The campaign encourages arts students and creators from the UK and Ireland to film and submit audition-style video performances via Instagram using #SamsungSpotlight.
Videos will be selected to feature across Samsung digital channels and in-store screens, with an opportunity to star in a new ad campaign.
The creative platform launches with a contemporary dance routine by Irish actor Paul Mescal. Taylor Herring produced all the associated content, which was all shot in ultra-HD 8K resolution on the Samsung Galaxy S20 smartphone.
The launch film, ‘Lockdown’, features Normal People star Mescal performing contemporary and modern dance, as well as acting and physical theatre, to tell his story about the impact of the pandemic.
It takes place in an abandoned warehouse, where the actor travels through the space and performs amid mannequins, which symbolise an audience that cannot be present due to the pandemic.
Movement director and former Strictly Come Dancing choreographer Richard Marcel worked with Mescal on the routine.
“This project took me totally out of my comfort zone as I am not a dancer. Movement is something I loved doing at drama school and something that I’ve missed doing since entering the industry,” Mescal said.
“There are thousands of performers in the arts industry that have been affected by the closures of theatres, venues and stages who have been, and are, going through an incredibly challenging time.
“I’m really proud to launch Samsung Spotlight, which aims to help performers by giving them a platform to showcase their talents. I can’t wait to see what type of performances people come up with and I’m looking forward to judging the entries.”
Tom Morey, director of corporate marketing at Samsung UK, added: “Following the events of this year and impact on the arts industry Samsung wanted to provide a spotlight for arts students and creators across the UK and Ireland who have had their stage taken away from them.”
The campaign has received wide mainstream media coverage.
