After four fantastic years of events on the South Bank, Antenna presented its last UK showcase of creative music videos at the National Film Theatre on Friday November 10.
When Antenna launched back on September 25 2002, it was intended to be an event that would give the public a chance to see all the creative, underground music videos that were denied an audience by mainstream television. The founders, video commissioner Vez and journalist Jordan McGarry knew that there was an audience out there who would appreciate the hard work and unabashed creativity of the directors behind the videos, and were proved right as show after show sold out well in advance, and the public, the press and the music video industry itself rushed to support the events.
However, due to creative differences in their vision for the present running and the future direction of the company Antenna's founders feel that the time is now right to close Antenna and finish on a high.
Antenna's aim was always to inspire people, make them aware of the possibilities of what a music video could be and to encourage people to look further than what was offered by the mainstream music channels. Despite Antenna's closure, the founders hope that Antenna's fans will retain the message and continue their passion for the artform.
The last show was Antenna's twentieth core show at the NFT and was followed by an almighty party to celebrate the four years of fun and to give Antenna a chance to say thank you to all the directors, production companies, record labels and video fans who have supported us so amazingly over the years.
Moving from its traditional Thursday night slot, the last show was set to take place on a Friday, so there would be no worries about bedtime or work the following day.
After the final festivities the antennapromo.co.uk website will stay live with details of the 20 shows, the panellists who took part, the videos shown and of course the stunning posters archive. The site will also give contact details for Vez and Jordan for anyone who wants to stay in touch.
Antenna UK, the spin-off endeavour Antenna undertook in association with the British Council, which has seen Antenna-produced programmes of music videos and filmed interviews with profiled British directors screened all over the world, will also close, but not before the last reel, Antenna UK 4, rolls out from December to March. |
