Hype

For the German rap-musical series "Hype" still photography captured the raw essence of life and dreams among young people with migrant backgrounds in the social landscape of Cologne-Porz. The series, a project by COSMO, the youth-oriented European culture radio of WDR, features primarily non-professional actors whose real-life experiences inspired the story.

The images played a crucial role in the series' marketing, being prominently used in promotional materials such as billboards and selected as a Netflix thumbnail. They effectively conveyed the struggles and aspirations of characters like Musa, a passionate young rapper striving to balance his dream with family responsibilities, and Naila, an influencer grappling with her identity. The stills visually defined the show's compelling narrative and helped broaden its reach, reflecting the cultural and social dynamics at play.