VIZIO, America’s #1 Smart TV1 and sound bar2 company in the U.S., announced today an alliance with the American Film Institute, beginning with a sponsorship of AFI FEST 2014 presented by Audi. The collaboration has been designed to enrich and nurture the art of film and the viewing of content in homes across America. With the vision “Nothing is More Captivating” than the entertainment experience, VIZIO aims to connect movie lovers to its Ultra HD TVs and audio products, which deliver a home theater experience highlighted by best-in-class picture and audio.
VIZIO will host the opening night of AFI FEST, which will feature the world premiere presentation of A Most Violent Year, directed and written by J.C. Chandor. A crime drama set in New York City during the winter of 1981, A Most Violent Year centers on the lives of an immigrant and his family during one of the most statistically violent years in the city’s history. The film follows the characters as they try to expand their business and capitalize on opportunities as the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built.
“We’re honored to support the world premiere of A Most Violent Year and collaborate with AFI FEST to bring technology and filmmakers together,” said Matt McRae, VIZIO Chief Technology Officer. “With the continued advancements, we’re investing to set the new picture and audio quality standard for consumers. It’s now more important than ever to work with cinematographers and directors to support their technology needs as they bring their vision to life for both the home as well as the theater.”
VIZIO’s leadership in the consumer electronics industry offers filmmakers a unique sounding board to discuss the advancement of the home entertainment experience. The VIZIO Ultra HD Lounge will host a series of events, giving filmmakers the chance to interact with VIZIO’s latest line of Ultra HD Smart TVs and better understand technology’s role in home entertainment.
To further complement its sponsorship of AFI FEST, VIZIO will be providing a 70″ VIZIO P-Series Ultra HD Full-Array LED Smart TV and a 54″ 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar System to the winner of the VIZIO Visionary Special Jury Award. This prize will be given to one filmmaker for extraordinary visual story telling and will be chosen by an esteemed panel of international film writers and critics. The award will be announced on the last day of the festival at the Awards Brunch on November 13.
Outside of industry events and awards, VIZIO made sure there is something for everyone, including a fan promotion on VIZIO Fandemonium – a social site where fans of all passion points can earn points and redeem for rewards – centered around AFI FEST. Additionally, all on-site pass holders will appreciate the VIZIO Chill and Charge Lounge located in the Roosevelt Hotel. The hospitality area allows film enthusiasts to relax while they charge their phones, grab a drink at the bar or just hang out. Throughout the Chill and Charge lounge, VIZIO P-Series Ultra HD TVs will feature exclusive, beautifully simple VIZIO produced 4K content for patrons to enjoy while they relax.
To round out the festival sponsorship from an advertising and digital perspective, VIZIO will have a presence across multiple channels. In addition to digital advertisements and promotion across online properties, VIZIO will also build awareness through VIZIO specific AFI FEST radio spots. Running on Clear Channel stations, the spots will feature the voice of well-known entertainment hostMario Lopez. Additionally, VIZIO will feature billboards across Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. A homepage takeover on VIZIO.com with content specific to AFI FEST, as well as a dedicated micro-site will also help raise consumer awareness. Fans can join the conversation by including #AFIFEST on social media.
The American Film Institute’s annual celebration of artistic excellence, AFI FEST brings Hollywood icons, emerging artists and audiences together to experience global cinema in the movie capital of the world. The film festival is the only one of its stature that is free to the public, and is the only festival in North America with a market partner, the American Film Market. The 28th edition of AFI FEST will take place November 6 through 13 in Hollywood, California.
AFI FEST mixes nightly red carpet galas of Hollywood films with award-winning and highly anticipated new auteur works from filmmakers around the world. The festival has paid tribute to numerous influential filmmakers and artists over the years, including Pedro Almodóvar, Bernardo Bertolucci, David Lynch and Agnès Varda as Guest Artistic Directors. And this year’s AFI FEST will feature a special tribute to film legend Sophia Loren who will be honored at the festival in the Dolby Theatreâ on Wednesday, November 12.
