Alabama A&M ‘Rivalry Week’ video now nominated for Emmy Award
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Alabama A&M University’s 2024 Magic City Classic Rivalry Week video series, which had been nominated last month for a Telly Award, is now nominated for an Emmy Award.
The branded video series celebrating the magic of the nation’s largest HBCU rivalry has been recognized among the best short films of the year.
‘Bulldog Family’ video nominated for Emmy
The video, released last fall in the weeks leading up to the Magic City Classic, showcases the Willigham family, who are huge Bulldog fans. The series includes three episodic videos highlighting AAMU’s traditional rivalry through storylines rooted in familial school spirit.
Julius, the family patriarch, finds himself in the middle of each vignette as he protects The Hill ahead of the Classic.
The first spot, entitled “Trick or Treat”, brings Julius face-to-face with the enemy as his little nephew, Jeremiah, appears at his doorstep dressed as “the cutest hornet you’ve ever seen.”
In the second spot titled “Choices,” the Willingham’s father-son duo – Julius and Curtis – shed a fun light on a rivalry that often divides households along mascot lines. Curtis’ decision to attend college in Montgomery leads Julius to replace him with a new son.
The final spot in the series — “Meet the Parents” — has Tonya (the Willingham’s daughter) bringing home her new boyfriend Jaden, who happens to be a student at a Montgomery area university.
The unique branded content campaign to celebrate the Magic City Classic rivalry earned over 1 million overall views, driving audience growth and brand awareness for the University through the content deployed across social media and select Alabama markets ahead of rivalry weekend.
“This project was about shining a bright light on the most celebrated HBCU rivalry in the land. It gives a relevant narrative to the colorful traditions we want the world to know us for. That brand story is both meaningful and valuable to students, alumni, and supporters. It resonates with everyone.”
Aaron Thompson, AAMU Assistant Vice President
How AAMU received the Emmy nomination
AAMU’s video series received the Emmy nomination from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Southeast Chapter. The project was nominated in the Branded Content – Short Form Content category along with other finalists:
- The Atlanta Hawks
- The University of South Carolina
- Champ Creative (MLB – Rickwood Field)
The award winners will be announced at the Southeast EMMY® Awards ceremony to be held June 14 in Atlanta.
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