1 October, 2010
Fireworks International, the television and digital distribution arm of ContentFilm plc, has signed a major new agreement with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), securing the rights to distribute a variety of prestigious primetime awards and entertainment programmes.
The significant deal comprises rights (excluding UK) across all media platforms for all BAFTA events and programming for the next three years, including the Orange British Academy Film Awards and the British Academy Television Awards; the EA British Academy Children’s Awards; the British Academy Television Craft Awards, the GAME British Academy Video Games Awards and the Los Angeles based Britannia Awards.
Greg Phillips, President of Fireworks International said today, “We are honoured to represent BAFTA in the global marketplace. These immaculately produced television specials alongside the accompanying content offer a wealth of excellent primetime entertainment for international audiences. Over the next three years, we will be looking to comprehensively offer this content as a 360 degree multimedia experience to grow and maximise the potential of this exceptional brand.”
Amanda Berry, CEO of BAFTA, added, “We are very impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm that Fireworks International has shown towards the global opportunities for BAFTA’s content and look forward to a hugely successful partnership together. We recognise a great number of inspirational, talented individuals across our film, television and video games ceremonies and events and, with the support of Fireworks International, we are delighted to celebrate their achievements with an ever-growing worldwide audience.”
A leading independent charity, BAFTA supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image. Each year, an expert industry membership of nearly 6,500 individuals around the world identifies and rewards the highest achievements of films, video games and television programmes, through a host of prestigious and high calibre gala Awards ceremonies.
Taking place at London’s iconic Royal Opera House, the Orange British Academy Film Awards celebrates the cream of the cinema industry’s acting, directing, producing, technical and writing talent, with previous nominees and guests including Brad Pitt, Martin Scorsese, Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp.
The British Academy Television Awards, Television Craft Awards and EA Children’s Awards honour television talent both on and off screen, playing host to top British and international stars such as David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Ricky Gervais, Julie Walters and Simon Cowell, whilst the GAME British Academy Video Games Awards recognises new creative talent and innovation in the video games industry.
The BAFTA collection also features the prestigious Britannia Awards, a red carpet, star-studded event hosted by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles. Every year the biggest names in the entertainment industry are honoured for their contribution to film or television, with previous honorees including Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Kate Winslet, Robert De Niro and Steven Spielberg with presentations from their peers including Julia Roberts, Reece Witherspoon, Halle Berry and Ben Stiller.
About Fireworks International
Fireworks International is ContentFilm’s international television and digital distribution division with over 3,200 hours of high-quality and commercially appealing programming including an extensive slate of major drama series, non-fiction entertainment, kids live action comedy and drama series, TV movies, mini-series and special event programming. Recent additions include the highly anticipated new crime thriller THORNE; hilarious BBC comedy series WHITES; FREAK ENCOUNTERS, a unique blend of horror and reality; innovative new multi-platform drama such as PRETTY TOUGH and THE BOOTH AT THE END from leading US studio VUGURU; plus over 200 U.S. network mini-series and TV movies; and specials including the U.S. PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS show, the prestigious BAFTA entertainment portfolio and the premiere Hollywood event THE CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS. This new product is combined with the large and valuable Fireworks library catalogue which is complemented by a raft of formidable television shows including Gene Roddenberry’s ANDROMEDA, MUTANT X and RELIC HUNTER.
About BAFTA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is an independent charity that supports, develops and promotes the art forms of the moving image by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public. In addition to its Awards ceremonies, BAFTA has a year-round Learning & Events programme that offers unique access to some of the world’s most inspiring talent through workshops, masterclasses, lectures and mentoring schemes, connecting with audiences of all ages and backgrounds across the UK. BAFTA relies on income from membership subscriptions, individual donations, trusts, foundations and corporate partnerships to support its ongoing outreach work. For further information, visit www.bafta.org.
About BAFTA LA
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles’ outreach programs in Los Angeles benefit members and other professionals working within the entertainment industry, as well as the Los Angeles community at large. The British Academy Los Angeles provides exclusive access to screenings, Q&As with talent and filmmakers, conversations with leading UK-based film and television executives and the Heritage Archive, featuring broadcast-quality interviews with distinguished British members of the film and television industries. Educational outreach for students and the Los Angeles community includes an after-school screening program for inner-city youth at the Helen Keller Park Recreation Center and a recent partnership with FilmAid to mentor young filmmakers. Additional programs include seminars in association with local universities and festivals, scholarships for post-graduate programs and recognizing professional and student talent with awards at film festivals throughout the U.S.
Maintaining a long tradition of recognizing the finest filmmaking and television talent, the British Academy Los Angeles hosts a series of social networking events, including the annual Britannia Awards, the Orange British Academy Film Awards Brunch, the Annual Garden Party, the British Comedy Festival & Awards Dinner and the Awards Season Film and Television Tea Parties in January and September. Its members vote annually for the prestigious Orange British Academy Film Awards as well as for the International Program category at the British Academy Television Awards. The annual Britannia Awards are held every November in Los Angeles, where it has previously honored such luminaries as Kirk Douglas, Sean Penn, Robert De Niro, Denzel Washington, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Caine and Martin Scorsese with Britannia Awards for Excellence in both film and television.
Fireworks International: Debbie LawrenceThe Lippin Company
Tel + 44 (0) 20 3008 5406
www.contentfilm.com
