At last night’s BAFTA award presentation Sky’s FLYING MONSTERS 3D walked away with the coveted BAFTA for Specialist Factual, becoming the first 3D programme ever to win a BAFTA.

2011 has proved a record-breaking year for Sky, with the broadcaster picking up six BAFTA nominations, more than ever before.

Commenting on the award, Sophie Turner Laing, Sky’s Managing Director, Entertainment and News said: “I’m thrilled that FLYING MONSTERS 3D has been celebrated by BAFTA. It’s a truly remarkable piece of film-making by David Attenborough and the team at Atlantic Productions, and a ground-breaking first in television. We’re very proud to have been part of Sir David’s continued legacy at BAFTA in Black and White, Colour, HD and now, with Sky, in 3D. The film exemplifies Sky’s ambitions for 3D and in all our programming, and is richly deserving of the Academy’s recognition.”

“With tonight’s winner, our other BAFTA nominees and a rich slate of original and acquired programming, Sky continues to invest in expanding our customers’ choice of high quality programming.”

Sky 3D’s revolutionary FLYING MONSTERS 3D, offered viewers the chance to see prehistoric creatures brought to life more vividly than ever before in stunning 3D. FLYING MONSTERS will also be shown on Sky Atlantic HD this autumn. Sky is also working with David Attenborough on other projects, including a 3D documentary on penguins.

Sky’s other nominations included Drama Serial for Sky 1 HD’s MAD DOGS, which was recently commissioned for a second series with Max Beesley, Philip Glenister, John Simm and Marc Warren all confirmed to reprise their roles.

Also, one of Sky 1 HD’s first original comedy commissions in a decade, CATHERINE TATE’S LITTLE CRACKER, was nominated in the Comedy Programme category. The comedy, which was also Catherine Tate’s directorial debut, was one of 12 autobiographical comedy shorts which premiered over the Festive period last year.

Meanwhile PINEAPPLE DANCE STUDIOS, the ground-breaking and innovative factual series gained a nod in the Features category, having already gained a Royal Television Society award for Features and Lifestyle Series. The series, fronted by flamboyant dancer and choreographer Louie Spence, quickly became essential water-cooler viewing.

Sky Atlantic HD’s critically lauded BOARDWALK EMPIRE was nominated for the International award. The prohibition-era series, which launched Sky Atlantic in February this year, has already gained Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild recognition for its lavish production values and captivating performances.

Finally, Sky News’ comprehensive and insightful coverage of the EGYPT CRISIS earned the channel a nomination in the News Coverage category.

www.sky.com
www.bafta.org