Iterate Weekly - Issue 97
This week we look at EVs in the media, Twitter owes rent, a pedal-powered car, Rent Seth Rogen's house, and The Fabelmans!
Welcome to issue 97 of Iterate Weekly!
Just a reminder that you can always reply to this email or leave a comment on the web version. I read all of them, and I appreciate the feedback, questions, and insights from all of you.
Let’s jump into this week’s stories.
🤖 Tech
Do we need to see more EVs on our streaming platforms?
Here’s another story that crosses the line between tech, media, and the environment. AKA the perfect story for me to write about!
Netflix is partnering with GM to feature more electric vehicles in its content.
And of course, what better way to signify the start of this partnership than with a Super Bowl commercial starring Will Ferrell? Check out the teaser below.
Pairing Will Ferrell with popular Netflix stars makes for some great comic relief. It’s the exact thing we’re looking for in a Super Bowl spot. Big celebrities, cars, and humor.
Say what you will about the ads, but this partnership got me thinking about the importance of seeing more EVs in media to speed up their adoption. Are people really more likely to buy an EV if they see a character driving one on Netflix? I suppose it couldn’t hurt.
What’s interesting is that GM claims it isn’t paying Netflix anything to feature their cars. That makes it an even more clever product placement right? These characters all just happened to choose electrified GMs as their automobiles of choice. They do say that they will better educate Netflix’s show runners about the different EV models so they can more naturally integrate them into the content. I’m all for anything that boosts the sales of electric vehicles but this quote from a GM executive just feels extra salesy.
“Entertainment has a huge impact on culture. We want to make EVs famous on streaming, small and silver screens to build an EV culture through storytelling that incorporates the experiences of driving and owning an EV,” said GM Global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl in a press release. “Netflix is a great partner because of the company’s compelling storytelling, commitment to sustainability and track record of sparking conversations that shape cultural trends. We are united in creating a better, more sustainable future for our world as we bring everybody in on EVs.”
Yeah, that’s a whole lot of marketing jargon right there.
Anyway, keep your eyes peeled for the Super Bowl spot and be on the lookout for more GM EVs all over your favorite Netflix shows.
Will seeing more EVs in the media make you more likely to buy one? (subconsciously maybe?)
🎓 Education/Productivity/Work
Twitter isn’t paying its rent
Twitter is really having a rough year. So rough in fact, that they haven’t been paying the rent on their office in San Francisco.
Yeah, the headline really says it all. The company is now being sued for not paying $136,250 in rent. I guess maybe the check got lost in the mail?
It’s important to note that this is their smaller office space at 650 California Street rather than their more glamorous digs on Market Street. But there are rumors that Twitter landlords around the world have been waiting for rent payments.
Since I used to live just a few blocks from TwitterHQ, I’m particularly interested in seeing how this story plays out. It seemed like Elon Musk was hellbent on keeping employees in the office rather than working remotely. And this part of SF was relying on the foot traffic all the employees would bring each day.
But now it seems like Musk has changed his tune. Remote work seems to be embraced, so much so that he’s planning on shuttering the Seattle Twitter office.
And since he isn’t paying rent, maybe the San Francisco spaces are next on the chopping block. We’ll have to keep an eye on this one.
Does it make Twitter into a far more relatable company to know that they’ve missed rent payments just like anyone else who’s strapped for cash?
♻️ Health & Environment
Can we literally turn our cars into bikes?
Here’s another San Francisco-centric story. If you’ve spent any time in Golden Gate Park this last few months, perhaps you’ve noticed someone driving a modified VW Beetle?
Was it a VW that was running on pedal power?
Yeah, someone purchased an old VW Bug that was seemingly beyond repair. He gutted the insides and removed the engine and installed two ordinary road bikes. Now he’s traveling around the Bay Area using the power of his legs to lumber the automobile down streets and bike paths.
I actually applaud any spectacle like this. It obviously required some foresight and engineering skills (its creator Eric Schmidt is in fact an engineer by trade). Maybe the best part is how Schmidt talks about paying the car’s registration. It does still have a valid license plate and registration. It’s just no longer powered by a motor. The DMV doesn’t ask you to explain how the car is powered when you renew that registration.
It’s obviously difficult to move the 900 pound car with no engine or electricity. Schmidt has done some longer rides to show how we take our car commutes for granted. The only question I have is how do you decide where to drive this thing? It’ll obviously be hazardously too slow to drive it on most streets. But it’s also too large for most bike paths or bike lanes.
Anyone in the Bay Area, be on the lookout for the Pedal-Powered Bug! I can see something like this catching on if it were in a sleeker, lighter frame. Hell, maybe it’ll rekindle excitement around the PEBL.
🛍 Grab Bag
Stay at Seth Rogen’s Airbnb
Seth Rogen wants you to stay in his house.
In fact, you can book a night in his Airbnb right now.
But hurry, right now there are only 3 nights available for rent. Seth will even be greeting you upon your arrival! And he’s only charging $42 per night!
It’s all part of the marketing for his Houseplant marijuana company. You can actually stay in the house used in the photos on their website and see all of the goods up close.
Seth Rogen can really do no wrong in my book. I like this little stunt and think that more celebrities should offer things like this at reasonable prices. And if you haven’t read Seth’s latest book, I recommended it here a few months ago. You likely won’t find a funnier road trip audiobook.
Would you stay in Seth’s house? Any other celebrities come to mind who would be good for this?
💬 Quote of the Week
"Happiness, the feeling of positivity, really is the foundation of productivity."
-Miguel McKelvey
🎥 Content Recommendation
The Fabelmans
This week I’m recommending another one of this year’s best picture nominees, The Fabelmans.
Wow, this movie actually has Seth Rogen in it too. I didn’t even mean for that magical synergy from one story to the next. His role isn’t huge and he’s not the most likable fella, but I digress.
The Fabelmans comes from the mind of Steven Spielberg and has some autobiographical tones. It’s hard to tell which bits may be fabricated, but it follows the journey of a young filmmaker and you can picture Spielberg getting into many of the same situations. You’ll also likely see little nods to previous Spielberg films throughout if you watch closely.
I’ve never been the hugest Spielberg fan (but he’s one of those you can’t really hate right?) but this movie was entertaining. There are some nice acting performances, but I don’t think it will get my nod for best picture. But I’m still making my way through all the films which is one of my favorite February pass times each year.
POLL
Thanks for reading, I’ll see you next week!
P.S. - Hey, it’s the new year! Could you use some help reviewing what worked for you in 2022 and what could be better for 2023? Need some help building positive habits or ditching negative ones? Iterating on a new business idea and need some guidance? Or maybe you just want to say hello and pick my brain for a bit, that’s fine too! If you’d like to chat, feel free to book some time with me here!