, a company onboarding, or a brand activation...
I reckon the future of both brands and education is in creating products and environments that put remixing front and centre.
Which TV shows and movies would you love to get a #SceneRemix?
