TEQUILA\ and TVNZ launch Grandstand ‘One Love’ digital initiative for Rugby World Cup

After months of planning and production, TEQUILA\ Auckland and TVNZ have launched Grandstand, a pioneering web-based chat-room to coincide with the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Created as part part of TVNZ’s ‘One Love’ 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign, Grandstand is arguably the first web-based application in the country to feature tailored versions for three different device types (e.g. computers and notebooks, iPad and mobiles such as iPhone and Android).

As an official broadcaster of the Rugby World Cup, TVNZ briefed TEQUILA\ to create an experience that brings fans together during every live match broadcast, no matter where they are or how they watch games.

TVNZ research suggests that over half of all viewers surf the web whilst watching TV, and that nearly 30% of viewers frequently use social networking because of the connected community experience it provides. *

Grandstand was built by TEQUILA\ from the ground up by using a combination of HTML5, Javascript and CS3 and by drawing upon and including conversations from various social networks, any user can join in. In addition, twitter users can post through Grandstand to their own twitter accounts.

“TVNZ is committed to connecting New Zealanders with compelling content that can be accessed through any screen so it’s been exciting to work with TEQUILA\ in delivering an entirely new digital platform to make that even more of a reality and supplement our traditional television offering,” says Tom Cotter, GM of Digital Media, TVNZ.

Ross Howard, Creative Director at TEQUILA\, says: “It’s been really satisfying for me to work with TVNZ again and continue the relationship we established through our joint development of the TVNZ OnDemand offer for the PS3”.

“Both TEQUILA\ and TVNZ agree that digital is an increasingly important space for their commercial clients, so we’re looking forward to creating more opportunities to partner together and develop more cutting edge solutions,” he adds.

TEQUILA\ Credits:

Sarah Pritchett, Digital Media Product Manager