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BAFTA.org gives viewers exclusive access to TV Awards

Written 21.04.08 by: Sally Smith

Yesterday was a big night for our client, BAFTA, with the British Academy Television Awards being staged at the London Palladium and screened live on BBC1. The BAFTA website played a major role in the awards, with behind the scenes footage and exclusive interviews posted to the site within 30 minutes of the action taking place.

Bafta TV Awards Harry Hill
©BAFTA

This immediacy in publishing content, including rich media, was a fundamental part of BAFTA’s online strategy. The capacity to host multiple videos and upload content instantaneously was built into the new site when we launched it in October 2007. The BAFTA Film Awards came around too quickly to make use of the site’s maximum potential but the TV Awards benefited from the full flexibility and power of the site.

BAFTA’s Web Editor, Rob Cawston, was able to upload video footage recorded on the red carpet to BATFA.org before the ceremony had even begun: giving interactive viewers exclusive access to the stars, over and above the TV coverage. Similarly after the winners were announced, BAFTA.org featured interviews with the stars, moments after they stepped off the stage with their BAFTA masks.

Rob said “it was a brilliant night: I was able to upload videos and articles as actual events unfolded at the Palladium. For the first time, we’ve been able to create a joined-up experience of the British Academy Television Awards; on screen, online and in the press. The amount of detail we’ve been able to achieve on the site is beyond our wildest expectations.”

Theresa Austin, Project Manager at the OTHER media was equally happy, “we’ve worked hard together to create a flexible and reliable site structure for BAFTA’s Television Awards: able to deal with high levels of traffic and extensive video streaming. Our team was on hand last night to ensure that the site continued to operate at its full capacity, giving visitors an enjoyable experience of the BAFTA Television Awards online.”

Over 20,000 people visited BAFTA.org on Awards night and that number is set to be eclipsed today. BAFTA has ambitious plans for its forthcoming awards ceremonies and we are looking forward to coming up with new and exciting ways for audiences to engage with the Academy online.

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For media enquiries please contact Sally Smith at the OTHER media. Tel: 020 7089 5959 or email sally.smith@othermedia.com

Notes to editors:

  • With 14 years of digital experience, the OTHER media brings together innovative design, technology and people. We’re committed to driving the online success of our clients.
  • The British Academy of Film and Television Arts supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image, by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. www.bafta.org

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