Arthur Guinness televised showing gets rave reviews

The one-hour Arthur Guinness Celebration concert special, which aired on Friday, December 10 at 9:30 p.m., on CVM TV, has been receiving rave reviews for the excellent production, which highlighted various elements of the mega Arthur Guinness concert that was held at the National Stadium on October 23.

From as early as the opening montage and aerial shots, the made-for-TV feature engaged audiences with behind-the-scenes highlights and interviews with members of the production crew as well as fan reaction.

Engaging and exciting

Many viewers found the quick-cut editing style engaging, adding excitement to the overall production. The actual concert was produced by the Martin Lewis-led TEAM Solutions event management outfit while Delano Forbes and the Phase Three team handled the production of the TV special which was edited by Michael Cushnie.

Shot entirely in HD utilising 10 cameras, the feature was made to show the intense preparation and work that went on behind the scenes on the mega show. There were interviews from Guinness personnel, namely Guinness Brand Manager Gary Dixon as well as colleagues Gareth Geddes, Jomo Cato and Jermaine Bibbons. "Arthur Guinness Day was celebrated around the world with concerts in Dublin, Malaysia and several other territories. But Jamaica holds the distinction of staging the largest celebration of all the celebrations worldwide," noted Dixon.

At certain intervals, there were interview snippets from artistes, patrons and staff giving their definition of greatness as well as giving their first-hand Guinness experience. Freddie McGregor, Wayne Wonder and Beenie Man were among the artistes who commented specifically on the quality of production.

Best production

"This was one of the best, if not, the best production I have ever seen in Jamaica," declared Shaggy.

During the concert feature highlight segment, there were opening performances from Wayne Wonder, Freddie McGregor along with the rest of the Big Ship family, including Chino and Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor.

The second segment of the highlight show saw performances from Lady Saw, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean.

The third segment was by far the most highly anticipated and exciting as reggae superstar Shaggy, along with dancehall stalwarts Mavado, Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, energised the huge crowd on hand with simultaneous performance. There was also an impromptu performance by Baby Cham along with Khago and Mr G and Elephant Man.

During the broadcast, Guinness Caribbean held a Facebook promotion teasing online fans with clues to questions specifically related to the TV special. Hundreds of comments posted within the hour demonstrated the high level of interest in the broadcast. Even before the show was over, there were several posts requesting a re-broadcast of the concert.

The one-hour highlight show closed with members of the production as well as overseas visitors thanking Guinness for the experience, which for many was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.