Eurovision 2024 is just days away, and with fans eagerly awaiting the first semi-final on May 7th, the EBU has revealed that postcards this year will be greener and more sustainable.
Postcards filmed by artists themselves
In previous years, postcards have been used as a way to show off the participating countries, or the host country. These 40-second clips have required a specific filming crew flying out to each country to record the artist in their home nation.
However, this year will see a change in the postcard filming, as SVT has asked each of the artists to record their own postcard. This means that the participating singers have their own chance to show off their country.
According to the EBU, the aim of this is to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the show, as the filming crew does not need to fly out to each nation. This also provides a more personal view of the country, and of the artists themselves. As well as this, flashes of previous acts from the country’s Eurovision history will be included in the postcard before turning to the stage for the performance.
Speaking about the initiative, the Contest’s Executive Producer, Per Blankens, said:
For the Postcards this year we decided on a fun challenge. What if the postcards could be sent to us rather than us traveling in order to save the environment – and money. After all, they are called postcards.
Each of the Heads of Delegation got the assignment to make sure that each artist was filmed in ‘selfie mode’ with a smartphone – the way we are used to seeing it on social media.
We also added some public service – a graphic map to see where all the countries are located in the world. And then we wanted to celebrate the rich and incredible history of the Eurovision Song Contest by adding a couple of previous great entries from the Eurovision archives of each country.
To top things off, we wanted to show the artist in a glamorous fashion as a counterpoise to the selfies. So we are ending with a glam shoot. Map, archive, selfies and glam shot – a lot of things goes into this year’s postcards. But as it is the most recurring item in the shows, they need to move things along and be entertaining!
Per Blankens, TV Producer for Eurovision 2024
The story of Eurovision 2024 so far…
The Nordic country will host the 68th edition of the competition. This is after Loreen’s historic win at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool. One month after the 2023 contest took place, SVT revealed the first names of the Core Team that will work on the competition. SVT completed the team in September.
In July 2023, after a shortlist of four cities, it was announced that Malmö would host Eurovision 2024. The city will spend up to €2.5 million for the contest. Additionally, they will have 600 volunteers working for the show.
As for the upcoming contest, there will be 37 countries participating. Luxembourg will be returning, whilst Romania withdraws. ‘United By Music’ will be the permanent slogan for the contest. The upcoming contest will have ‘The Eurovision Lights’ as the theme art. The stage, designed by Florian Wieder and Fredrik Stormby was revealed in December.
What do you think about the postcards this year? Whose postcards will you be most looking forward to? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we head towards rehearsals for Eurovision 2024!
News Source: EBU
Photo Credit: EBU
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