Case Study
A Thousand Blows | Disney+ UK
Our challenge was to deliver a knockout campaign that not only hooked fans of period dramas and Steven Knight’s signature grit, but also expanded the show’s reach to a diverse range of viewers. We aimed to land a punch across multiple demographics while making sure the Disney+ brand stood front and centre.
We crafted a dynamic campaign that fully embraced the gritty, action-packed, and emotive essence of A Thousand Blows. With a focus on the powerful British talent lineup, we struck the perfect balance between high-octane boxing sequences and the compelling, emotional storylines – like the tangled love triangle and the portrayal of powerful female roles – that resonated deeply with audiences. This approach ensured the series didn’t just land with fight fans but also captivated a wider audience, particularly women drawn to strong, multifaceted characters.
Our campaign featured a range of engaging assets, from short character teasers and introductions to gripping narrative snippets that teased the storyline. We also created longer, dynamic spots that touched on every creative angle, showcasing both the drama and action of the series.
Bold, dynamic text helped reinforce the intensity of the show, while eye-catching split-screen and animation techniques highlighted the fast-paced, high-stakes drama. Each asset was crafted to grab attention, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats and eager for more.
We also developed dynamic DOOH placements that immersed audiences in the gritty world of 1880s East London. From high-impact OOH displays to a bespoke takeover at Waterloo, the campaign brought the show’s raw energy to life in key commuter and cultural hotspots.
Bold visuals, striking character imagery, and evocative motion elements ensured the series stood out, capturing attention and building anticipation across a broad audience.
But we didn’t just rely on the heavy hits – our organic campaign brought a playful edge, tapping into familiar social formats to keep the conversation light and engaging while still packing a punch.
We delivered a mix of static and AV assets, leaning into an 1880s newspaper aesthetic to enhance the show’s authenticity and period feel. This visual style not only added to the immersive world-building but also spotlighted the stunning cinematography, with episodic statics capturing some of the most breathtaking and pivotal moments from the series.
Beyond aesthetics, we crafted edits that delved deeper into A Thousand Blows’ multifaceted characters, using native and authentic storytelling formats designed to resonate across platforms. From bite-sized, character-driven content to playful, tongue-in-cheek executions, we struck a balance between the show’s high-stakes drama and moments of levity. By blending historical grit with modern social trends, we ensured the campaign was both engaging and shareable, drawing in audiences beyond just period drama and boxing fans.
Disney also asked us to produce a high-impact Season 2 announcement piece designed to generate excitement and build anticipation across social. Using standout footage from Season 1 and exclusive teaser clips from the upcoming season, we crafted a fast-paced, dynamic edit that amplified the show’s intensity. The piece was designed to maximise hype, layering action, emotion, and tension to energise fans and drive conversation ahead of the new season.
As part of our organic campaign, we partnered with influential creators to bring the history, context, and real-world locations of A Thousand Blows to life. History Alice (1.7M+ followers) created an engaging piece on the real Forty Elephants, while Stepping Through Film used his signature photo-overlay style to showcase key locations from the series. He also produced a behind-the-scenes reel from the set visit, offering fans an immersive look at the show. These collaborations extended the series’ reach to history and film enthusiasts, deepening audience engagement.
Leveraging social listening insights, we created a suite of reactive assets designed to deepen audience engagement and amplify the most resonant conversations. With overwhelming love for the Forty Elephants, we developed a dedicated spotlight piece celebrating each character. To further extend reach, we tapped into a trending TikTok sound, crafting an asset that felt seamlessly native to the platform while introducing A Thousand Blows to new demographics.
To highlight the show’s cultural impact, we curated a fan reaction carousel, showcasing standout comments that captured the enthusiasm and excitement across social. Additionally, we produced evergreen, platform-native memes, ensuring content remained fresh, shareable, and authentic to the online communities engaging with the series.
