NORMAL — And the Emmy goes to …
Officials at Alabama A&M are hoping to hear their favorite university at the end of that announcement in June.
The university video series “A Bulldog Family” has been nominated for an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Southeast Chapter in the “Branded Content” category.
“We’re always exploring new ways to share the AAMU story and leverage the unique aspects of the brand,” said Assistant Vice President Aaron Thompson. “This project was about shining a bright light on the most celebrated HBCU rivalry in the land. It gives a relevant narrative to the colorful traditions we want the world to know us for.
“That brand story is both meaningful and valuable to students, alumni, and supporters. It resonates with everyone.”
The series spotlighted AAMU’s celebration of the Magic City Classic rivalry with Alabama State and earned more than 1 million overall views. “A Bulldog Family” is competing against the Atlanta Hawks, the University of South Carolina, and Champ Creative (MLB – Rickwood Field).
Alabama A&M said the campaign drove audience growth and brand awareness for the university across social media and select Alabama markets ahead of rivalry weekend.
In the series, Bulldog pride was on full display within the Willingham household as three episodic videos highlighted AAMU’s traditional rivalry through storylines rooted in familial school spirit. Julius, the family patriarch, found himself in the middle of each vignette as he protected The Hill from family members gone astray.
Five Alabama A&M students also took center stage as actors in the series, the university said.
“Many hours of concepting, scripting, casting, and planning happen before the cameras start rolling,” said Thompson. “It takes buy-in across the campus. Our partners at JTWO Films were also instrumental in working alongside our AAMU team to bring this project to life.”
Already this year, the AAMU rivalry week video series earned a Collegiate Advertising Award for Special Video Production and has been nominated for a Telly Award.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences was founded in 1955 for the advancement of the arts and sciences of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational and technical achievements within the television industry. The Southeast Emmy Awards are judged by a panel of experts in the fields of television and broadcasting.
The award winners will be announced at the Southeast Emmy Awards ceremony June 14 in Atlanta.
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