BIMA Awards 2008

BIMA Awards 2008

in association with Digital Arts

The dates for the BIMAs 2008 are confirmed as:

  • Deadline for entries now extended to: 15 August 2008
  • Deadline for Call for Judges: 11 July 2008 (now closed)
  • BIMA Awards Presentation Gala Dinner: 27th November 2008 
  • Venue:  The Bloomsbury Club, London 

Call for Entries is now open - entry form here
Call for Judges - has now closed
Call for Sponsorship is now open - details here

Introduction

This year's categories in the BIMAs have changed.  As well as staying true to our core vision of 'Working to support the creative excellence and craftsmanship with digital media,' we have also decided to inject new life and relevancy into the Awards.  This basically means focusing on all aspects of digital, ranging from the traditional executions of design teams, right through to innovative craftsmanship, which often results in those awesome little gems of wickedness.

Therefore we think you will find the categories a lot wider and more general, allowing for a greater variety of submissions from more areas of our industry.  So, as well as celebrating traditional creative, we will also be recognising a few more unsung heroes.  It's been an incredible year for all of us in the interactive field and BIMA wants to celebrate what has created a buzz in 2008 and who made it all happen. Good Luck!

Award Categories

There are nine main Award Category areas.   Within an Award Category there are a number of sub categories into which entries will be accepted. There is no limit to the number entries from any one agency/organisation etc. and the same project may be entered into more than one sub category.  Each sub category will produce a winner, although it should be noted that if no sub category warrants an award, then one will not be given.  The winners of each sub category within a main category will be eligible to go forward for the judges to assess the overall winner of the main category.  The winners of each sub category within a category will receive an award and the winner of the main category will receive a BIMA trophy.   The sub categories are listed here.  In the case of the Student Award, there are no sub-categories.

The BIMA Awards 2008

There are 9 Award Categories this year.

• B2B
• B2C
• Website
• Games
• Integrated Campaign
• Social Media
• Film & Animation
• Student Award
• Talent

Each category would aim to have one BIMA 2008 Winner.  (If no segment warrants an award, then one will not be given.)  Within an Award Category there are a number of sub categories of entry.  If no sub category warrants an award, then again, one will not be given.
There will be one BIMA 2008 Grand Prix Award.

All of the main category winners will be judged and a Grand Prix Award will be given out. to the Judges' Choice.  

Why have we changes the categories?

Why have we changed the categories? The purpose of this new category structure is to capture the talents and merits that specific areas of design and development play in the creation of an interactive experience. Many unique skills and successes come together to make "magic" in modern digital media. Our industry has evolved further this year than any other, and BIMA wants to identify the developments and achievements made by introducing new categories and disciplines. We will also assume that all good interactive design will aim to be accessible and compliant. 

B2B
This award category focuses on identifying solutions that challenge conventional ideas and expectations of the B2B genre. Judges will specifically look for creative solutions and strategies that excel (business-to-business products or services) or communications (supports corporate communications and operations) across all aspects of the designed solution. All ideas will be considered, whether they’re big or small, from intelligent and insightful copy, to clever use of bespoke technology.

To succeed in this category we’ll be looking for unique and effective ways of meeting business objectives, as well as a mature use of integrated digital channels as part of the overall strategy.

Oh…and not forgetting the most important criteria; brilliant design and exceptional creativity!

This is not open to agency-to-agency projects as this is covered by another genre, the ‘Talent Award’ with ‘Best Agency.’ 
Entries can be in any interactive media, Internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk or interactive TV. 

B2C
This category focuses on consumers and how they interact with commercial enterprises. It’s a lot more than just paying lip service to consumers needs though. We’ll be looking for a genuine understanding and proof that insights learned have been acted upon. Therefore the planning, and subsequent exploitation of digital channels should show compelling strategies to engage consumers at all levels of the solution.

The converging of channels provide opportunities to enter a wide variety of work that balances technical, creative and business innovation to provide genuinely interesting and effective solutions. Innovative, ambitious and creative solutions are what the judges will be looking for in 2008.

From mobile solutions, interactive TV to micro sites…

Entries can be in any interactive media, internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk or interactive TV.

Website
Put simply, this award category is looking to applaud the best website.

The judges will assess the whole experience comprising the idea, the overall design, the information architecture, navigation, and use of rich content such as motion graphics and video.

It’s all about the nuances that create the wonderful website experience you create, from innovative use of audio, through to the taxonomy and user experience. This years award is looking to find the great makers of the best websites out there, big or small…big budget or not.

*NB - Micro sites (by which we mean campaign specific sites which live separately from the main corporate or brand site and are designed with a limited life span) will not be awarded here. Micro sites are supported in most other genres in the subcategories.

Games
This award recognises the most innovative and compelling example of interactive games and gaming, across any platform. As an example, what the judges are looking for is a game that challenges the overall excellence of design in a game, including game play, mechanics, effects, user experience, narrative, illustration and scenarios.

We welcome everything, including mobile, micro sites, kiosk, handheld, console, iTV or online games that break new visual, technical or narrative ground!  Also, games that have community elements, peer to peer and other innovative technological dynamics are also welcome. Entries can be in any interactive media, internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk or interactive TV. 

Integrated Campaign
This award goes to the best example of digital work in the context of an integrated campaign. The winning work will successfully demonstrate the use of a big creative idea expressed across multiple channels. This could encompass on and offline media, but MUST demonstrate an innovative use of online and / or mobile.

Judges will look for the design and creativity of the piece, not just how successful it was in terms of distribution.
 
Entries can be in any interactive media, Internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk or interactive TV. 

Social Media
To blog or not to blog…that is the question. Well in this category it’s all-important as the judges are quite simply looking for the most innovative experiences within the ever-evolving social media space. From an incredibly poignant blog, to the juiciest avatar, we want to celebrate our social designs!

Film & Animation
The moving image is a core part of the interactive and digital experience and always will be. These days it is an on and offline interactive expectation. This award recognises the innovation and art within film, entertainment and animation within an interactive experience.

Whether it’s a mobile drama, a flash animation, an interactive installation or a video short on a social network. The important thing is that it must be an original production or adaptation that is innovative and groundbreaking in its own right, marrying the art of motion and digital together.

The judges will be looking for innovative concepts, production values and originality. 
Entries can be in any interactive media, Internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk, VHS, Digi-Beta or interactive TV.

Student Awards
This category is open to a student, or a team of students that demonstrate the best use of interactive work within digital media. The project should have been undertaken as part of a course and is open to anyone who is currently in full-time education.

The judges will be looking for exciting and innovative creative ideas in interactive design and functionality. Entries can be in any interactive media, Internet, CD-Rom, DVD, mobile, installation, kiosk or interactive TV and the entry must be accompanied by an introduction from the tutor of the course outlining the degree achievable from the course . 

Talent
The talent award 2008 should actually speak for itself. We basically want to celebrate true greatness within the interactive industry. 
 Awarded to an individual, team, agency or client, the talent award 2008 is here to enable BIMA to identify the work of the makers and craftspeople among us. Applicants can come from all disciplines, all corporate levels and currently working and building a digital portfolio. An individual or a team who are truly innovative and inspiring. Up and coming stars that are worth keeping an eye on.
 


“Sometimes there is just that raw talent in the team who goes the extra mile. The talent that create masterpieces. The designer who just has that flair and polish, the developer who invents and never tires, the planner who is just god’s gift…and the boss, who really is the leader”