Organised by the Asian Academy of Artistic Arts, the Asian Academy Artistic Awards (AACA) serves as the head of accomplishment in content material creation and media manufacturing, honouring excellence in media platforms together with tv, movie, digital and streaming. Though there are some 36 classes on this yr’s occasion, an Asian Academy Artistic Award just isn’t straightforward to win, shining brightly as a beacon of manufacturing excellence and as a profession milestone. The Asian Academy of Artistic Arts is a not-for-profit organisation that hosts award programmes, abilities improvement programs, networking occasions, conferences and unique membership companies.

On the helm of the AACA is CEO, Fiona McKay. McKay is a media and company lawyer with a wealth of expertise as an in-house authorized counsel over the previous 20 years throughout varied teams like Star Cruises, Astro Malaysia, SpeedCast and RTL-CBS Asia. Previous to working the AACA, McKay was the Head of Authorized for Viu (Vuclip), primarily based in Singapore.

At work, McKay is thought to be pleasant, wise, optimistic and a powerful proponent of teamwork and is. In her free time, McKay enjoys a superb film or tv present to wind down and spending as a lot high quality time as potential with household and mates. We communicate with McKay about working the AACA and her inspirations.

You might have been working the AACA since 2018 — together with throughout the extremely difficult instances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inform us extra about how the Awards got here to fruition? 

When Michael McKay and I first based the AACA in 2018, I had thought to myself “We’ve began on the suitable foot.” Ardour, Integrity and Respect are three key phrases for us. We maintain on strongly to our missions and that was how the AACA got here to fruition even throughout probably the most difficult instances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our first mission is to advertise Asia Pacific’s expertise and creativity to the worldwide market. We honour our area’s expertise and have fun inventive excellence. We attempt to keep up the mantle as Asia Pacific’s most prestigious awards for inventive excellence. Our second mission is to coach the subsequent era by means of our talent improvement coaching below the AACA’s Academy Campus. Lastly, our third mission is to acknowledge the excellent profession achievement by means of the AACA’s Elite Membership.   

What are the prevailing classes below the AACA? Do you intend to introduce extra classes this yr in 2023?

There are 36 classes this yr. We merged Greatest Information Anchor into the Greatest Factual Presenter Class, Greatest Pre College into Greatest Youngsters Class; Greatest Information Programme into Greatest Information/ Present Affairs Programme class and Greatest Pure Historical past/Wildlife Programme into the Documentary Programme Class. The brand new class, Greatest Voice Artist, which was launched in 2021 is gaining recognition and is extremely coveted by voice artists themselves. Nonetheless, we don’t plan to introduce extra classes this yr. We’re very cautious about introducing award classes and imagine in high quality over amount.

How is judging achieved? Are there particular processes you’ve gotten set as much as uphold the credibility of the AACA? 

Judging is completed on-line by means of our awards administration platform. Every choose could have their very own private jury account which is password protected. The scoring system is benchmarked towards a global judging system. Judges should meet our eligibility standards with a minimal of 5 years’ expertise within the associated subject and possess credentials or a monitor file within the particular style. 

What number of nations compete within the Awards? 

There are 16 nations and territories in whole – Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Why is Singapore an excellent location to host the Awards? Are there different places you might be at the moment contemplating for the years to come back? 

Singapore is a good location and we’ve got a superb collaboration with the Asia TV Discussion board. Plus, who doesn’t love coming to Singapore? That stated, our member nations are beginning to elevate discussions over the opportunity of internet hosting the Awards. Australia, Japan and South Korea are the primary nations mentioned to this point.

Why do the TV and leisure industries love the Awards?

Firstly, they’re thought-about some of the prestigious awards throughout the Asia Pacific. The Awards are peer judged by esteemed people within the business from world wide. It’s a fantastic probability for all of our member nations to get collectively and collaborate with one another and, based on my husband, we serve nice wine on the afterparties.

Who’re your main companions? 

Our main companions this yr are Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix, The Movement Image Affiliation, Gallagher, Nanyang Polytechnic, Elevate Broadcast, Actuality Leases, Coronary heart Media, WorldScreen and Asia TV Discussion board. Mediacorp, ABS CBN, Viu TV and Taiwanplus have been our broadcast companions for a few years.

Inform us in regards to the format of the 2023 Awards. Any main variations with respect to the 2022 iteration? 

The format will probably be much like 2022’s, however we’re contemplating some thrilling modifications to the Awards ceremony this yr which we are going to announce in September.

What do you’ve gotten deliberate for the 2023 AACA afterparty? 

We’re within the planning levels and dealing with companions and sponsors to ensure it’s one other nice night time. We’ll announce the main points as a part of our official Nationwide Winner Announcement on the finish of September. 

The place do you see the AACA 5 years down the highway? 

It is going to be our 10 yr anniversary then! I foresee the AACA will probably be larger and have a house venue that may be mounted for 5 years at a time. The crimson carpet will probably be even crazier than it’s now and our Elite Membership will probably be a world normal. Our main companions and I are extraordinarily excited to deliver this not-for-profit organisation to the subsequent degree.

You favorite second of the AACA? 

Once I see the expertise’s acceptance speeches on stage. The sense of accomplishment on their faces and the way blissful they’re to win an Asian Academy Artistic Award, holding the gorgeous golden goddess of their arms with their names.

Other than the AACA, what’s your favorite awards night time? 

Exterior of AACA, it must be the Oscars. 

Are you able to share with our readers the title of the mentor who has impressed you probably the most in your profession and life? 

Michael McKay. He’s my husband and enterprise accomplice. He’s additionally an Emmy Award winner and a veteran TV producer. Other than his data and abilities, he has impressed me along with his dedication, ardour, integrity, generosity and humility.

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