James R | On 03, Feb 2015

Idris Elba is hosting a new interactive documentary series on BBC Taster.

Called Story of Now, the 20-part series explores some of the fundamental questions about the human condition and history of the world from the beginning of time to now, with experts in their field.

Did the universe begin with the Big Bang? Can you have religious faith without the belief in God? Is the sky really blue? Can time move faster or slower? Will artificial intelligence lead to mankind’s extinction? The documentaries ask questions about the events, ideas and innovations from the past 13.8 billion years that have led to this exact moment.

The interactive films are available now exclusively on BBC Taster, the Beeb’s recently launched space for experimental ideas. Presenters include neuroscientist Dr Molly Crockett, blind figurative painter Sargy Mann, economist Souymaya Keynes, renegade Anglican clergyman Rev Peter Owen Jones, performance poet Inua Ellams, social activist Naomi Klein and Professor Yuval Noah Harari, author of the ground-breaking Sapiens.

Story of Now’s episodes each last five minutes, with content ranging from games and web pages to slideshows and polls, all of which can be interacted with inside the video. They were commissioned by the BBC and made by technology company TouchCast to explore the potential of interactive formats.

Indeed, BBC Taster is a digital playground for the broadcaster to try out new possibilities and get audience feedback. It already contains such things as an uncut Lena Dunham interview – presented in interactive format – and an iPlayer shuffle function.

Martin Davidson, Head of Commissioning for BBC History, says: “The creative opportunities offered by interactive video are huge. Story Of Now has taken full advantage, seamlessly blending classic filmmaking with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to reach new audiences with our world class content.”

You can read why we’re excited about BBC Taster here.

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