Blink TV captures the Isle of Wight spirit

Blink TV co-ordinated supply of the video package for the second Isle of Wight festival (of the 21st century) to promoters Solo.
This came complete with hardware and IMAG relay supplied by XL Video, directed by Nick Fry, and imaginative downtime programming by Blink TV.
The organisers were blessed with sunshine, a massive turnout, a top class artist line up and a very friendly vibe, all of which combined to make the festival a huge success, paving the way for future music events on the island.
An integral part of creating that pleasant atmosphere was the integrated video and sound-scape that ran continuously in-between the bands. All music tracks were play-listed beforehand by production manager Mark Ward and Solo’s John Giddings, and Blink then created a complete music ‘bed’ for the whole event, run from XL’s OB truck.
John Giddings of Solo initially approached Blink’s David Llewellyn last year to supply screens, cameras and a PPU. He sought to recreate the spirit of the legendary classic Isle of Wight rock festivals in the late 1960’s/early 70s, but in a slightly more controlled environment.
The first event last year was highly experimental, both for Blink and Solo. This year many brands utilised the advertising opportunities available within Blink’s specially designed ‘downtime’ screen programmes. The demographic is primarily over 25, with the music erring towards the softer end of indie rock.
Blink TV co-ordinated the daily recording and distribution of 30-second live video compilations from each of the top five bands to the major news agencies and television networks. These included Iggy Pop, Paul Weller, Bryan Adams, Starsailor and John Squire.
David Llewellyn comments, “It’s been great to be involved in an event like this right from the start, and we have been very fortunate to work closely with the organisers regarding their requirements which means we’ve had creative freedom on one hand, but also worked within a structure on the other. It’s proved a highly constructive modus operandi, the festival has definitely moved forward a long way this year, and I hope Blink is involved in many future Isle of Wight festivals”.
Many from the Blink TV and XL Video teams working at the Isle of Wight event went straight onto the hugely successful Robbie Williams ‘Escapology’ tour, for which Blink is also co-ordinating the video, with XL as the equipment supplier.
(SP)