Your Need-To-Know On The Upcoming David Bowie InstaMiniSeries ‘Unbound’

What the hell is an InstaMiniSeries? What exactly is the meaning of ‘Unbound’, the 16-episode series inspired by David Bowie’s Blackstar album, which will be uploaded to Instagram starting this Thursday (February 26)? Read on, friends, for here is your need-to-know.

The episodes won’t be very long

No, they will be 15-seconds long, to be precise. Not much room for a story, eh?

There won’t be much of a story

Ah, that makes sense. No, rather than actual stories, these short-shorts will be, according to the programme makers, “a journey of evocative images inspired by the moods suggested in the Blackstar album’s music, lyrics and artwork.” Furthermore, they say: “The series is propelled by a focus on this visual interpretation of the album as opposed to a linear narrative.” Are alarms bells ringing here? Might this be two-and-a-half minutes of pretentious twaddle?

Nah

The trailer makes it look great, like a Lynchian continuation of the ‘Blackstar’ video that many have come to consider as Bowie’s final goodbye.

“UNBOUND: A ★ InstaMiniSeries” In the Fall of 2015, David Bowie gave us unique pre-release access to the music from ★ (pronounced ‘Blackstar’), his 28th studio album, allowing us to create our own visual interpretations of his songs, with no limits or preconditions on his part. Completed in December 2015, UNBOUND: A★InstaMiniSeries takes the audience on a journey of evocative images inspired by the moods suggested in the album’s music, lyrics and artwork. Each episode of the series is sure to capture the imaginations of all who experience it and will undoubtedly lead to endless speculation and discussion of meaning, metaphor and intention. We are honored to have had this opportunity and hope you’ll join our 16 episode series, premiering February 25th. New episode every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Executive Producer: @InstaMiniSeries Director: @nikkiborges Music: @davidbowie Writer: @carolynncecilia Co-Producer: @lawrenceperyer Director of Photography: @joshuasterlingbragg Line Producer: @delaVega Associate Producers: @amandadelanuez @itscecfernandez Production Designer: @LezGolden Costume Designer: @Bodilicious Hair / Make Up Artist: @missy_mua Miss Clarkson’s Make Up Artist: Angie Elizalde VFX Production House: @heym1ster Dance Choreographer: @ofbonesdance, @hollyebynum Stunt Coordinator: @stuntmanpete Wire Rigger: @stuntworks Stunt Woman: @hellskitten29 Behind The Scenes: @a_madd Production Assistant: @clemencyforclem Special Thanks: @instalucas Protagonist: @tavitulle Lounge singer: Patricia Clarkson The Dancer: @rysak Woman at the Train: @Jayknowlest Young Boy: Jonah Herman Man in the alley: @Qdb_omg Woman in the red dress: @nikkiborges Drummer: Owen Riley-Duffy Older woman: Ching Valdes Anan Piano Player: @katiemorrmidd Dancer #2: @maks_wel18 Dancer #3: @katiemattar Dancer #4: @fulloutfarrish Dancer #5: @_ious Dancer #6: @felixs_journey Arm of man: @delaVega Woman in the audience: @amandadelanuez

A video posted by InstaMiniSeries (@instaminiseries) on Feb 22, 2016 at 2:50am PST

They haven’t knocked it together since Bowie’s death

Bowie was in on it from the get-go, letting creators Carolynn Cecilia and Nikki Borges listen to Blackstar prior to its release, reportedly advising them on their interpretations, but – fittingly, given the title – not imposing any boundaries.

The episodes will be drip-fed

The episodes will go up every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We’d tell you to keep an eye on Instagram on those days, but what else do you do at work all day?

You might recognise a couple of people in it

Former blogging protege, Rookie magazine founder and ultra-cool person Tavi Gevinson will appear in the series, alongside character actress Patricia Clarkson, who was in the TV show Six Feet Under.

It might leave a lump in your throat

Unbound producer Lawrence Peryer has said: “In light of recent events, this project has taken on new significance for all of us – cast and crew. We are very happy to be bringing a new creative work to David’s fan worldwide at a time when a focus on his music and art is much-needed.”

Whatever happens, it’s bound to be a better tribute the big man than this.