Affinion International ‘ACE’ Awards 2011

The Portsmouth Guildhall was again the setting for the annual Affinion International ‘ACE’ Awards. With Affinion being one of our longest standing clients the pressure to build on each year’s delivery and exceed the audience expectations is always at the forefront of the creative brief. For an event nine months in the making that utilises all the specialist departments of Sounds Commercial, it’s a challenge we relish!

The creative brief was ‘JUMP’ and from this brief we were able to work closely with Affinion on their entire high-energy event concept. The pre-production filming was twofold. The first element was a green screen shoot using the latest HD cameras. Filming four jump rope artists performing a combination of acrobatics and jump rope skills, this formed the basis of our opening and award VT stings. In post-production we were able to add cinematic visual effects to tie in with a futuristic Tron inspired schematic to add depth and feel. The second element was on location in their multiple office space whereby inspired by the high energy and dance creative treatment were able to again shoot in full HD their entire staff dancing in synchronicity. Assisted by a team of specialist choreographers to coach their staff accordingly, not only did they have a ball performing but the finished edit was accompanied by a live street dance act that provoked a standing ovation on the event itself.

Our latest HD projectors and ultra-wide screen technology ensured over 600 people had a complete view of this large screen that again exceeded all expectations. The proceedings were kick-started with an edit of the 2010 event followed by an established singing duo throughout their meal. The awards proper were then brought to life by a UV performance by the Jump Rope Crew, the Double-Dutch rope World Champions flown in especially from Holland. This was followed by the award presentations combining multiple levels on the ultra-wide screen of pre-filmed video, 3D graphic renders and live film. The awards were concluded by another jump rope performance that combined the live acrobatic performance and full moving lighting effects that whipped the audience into a frenzy. The awards were rounded off with the cutting edge live band MadHen ensuring the audience danced the night away.

Described by Affinion as the best ever, once again Sounds Commercial were delighted to meet the challenge of going one better once again combining the best of the latest technology with the best of live entertainment. Bring on 2012!