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South By Southwest Names Brightcove As Its Official Video Partner for 2021 Virtual Events
BOSTON, February 1, 2021 - Brightcove Inc. (NASDAQ: BCOV), the global leader in video for business, and South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals announced today that Brightcove has been chosen as the official video partner for the all-digital SXSW Online and SXSW EDU Online events, which, for the first time, will be completely virtual and streamed to attendees around the globe on March 16–20, 2021.
Streaming an event at the scale of SXSW required the organization to ensure that its video technology platform was not only reliable but could deliver a broadcast-grade viewing experience with a high level of security. With Brightcove, SXSW will join an expanding roster of innovative, global organizations that have successfully streamed content to massive audiences on their viewing device of choice.
SXSW Online will bring together creative thinkers from all facets of the entertainment, media, and technology industries to experience a diverse combination of pre-recorded and live programming, providing up to 650 hours of content to attendees. Through Brightcove’s award-winning, highly-scalable, and flexible digital video platform, SXSW Online will span five different channels, emulating iconic SXSW stages from years past, and give attendees the unique ability to switch channels for different content in real-time, one major benefit of at-home streaming.
“This has been such a time of change and we, like the entire world, are reshaping our perspective on how we connect. Given the obstacles faced in 2020 and beyond, there has never been a more critical time to come together to address some of the most important societal issues and challenges that lie ahead,” said Roland Swenson, CEO and Co-Founder of SXSW. “We’re excited to work with Brightcove to bring everyone a seamless digital experience at SXSW Online this March. As a leader in the video industry, Brightcove will help us meet our goals while expanding the reach and capacity of SXSW’s programming.”
SXSW will use Brightcove Beacon® to enable attendees to consume content online via web browser or via Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Samsung TV. Brightcove’s over-the-top (OTT) capabilities provide a consistent, high-quality video streaming experience regardless of device or channel. Additionally, by using Brightcove’s distinct video capabilities, SXSW and festival partners can expect an unparalleled experience through:
- Utilization of Backend Analytics: SXSW will use Brightcove’s real-time data and analytics to track attendees’ content consumption to determine what they are watching and for how long in order to gain valuable insights that will help inform and optimize future programming.
- Content Security: SXSW will use Brightcove’s secure custom authentication to grant attendees access to all relevant content.
- Signature Brand Control: SXSW will use custom branding for all live and on-demand content, enabling a consistent brand experience across each event.
- Cloud Playout Technology: SXSW is the first Brightcove client to utilize Brightcove’s new full-featured Cloud Playout for a streamlined workflow, which enables content owners and organizations to quickly and seamlessly program a scheduled playout of both on-demand and live footage.
“Brightcove is honored to work with SXSW to harness the power of video and bring the SXSW community together virtually. We know firsthand that, despite the challenges of transitioning an iconic event from in-person to 100% virtual, the right technology leads to success for our customers and the audiences they serve,” said Jeff Ray, Brightcove’s CEO. “Brightcove’s technology is the most reliable, scalable, secure, and broadcast-grade, providing all SXSW attendees with an unparalleled viewing experience that’s rooted in quality and innovation.”
As part of the partnership, Brightcove will also be the sole sponsor of the Brightcove Illumination Award, a new initiative to honor a filmmaker on the rise and to celebrate the innovation and creativity of new artists. Further details on nominees and jurists will be released closer to the festival.
All conference keynotes, featured speakers, film festival screenings, and music festival showcases will be available for streaming on the SXSW Online Platform.
About SXSW Film Festival Now in its 28th year, SXSW Film Festival brings together creatives of all stripes over nine days to experience a diverse lineup and access to thousands of SXSW Conference sessions with visionaries from all corners of the entertainment, media, and technology industries.
About SXSW SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. In 2021, the event moves to a digital format. SXSW Online offers conference sessions, music showcases, film screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking and professional development opportunities. An essential destination for global professionals, SXSW Online 2021 will take place March 16 - March 20. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. To register for the event, please visit sxsw.com/attend.
About Brightcove When video is done right, it can have a powerful and lasting effect. Hearts open. Minds change. Creativity thrives. Since 2004, Brightcove has been helping customers discover and experience the incredible power of video through its award-winning technology, empowering organizations in more than 70 countries across the globe to touch audiences in bold and innovative ways.
Brightcove achieves this by developing technologies once thought impossible, providing customer support without parallel or excuses, and leveraging the expertise and resources of a global infrastructure. Video is the world’s most compelling, exciting medium. Visit www.brightcove.com for more information. Video That Means Business.™