HBO hosts epic ‘Lovecraft Country’ finale event in Los Angeles

The socially-distanced affair was one for the books

Oct 16, 2020

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop HBO from putting on an exquisite event to celebrate the season finale of Lovecraft Country in Los Angeles on Thursday night.

The incredible, immersive experience, produced by Giant Spoon, transported guests back to the 1950s with an elaborate set up that included custom contactless concession stands, a Lovecraft Country FM radio frequency, and plenty of spooky surprises. The Paramount Drive-In was taken over by the world of Lovecraft from the moment guests arrived.

On the way into the venue, guests enjoyed era-specific billboards featuring ads ranging from “Folk” Cola to the Lovecraft Tourism Bureau– fake businesses from the era and world of Lovecraft Country. Attendees tuned into the Lovecraft Country FM frequency for the evening– real radio stations– which featured DJ Moonlight, tunes of the time to set the scene, and supplemental ads.

Though the ads are what could be found at your typical drive-in, they aren’t all as innocent as they may seem. During the pre-screening, static ads appeared on the big screen and the accompanying audio could be heard over the radio station.

Giant Spoon created over 160 minutes of pre-roll radio content and post-show radio content and created the fictional “Lovecraft Country Safety Commission,” complete with logo and official seal, so guests can be alerted to in-world announcements over the radio and be reminded to wear masks if leaving their cars.

The drive up “abandoned” concession kiosk windows were contactless, and all guests were treated to a customized lunch box filled with goodies from Black businesses and artists, including a bandana featuring the artwork of Obi Arisukwu.

After the finale episode played on the big screen, attendees had to pass a burning car and a terrifying group of spell-casters in the midst of a mysterious ritual; the perfect compliment to the mind-blowing finale.

The Lovecraft Country Drive-In was a great way to get out of the house and proved that Hollywood can still host epic events in the midst of a pandemic. Contactless check-in over custom intercoms, COVID compliance officers, sanitation crews, and medics kept everyone feel safe and secure.

Lovecraft Country is the groundbreaking series from creator and writer Misha Green. Executive produced by J.J Abrams and Jordan Peele and based on Matt Ruff’s novel of the same name, it has made quite the impact. The series has reached more than 9 million viewers across all platforms, and it has been the #1 series on HBO Max since its debut in August.

The genre-bending adventure-thriller set in 1950s, Jim Crow America about Atticus Freeman’s quest, alongside his family and friends, for the truth about himself, his family, and his future in the face of mysteries and monsters, both of our world and otherworldly.

The season finale of Lovecraft Country premieres Sunday on HBO.

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