Buzzr Bingo is a programming stunt on Buzzr TV that combines on-air programming with a web and mobile-based game for viewers. [A stunt is a block of shows, pre-empting regular programming, that runs for a short time (a few hours, a day, or throughout a week). The collection of episodes often focuses on a specific theme, or highlights programs that aren’t in regular rotation.]
I was the art director and animator on this project. The goal was to create graphic packaging that conveyed the excitement of the game and encouraged viewers to engage online, and it needed to work across broadcast, web, mobile and social media. There was the usual broadcast packaging (logo, promo graphics, lower thirds), but also interactive bingo cards for web and mobile, and social media posts.
I started with the logo. I wanted it to evoke mid-century American bingo halls—plastic light-up signs, wood paneling, and clean, modern design. This is the era in which many of the stunt’s shows originated, and fits in with the network’s vintage style. Most importantly, I wanted to convey the excitement and camaraderie of the packed bingo hall. Yes, I’ve gone to bingo with my grandma. And yes, it can pretty slow when they’re calling the numbers. But it is genuinely thrilling when someone calls out “BINGO!” That’s what I was trying to capture.
I was the art director and animator on this project. The goal was to create graphic packaging that conveyed the excitement of the game and encouraged viewers to engage online, and it needed to work across broadcast, web, mobile and social media. There was the usual broadcast packaging (logo, promo graphics, lower thirds), but also interactive bingo cards for web and mobile, and social media posts.
MOBILE APP
Buzzr has grown immensely over the last few years, and is now available on cable, satellite, and OTT, across the United States. This campaign was a success—it educated viewers and helped expand the reach of the network, evidenced by higher ratings and fewer inquiries about how to access the network. As a network that creates no new content of its own, it can be a challenge to give the network itself its own identity beyond simply the programming it runs. These spots helped add some personality to the Buzzr brand, and the characters became de facto mascots for the network. Because of the success of these spots, the project was expanded into a series of promotional and instructional spots that have been used on air and the web.
The stunt was a massive success for the network. Viewer participation was the highest of any contest Buzzr has run, and the stunt has attracted increased sponsorship every year. There were a lot of moving parts with this project: I needed to coordinate the visuals with multiple internal and external teams, and ensure that any change to the graphics worked to serve the needs of all of the stakeholders. It was a true team effort and I'm proud that the visuals I created were able to contribute to the stunt's success.
BUZZR BINGO
CLIENT: Buzzr TV / Fremantle North America
ROLE: Direction, animation, illustration, storyboards
LOGO EXPLORATIONS
We not only needed to inform viewers about the week-long programming stunt, but also educate them about how the game aspect functioned. The on-air promos highlighted the programming, but focused on how the game worked and how and where they could play along.
STORYBOARDS
RESULTS
