Cinematic conception

BAFTA is an independent arts charity that celebrates creativity in storytelling in the different mediums of film, games and television. On the BAFTA Creative Team, Graphic Designer Abigail Bills and Print Editor Toby Weidmann embraced this context when crafting the programme concept and design for the 2023 Awards events.

The option of using the innovative HP Spark process came up in discussion with London based digital print specialists FE Burman. HP Spark is a technology, printing process and software developed in collaboration with HP Indigo Digital Press and designer Oswin Tickler (see ‘The art of surprise’). This software can randomise design elements, creating a one-of-a-kind cover for every programme printed. Recalling that moment, Weidmann says, ‘We instantly recognised the potential, not just to generate interest in the programme itself by doing something unique, but also thematically. It gave us a good, positive and relevant story to tell about individuality and diversity in the screen arts.’

The creative direction for this year’s programme was inspired by the architecture of the latest venue for the 2023 EE BAFTA Film Awards, the Royal Festival Hall on London’s vibrant Southbank. Designer Abigail Bills adds, ‘I had visions of colourful, striking and modern shapes overlapping and intertwining. I wanted to combine the lines, sharp angles and interesting shapes of the venue with elements and influences from each of the screen industries being celebrated, namely film, games and television.’

All programmes featured at the four different BAFTA Awards ceremonies use Fedrigoni Arena Smooth. Weidmann states, ‘Sustainability and environmental impact are important to BAFTA, so the FSC certification and other environmental features that Arena boasts adds to its appeal.’ The size of the programme was also reduced from A5 to roughly A6 with sustainability in mind. Bills adds, ‘The environmental impact also played into our decision to utilise HP Spark creative – by making each programme unique, the hope was that the attending audience would be more inclined to take them home as a collectible keepsake, reducing returns.’