A Short Film by Leo Akinbiyi
Their love was real. Then it went viral.
Teaser Coming 2026
“A once-genuine couple sealed inside a mysterious Orb for a winner-take-all social media competition must perform their love to survive — even as the performance destroys it.”
What started as a genuine moment caught on camera - a kitchen mishap that accidentally went viral - turned Adam and Emilia into one of the internet’s most-watched couples. Now, as finalists in the brutal “365 COUPLES” influencer competition, they’re sealed within a mysterious Black Orb that dissolves only during mandated livestreams, performing their relationship for an audience that will decide their fate.
But as the gap between who they are on camera and who they are in silence grows unbearable, the cost of winning begins to look indistinguishable from the cost of losing.
The Couple explores a tension I know firsthand - the conflict between who we are and who we perform online. Rather than simply critiquing influencer culture, the film examines something more universal: the psychological cost of living inside a curated version of yourself until the original disappears.
At a moment where it has never been easier to manufacture an online persona, this story asks what it costs to maintain one - and what it takes to let it go.
— Leo Akinbiyi, Munich 2026
Nearly two decades in VFX and animation direction. Campaigns for Nike, BMW, ADAC, Red Bull. Animation Director at Aixsponza.
“The Couple” is his first narrative short — a natural evolution from animated worlds toward real human stories.
20+ years across television, documentary, and branded content. ZDF, RTL, ARD, ProSieben, Mastercard.
Production management on flagship ZDF formats. Calm, solutions-oriented presence.
20+ years with STIHL, Red Bull, Audi. Solo documentary “I’m Just Here.” won 12 international awards across 4 continents.
Best Cinematography in New York, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Hollywood. Sold-out Munich premiere.
Creative Director at Aixsponza with 20+ years in 3D/VFX. Feature film credits (Checker Tobi), Red Dot “Best of the Best.”
Presented at SIGGRAPH, FMX, IBC Amsterdam, VFX Show Tokyo.
Co-founder of Funkstörung (remixes for Björk, Wu-Tang Clan). Cannes Golden Lion 2009. 400+ campaigns.
“Sound should never illustrate what you already see — it should reveal what you don’t.”
7+ years at Saatchi & Saatchi (Publicis Groupe). Campaigns for Siemens, BMW, Walt Disney, Nike.
Background in fine art and illustration. Trained eye for visual identity and emotional communication.
Select positions still open. If this project resonates, reach out below.
Fakesch exploring sub-bass frequencies at the threshold of conscious hearing. The Orb has a sound — not silence, something just beneath it.
Open call posted for Adam and Emilia. Looking for two actors who can make you believe they were once genuinely in love.
Press kit & screener access coming soon.
Behind-the-scenes updates, casting news, and screening announcements.
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