SONY Pictures Television: Crackle TV Upfront
SONY Pictures’ digital entertainment network, Crackle, once again partnered with Empire to produce their 2016 Upfront. With an exciting lineup of both new, original programming and returning series, Crackle had much to present.
The Upfront took place at the New York City Center and opened with welcoming remarks by SONY Pictures Television’s President of Worldwide Networks, Andy Kaplan.
Next, an opening video featuring the League of Freedom from the television series SuperMansion led to remarks by Executive Producers Seth Green, Zeb Wells, Matt Seinreich, and Bryan Cranston.
Crackle Senior Vice President of Digital Media Sales, James Smith, then took the stage, emphasizing that “Because we’re Sony, we’re not just talking product placement, those are a given and we can do those all day long, we’re talking about custom storylines, talent inclusions, and technology-based experiences like 360 & VR.”
SONY Pictures Television’s SVP of Digital Networks, Eric Berger, appeared on the program to give remarks including the introduction of a new, “break-free advertising” sponsorship model, with additional comments by Jonah Goodhart, CEO of MOAT. Eric Berger also presented Crackle’s programming slate accompanied by many of Crackle’s biggest stars and show runners including Kate Bosworth, Christian Cooke, and Dennis Quaid.
Among the many announcements of the day, Crackle also announced that it will create original VR narrative content. The first will be a special episode of SuperMansion. Crackle will also create original VR content with sponsorship opportunities to be viewable on PlayStation VR, Samsung Gear VR, Google Cardboard, and smartphones.
To close the event, Crackle introduced two new original series – “Snatch” and “StartUp” – and invited the “StartUp” cast members Adam Brody, Edi Gathegi, and Otmara Marrero to discuss the show.
In addition to securing the venue, designing the spaces, managing event logistics, catering, and managing the program, Empire provided all staging and technical production support.
Empire continues to set the industry standard for producing outstanding presentations for clients seeking to communicate their mission, motivations, and value proposition to key customers. Empire is proud to have served SONY Pictures Television and Crackle on this year's Upfront.
Guests received their first taste of technological innovation at registration, where they were welcomed by name on a reactive LED screen installation covering the full width of the entry wall. A large lunch café was created with a décor scheme that incorporated custom-built, ceiling-high steel LED frames draped with foliage to create smaller, intimate restaurant-style spaces that displayed both technology and nature.
A series of breakout sessions presented content targeted to attendees’ varied interests, while imagery displayed throughout the venue showcased real-life applications of how products designed to empower developers help to unleash the power of data and reimagine possibilities that will improve our world.
Every element of Microsoft Connect(); from registration, breakfast and keynote, to lunch and evening cocktails, were custom-designed to communicate exacting brand messaging and to deliver a high-touch guest experience to this important audience. The keynote and breakout sessions were livestreamed through an onsite studio built for this purpose and content was watched online by millions around the world.
Empire is proud to collaborate with Microsoft on this annual, top-tier business communication event.
To view excerpts of Connect(); 2017, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/connectevent
