Big Screens - the next big thing
It's always refreshing to get out of the office and meet people. In my job, as a Screen Manager in Wales, with the , there's never a dull moment. Big Screens are becoming city centre meeting points. In Cardiff alone, 200,000 people walk past the screen every week. That's a lot of people. During our events I get to stop and talk to our audiences. We chat about what they enjoy and I jot down all the feedback. It's a good way to fine-tune our plans. From meeting locals, tourists and special visitors like the Archbishop of Canterbury, you can't ask for more variety.
Let me tell you more about the project. It's a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ partnership with and local authorities. I look after Swansea and Cardiff but Big Screens are located across the UK. As well as news, sports and weather from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ, there's a good mix of local stuff, made by local people. Archive content, films, animations and pictures. Who can be a part of it? Anyone can, as long as it fits in with our editorial guidelines. Artists, students, school children and people of all ages. They love to see their work showcased in a public space. The Big Screens are there for the community to use and we make sure the content is suitable for everyone.
Local films are complemented by the latest information from the organisers of the London Olympics. 2012 is going to be fantastic. I can't wait. As well as planning for the Games, there's so much else to think about as well. The Torch Relay, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Euro 2012, Six Nations, US Masters Golf. The list goes on. Royal Wedding?!
Every event is meticulously planned and I get to see each one through from start to finish.
It was great to be part of a wonderful event in June. Cybermen and a Dalek stormed Cardiff city centre as Doctor Who's latest online game was premiered on the Big Screen, before it was released to the general public. In another Doctor Who event in Swansea, we handed out 7000 pairs of 3D glasses, enabling fans to enjoy a special preview of the new series.
Our event inspired people to grow their own veg. Chris Collins, the Blue Peter gardener, was on hand to help with any gardening troubles. We distributed 6000 packets of seeds.
In the run-up to the General Election, we hosted an interactive event and the Big Screen in Cardiff was recently featured on , Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One. It was used to reveal one of the surprises on John Barrowman's programme. It was a dream come true for two people from Bridgend.
We often work long days, but even when you've been on your feet all day, seeing the audience having a really good time makes it all worthwhile. It's very satisfying. People tell me they appreciate free events, and enjoy coming together to soak up the atmosphere. The World Cup was not an exception. Although it was available on television, the Big Screen proved to be a big attraction. In Swansea we had around 1500 watching England play but in Leeds they had crowds of up to 9000 and in Leicester around 7.000 regularly. "It's so much better outside," said one of the viewers.
We're all different but enjoy meeting up to share a common interest. It could be exclusive coverage of a concert, Wimbledon, a live relay from the Royal Opera House, a local graduation ceremony or a world premiere of a short film created by local school children. We've got it all covered. Something for everyone.
I'll share some more summer highlights with you next time. In the meantime we look forward to watching the on the .
Stephen Morgan is the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Screen Manager for Wales
- For more information about Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Big Screens, go to