Soap Creative, Roadshow Films and Screen Australia have collaborated to launch the transmedia experience The Countdown – an immersive ’interactive prequel’ ahead of the release of Australian apocalyptic thriller These Final Hours on July 31st, which asks “How would you spend the last six months on Earth?”
“We are excited to have worked with Screen Australia and Soap to develop such an immersive transmedia execution that really sets the scene for our release of These Final Hours on 31 July. It’s great to be able to have a campaign that is as unique as the film itself.” Phil Oneile, Marketing Director at Roadshow Films said.
“This initiative encourages filmmakers to engage with audiences in dynamic ways. The immersive story experience extends the story world, and has the potential to raise further awareness of the film, and enhance a deeper connection with audiences.” Screen Australia COO, Fiona Cameron said.
Oneile explained that In keeping with the film, The Countdown is set in a vast hyper-realistic world where you can explore the story of a humanity-ending asteroid on a collision course with Earth. Along the way you learn that things are not quite as they seem and realise that every decision has a drastic outcome for you and your friends.
“I’m thrilled to be able to expand the universe of These Final Hours and encompass the world outside the story in such an innovative way. I feel like we have come up with something truly unique here.” Zak Hilditch, writer/director of These Final Hours commented.
Hilditch pointed out to fully immerse you in the experience, The Countdown pulls in your closest Facebook friends, integrating them through stylised IMs, videos, emails and tweets. These personal stories – combined with cameos from media personalities (including Nelson Aspen, Dan Ilic and Alicia Malone) – support a broader global narrative of government deception and the breakdown of society. Overall, more than 900 pieces of unique content have been created, including over 20 minutes of video.

The Countdown finishes 12 hours from the end of the world, which is where the film These Final Hours begins.