Background
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards are held annually in Sydney in recognition and celebration of Australia’s highest achievements in film and television, as judged by the industry itself. In November 2016, Kwik Kopy joined forces with the AACTA team as Official Print Partner. The following printing case study details how the partnership has unfolded.
More about AACTA
The AACTA Awards are Australia’s very own version of the Oscars. They are a continuum of the AFI Awards, which have honoured film, television and documentary screen craft excellence in Australia since 1958.
As a not for profit organisation, it is important for the Australian Film Institute (AFI) | Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) to have the backing of partners and sponsors to help run a successful event each year.
One of these key relationships is with a print supplier capable of producing print marketing collateral befitting of the occasion. As both an independent Australian company and a keen supporter of the Arts, Kwik Kopy recognises that a partnership with AACTA is a good fit.
Objectives: AACTA’s need for quality print materials
Printed material for the AACTA awards.
AACTA has a number of awards-related events and as the primary printer, Kwik Kopy would need to work closely with the team to provide a wide range of quality printing materials that could be given out at lead-up events such as the AACTA Industry Luncheon as well as the 6th AACTA Awards ceremony and official after party, including:
- Invitations
- Posters
- Event programs
- Year in review booklets
- Winners’ cards
- Sealed envelopes
- Social media cards
Strategy and Execution
Kwik Kopy Alexandria was appointed to manage the print work for the AACTA awards and associated events.
As with all clients, the first step was to meet with the company and get a clear understanding of their business, needs and expectations. This allows Kwik Kopy to offer the right advice and expertise to ensure the best results.
The team at AACTA provided a clear brief with insight into the events and the range of print collateral required. Using this information, Kwik Kopy Alexandria Owner, Garry Folcarelli was able to offer recommendations to achieve the best results for AACTA as well as advice on how to overcome some of the challenges of the job.
With all the event dates confirmed, it was important to be able to work to a tight production schedule that suited the client’s deadlines, ensuring fast turnaround as well as being flexible at all times to work with changes.
Another challenge when producing the materials was the bright camera and stage lighting at the Awards Ceremony. It was important to ensure quality print finishes that suited the glamourous nature of the awards ceremony whilst minimising reflection for the cameras.
Creative Solution
It was clear to Kwik Kopy from the start that this would be an exciting job due to the variety of print work.
Paper stock and finishes
The right paper stock and finishes are essential for any print job. In the case of the AACTA awards, all print materials needed to look great for everyone seeing and handling them in person. There was also the added challenge of making sure everything looked good under the stage and television lighting too.
Coated and Uncoated Paper Stock
A combination of coated (cover) and uncoated stocks (inside pages) were used for the judge’s handbook. This gave just the right look and feel for the occasion.
Judge’s Handbook
Special Inks
Special inks are perfect for adding a special touch to print materials as demonstrated by the gold metallic finish and silver metallic toner applied to AACTA print pieces. The gold metallic finish helps makes the logo and lettering ‘pop’ on print pieces such as the invitations and programs.
Invitation cards to the awards luncheon, awards ceremony and official after party.
Die-cut Winner’s Card
Kwik Kopy created a folded die-cut outer piece for the winner’s card. The cut-outs allowed AACTA to insert the winner’s details and seal the card. This enabled AACTA to maintain complete secrecy and suspense until the winner announcements on the night!
Using gloss celloglaze finishes on the winners’ cards, means far too much reflection. Using matt finishes wherever possible overcomes this challenge.
Die-cut Winner’s card.
And the winner is…
Shane Jacobson as the character ‘Kenny’ with winner’s card as he presents award.
Results
Kwik Kopy demonstrated its expertise producing a wide range of quality print materials for AACTA. The items successfully met the client’s brief and challenges. The finished result looked good on camera and to the guests attending this auspicious occasion.
As well as print materials for the awards ceremony, Kwik Kopy also supports AACTA with print marketing for their awards luncheon and after party as well as the year-long program of 40+ exclusive events currently held in Sydney and Melbourne for AACTA and AFI members.
AFI | AACTA Partnerships Manager, Chloe Krushka says that customer service is key when finding a reliable print partner. That’s exactly what they have found in Kwik Kopy.
“At the Australian Film Institute (AFI) | Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) there are many things we look for when working with a printer. One of the most important elements is customer service,” she said.
“This includes working together to create and follow timelines that work for both parties as well as advice on what materials will work best for the job in question. Another element that is important to us is quick turnaround and flexibility to work with changes. We have greatly enjoyed working with Kwik Kopy.
Garry has been fantastic as our main contact. He has been very responsive and helpful when it has come to our printing needs.”
Next steps
Kwik Kopy is proud to work with AACTA and have the chance to showcase its print capabilities, service and expertise while supporting Australia’s film and television industry. As part of a two-year sponsorship commitment, Kwik Kopy is looking forward to continuing its supporting role as Official Print Partner of the 7th AACTA Awards which will be held later this year on 6 December 2017 and all associated events.
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Left to right: Australian actors Isla Fisher and Mel Gibson join fellow home-grown talent at this star studded event. AACTA Awards images credit: Getty Images.
