The future of the Conch Awards has been secured, with ownership passing from trade association UK Screen to media group EMAP, writes Kevin Hilton. The event, which recognises audio professionals, post facilities and film and TV productions with outstanding sound design, has been rescheduled for 30th May 2012 at the Mayfair Hotel in London.
The announcement was made on the eve of BVE North (15th November), the new Manchester-based broadcast technology trade show, which is also run by EMAP. The first Conch Awards ceremony was held in 2006 but did not take place this year in its usual September slot because organisers were working to confirm that it would continue to be part of the audio industry’s social calendar.
Event Director Charlotte Wheeler comments, “The level of audio talent in the UK is off the scale and we are proud to recognise the people and companies behind the most amazing work of the year.” The advisory board for the 2012 Conch Awards remains the same as in previous years, comprising Dennis Weinreich, Peter Joly and Robin O'Donoghue.
Some changes have been made to the award categories. The Fellowship Award has been replaced by Outstanding Contribution of the Year, while there is a new award for Sound Design and Editorial Team.
Nominations for the Conch Awards 2012 will open soon, with other categories including: Film Re-Recording Mixer of the Year, Most Promising Newcomer, TV Dubbing Mixer of the Year, Audio on TV Drama, Film Soundtrack of the Year, (over £10 million and under £10 million) and TV Mix Facility of the Year.
