Eurovision 2021: The plans for a visual press center in Rotterdam are underway

Eurovision 2021: The plans for a visual press center in Rotterdam are underway
Monday, 08 February 2021

  • The plans for a visual press center at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam next May are underway.

    With the covid-19 pandemic still hitting in waves the countries around the globe, the ESC organisers are trying to make all the necessary preparations to adjust this year's to all potential scenarios under which the competition might take place. Whether the public can attend the shows and whether the planned activities can take place in the host city of Rotterdam will be decided at a later time.

    Within this framework the organisers are looking on the scenarios that will see a part of the contest taking place online. This approach includes the presence of press in Rotterdam and how many journalists will be able to attend there the event. Normally each year there are about 1,500, but this year under the covid-19 ongoig circumstances this seems as a non realistic scenario, with only 500 journalists eventually appropriate to come.

    Thus, the orgainsers of the contest are launching a collaboration with the Groningen company Let's Get Digital, previously known as EventInsight. The Groningen innovation platform is used to receive international media in a virtual press center.

    “We are now going to set up a virtual press center for press that cannot travel to Rotterdam in May, where rehearsals and press conferences can be followed live for two weeks,” says Babet Verstappen on behalf of the organization. 

    And goes on adding: 

    “In the past period we have been looking for a digital platform in which we could host this and found this in the possibilities that Let's Get Digital offers. It is important to us that journalists really feel that they are physically present. And don't miss anything that happens there. It is very special that for the first time in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest we are going to receive journalists in this way. A major step in our online approach. ”

     

    Digital that (almost) feels like physical

    The Groningen company Let's Get Digital launched an online platform during the corona crisis, in which the real event experience is central. For example, the platform was already used for the online Promotion Days. The extra live experience that the platform offers was ultimately the reason for the Eurovision Song Contest to choose the Groningen company.



    Flexiblity against current obstacles

    According to Let's Get Digital, the collaboration shows that the Netherlands is creative and innovative at a time when the economy is facing serious setbacks and the Song Contest also needs to be adjusted. Ruben Haring, Partnership Director at Let's Get Digital : 

     “We have agreed within our team that we are going to make it a great party anyway. And with that mindset, the most beautiful solutions suddenly emerge.”

    Keeping an eye on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Dutch Host Broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam recently  ruled out that the 65th Contest can take place “as normal” in 2021. The orgaisers now focus on implemeting the Scenario B for Eurovision 2021 , according to which the event will take place with social distancing measures, the acts performing in Rotterdam and maitaining on the table options depending on how the pandemic develops the week to follow. 

     

    THE THREE SCENARIOS STILL PLAYING FOR EUROVISION 2021

    The 3 scenarios being planned for are:

    Scenario B: Socially distanced Eurovision Song Contest 

    Everyone attending the Eurovision Song Contest at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena would need to practice social distancing. Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect artists, delegations, and crew on and off site would be adhered to.
    If there are any delegations who cannot travel to Rotterdam, their artists will perform “live on tape” with a recorded performance being used. Those who can travel to Rotterdam will perform their songs live on stage. 
    There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
    There will be activities in the City of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

    Scenario C: a travel restricted Eurovision Song Contest 

    A Eurovision Song Contest, from Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena but no delegations or artists will travel to Rotterdam. Hosts and interval acts will still be live from the Ahoy.The performances of ALL the participants will be “live on tape”.
    Strict health and safety measures (including frequent COVID testing) would be in place at the venue. A protocol to protect crew on and off site would be adhered to.
    There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), either with no audience or a reduced audience to allow for social distancing. The final capacity would be dependent on local government guidelines.
    There will be reduced activities in the City of Rotterdam held in a safe and responsible way.

    Scenario D: a lockdown Eurovision Song Contest 

    A Eurovision Song Contest without an audience and virtual activities will be considered to explore the host city of Rotterdam. The performances of all the participants will be “live on tape”. There would be 9 shows (6 dress rehearsals, 2 Semi-Finals and a Grand Final), but no audience. 

    41 public service broadcasters will submit entries for the 65th Eurovision Song Contest. 2 Semi-Finals will be staged on Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 May at the Rotterdam Ahoy Arena in the Netherlands. The Grand Final, featuring 26 songs, will be held on Saturday 22 May at 21.00 CEST. 

    News Source: economie.groningen.nl

    image: Eurovision.tv