Organized by the Asian Academy of Artistic Arts, the Asian Academy Artistic Awards (AACA) serves as the head of accomplishment in content material creation and media manufacturing, honoring excellence in media platforms together with tv, movie, digital and streaming. Though there are some 36 classes on this yr’s occasion, an Asian Academy Artistic Award isn’t simple to win, shining brightly as a beacon of manufacturing excellence and as a profession milestone. The Asian Academy of Artistic Arts is a not-for-profit group that hosts award applications, expertise improvement programs, networking occasions, conferences and unique membership providers.
On the helm of the AACA is CEO, Fiona McKay. McKay is a media and company lawyer with a wealth of expertise as an in-house authorized counsel over the previous 20 years throughout varied teams like Star Cruises, Astro Malaysia, SpeedCast and RTL-CBS Asia. Previous to working the AACA, McKay was the Head of Authorized for Viu (Vuclip), primarily based in Singapore.
At work, McKay is understood to be pleasant, wise, optimistic and a powerful proponent of teamwork and is. In her free time, McKay enjoys a superb film or tv present to wind down and spend as a lot high quality time as attainable with household and mates. We converse with McKay about working the AACA and her inspirations.
You’ve been working the AACA since 2018 — together with through the extremely difficult instances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inform us extra about how the Awards got here to fruition?
When Michael McKay and I first based the AACA in 2018, I had thought to myself “We have began on the suitable foot.” Ardour, Integrity and Respect are three key phrases for us. We maintain on strongly to our missions and that was how the AACA got here to fruition even throughout probably the most difficult instances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first mission is to advertise Asia Pacific’s expertise and creativity to the worldwide market. We honor our area’s expertise and have fun inventive excellence. We try to keep up the mantle as Asia Pacific’s most prestigious awards for inventive excellence. Our second mission is to coach the following era by means of our talent improvement coaching beneath AACA’s Academy Campus. Lastly, our third mission is to acknowledge the excellent profession achievement by means of the AACA’s Elite Membership.
Picture: AACA
What are the prevailing classes beneath the AACA? Do you propose to introduce extra classes this yr in 2023?
There are 36 classes this yr. We merged Greatest Information Anchor into the Greatest Factual Presenter Class, Greatest Pre Faculty into Greatest Kids Class; Greatest Information Program into Greatest Information/Present Affairs Program class and Greatest Pure Historical past/Wildlife Program into the Documentary Program Class. The brand new class, Greatest Voice Artist, which was launched in 2021 is gaining recognition and is very coveted by voice artists themselves. Nevertheless, we don’t plan to introduce extra classes this yr. We’re very cautious about introducing award classes and consider in high quality over amount.
How is judging performed? Are there particular processes you may have set as much as uphold the credibility of the AACA?
Judging is finished on-line by means of our awards administration platform. Every choose can have their very own private jury account which is password protected. The scoring system is benchmarked towards a world judging system. Judges should meet our eligibility standards with a minimal of 5 years’ expertise within the associated area and possess credentials or a observe document within the particular style.
What number of nations compete within the Awards?
There are 16 nations and territories in complete – Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Why is Singapore a great location to host the Awards? Are there different places you’re at present contemplating for the years to come back?
Singapore is a superb location and we’ve a superb collaboration with the Asia TV Discussion board. Plus, who would not love coming to Singapore? That mentioned, our member nations are beginning to elevate discussions about the opportunity of internet hosting the Awards. Australia, Japan and South Korea are the principle nations mentioned up to now.
Why do the TV and leisure industries love the Awards?
Firstly, they’re thought-about one of the prestigious awards throughout the Asia Pacific. The Awards are peer judged by esteemed people within the trade from around the globe. It is a fantastic likelihood for all of our member nations to get collectively and collaborate with one another and, in accordance with my husband, we serve nice wine on the afterparties.
Who’re your main companions?
Our main companions this yr are Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, The Movement Image Affiliation, Gallagher, Nanyang Polytechnic, Elevate Broadcast, Actuality Leases, Coronary heart Media, WorldScreen and Asia TV Discussion board. Mediacorp, ABS CBN, Viu TV and Taiwanplus have been our broadcast companions for a few years.
Inform us concerning the format of the 2023 Awards. Any main variations with respect to the 2022 iteration?
The format shall be much like 2022’s, however we’re contemplating some thrilling modifications to the Awards ceremony this yr which we’ll announce in September.
What do you may have deliberate for the 2023 AACA afterparty?
We’re within the planning levels and dealing with companions and sponsors to ensure it is one other nice night time. We’ll announce the small print as a part of our official Nationwide Winner Announcement on the finish of September.
The place do you see the AACA 5 years down the highway?
Will probably be our 10 yr anniversary then! I foresee the AACA shall be larger and have a house venue that will be fastened for 5 years at a time. The crimson carpet shall be even crazier than it’s now and our Elite Membership shall be a world customary. Our main companions and I are extraordinarily excited to deliver this not-for-profit group to the following stage.
You favourite second of the AACA?
After I see the expertise’s acceptance speeches on stage. The sense of accomplishment on their faces and the way completely happy they’re to win an Asian Academy Artistic Award, holding the attractive golden goddess of their arms with their names.
Other than the AACA, what’s your favourite awards night time?
Exterior of AACA, it must be the Oscars.
Are you able to share with our readers the title of the mentor who has impressed you probably the most in your profession and life?
Michael McKay. He’s my husband and enterprise companion. He’s additionally an Emmy Award winner and a veteran TV producer. Other than his information and expertise, he has impressed me along with his dedication, ardour, integrity, generosity and humility.
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