[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]2020 is the year we won’t forget, with a myriad of professional challenges that saw our category respond with equal parts resilience, determination and agility. And, as much as we pride ourselves on our insights, no-one at BASE predicted at the turn of 2020 that our annual industry celebration of the achievements of the previous year would be required to be virtual for the very first time.
2020 also saw the launch of a new BASE Award: the Category Hero. It was an award devised in recognition of the impact of a few key individuals within our industry, and the vital role they’ve played in energising and leading the sector in their own particular area of expertise.
Now, as we look forwards to the BASE Awards 2021, with high hopes of an in-person event at the legendary Camden Roundhouse, we asked three of the recipients of the 2020 Category Hero award to reflect on last year’s unprecedented challenges, as well as what the BASE Awards represents for our industry:[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8905″][vc_column_text]Vicki Davis, Former Head of Customer Experience, Universal Pictures
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months for the category?
“I’m looking forward to cinemas reopening and doing great business, and for all of the great films that the studios have been unable to release being made available to entertain and excite people, both in cinemas and on Blu-ray, DVD and digital.
I’m also looking forward to consumer confidence returning, and to seeing shoppers returning to physical retail and being able to experience the thrill of browsing, making new discoveries that it’s so hard for online environments to deliver.”
What role do the BASE AWARDS play in our industry?
“The BASE Awards have been a huge focal point of the year for the industry for many years and a unique opportunity for everyone to celebrate their achievements and innovation from the previous year, to catch up with industry friends and occasionally to get lost in Tobacco Dock.
If the event can go ahead in real life at the Roundhouse in September I know it will be the type of amazing party and celebration that we’ve all been missing, but even if it goes ahead virtually there will still be plenty to celebrate, particularly the innovative ways in which everyone across the industry has responded to the changes caused by COVID-19. I know that a huge amount of time and effort that goes into writing and judging the awards submissions and I suspect that this year’s awards will be just as hotly contested as ever!”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”8884″][vc_column_text]Rob Callow, Managing Director, Spirit Entertainment
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months for the category and for Spirit?
“At the time of writing, it’s really exciting to see strong theatrical numbers landing post lockdown. We are on the cusp of one of the most exciting and invigorating times the Home Entertainment Industry has seen for many, many years. Our valued retail partners will soon be able to enjoy an array of the most incredible content, that I am confident will breathe new life into our amazing category. I am very much looking forward to Spirit continuing to support our trading partners, bringing their wonderful content to market both physically and digitally, and seeing the retail sector really prosper again.”
What role do the BASE AWARDS play in our industry?
“The BASE Awards have always been a landmark event but never so much as this year, especially if they can be held in person. They will provide the opportunity to see industry friends and colleagues for the first time after so long, and to raise a glass to celebrate the amazing resilience and innovation that will make for an extraordinary event. Ultimately, should an online event need to be the way forward again, then as demonstrated last year, our industry certainly knows how to make the best of the circumstances, and I am sure it will be even more of a success than last year.
Either way I wish all nominees the greatest of success and look forward to a terrific event.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”8885″][vc_column_text]Andy Snook, Co-Founder and Director Of Production, Silk Factory
What are you most looking forward to in the coming months for the category and for Silk Factory?
“For the category, I think recent times have given the unsung heroes of the industry a chance to shine. Talent, integrity, warmth and empathy have never been more important. Covid has acted as an accelerant for all of these things to bubble to the surface even more, and the same can be said for the industry as a whole. So I am sure this year’s picks will be outstanding!
For the team at Silk Factory, it has been much the same for us: we have grown and adapted creatively. Silk Factory will be coming into the next few months with a much more diverse skillset, that is already helping our newly launched productions arm thrive, alongside the existing AV capabilities. Another big focus for us is our awesome team; creating the best environment for them to flourish in, whether it’s in or out of the office (or a bit of both) – our company culture is something we’re incredibly protective and proud of. I cannot wait to see where the rest of 2021 will take us.”
What role do the BASE AWARDS play in our industry?
“It’s the night we all look forward to! We love to get out and meet all our peers and clients, and they certainly offer the chance to have conversations you wouldn’t usually have in a meeting! It’s always so great to see and feel so much support for the industry in one room, and I think this year, either in person or online, it will be the most important BASE Awards that’s ever been.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Make sure you submit your nomination for the 2021 Category Hero Award now, all guidelines on how to submit can be found here. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
