Jimmy Kimmel is one of the media's sweethearts, and now viewers will be able to see his opening monologue at the 68th Emmy Awards on Sunday via Facebook in a full 360-degree video.
Facebook and the Television Academy inked an exclusive partnership that includes Kimmel's opening monologue being recorded in 360-degree video from the orchestra pit at the Microsoft Theater. This will allow viewers to get an immersive feeling of the whole theater, including the audience and the stage.
When the monologue is over, Kimmel will upload the video to his Facebook page. The social media pages of the ABC Television Network and the Emmys/Television Academy will be following suit, in what promises to become a slew of cross posts.
Kimmel's Facebook page counts north of 781,000 likes, while his Kimmel Live page packs a solid 3.26 million likes. Meanwhile, the Emmys/Television Academy page counts more than 280,000 followers, with ABC banking on 2.36 million likes on its official page.
Facebook gets exclusivity for hosting various 360-videos from the Emmys, which include a first glance at the red carpet, as well as unique behind-the-scenes action. Mobile device users need to move their gadgets around to have an oversight of the scene, while desktop users can navigate the 360-video via a mouse cursor.
What is more, virtual reality buffs will get to enjoy the 360-degree video as well. The experience only needs a Samsung Gear VR headset, the Oculus Video app and a compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
In the partnership between the Television Academy and Facebook, a section is also dedicated to Facebook Live. This will ensure that users of the social media will get tidbits of behind-the-scenes action, as well as live streams from various prize winners. Last but not least, a quick peek into Emmy's magazine portrait studio is in tow.
Streaming fans will be able to watch the Emmy Awards on ABC.com and on mobile devices via the dedicated video app. The app is available to participating pay-TV subscribers in the eight station markets owned by ABC, as well as in the markets owned by ABC's affiliates, such as Hearst.
Maury McIntyre, Television Academy's president and COO, explains that Facebook is a great way for the standard television networks to broaden their reach. He goes on to say that the social media's 360 capabilities and Live product "are great ways to give television fans fresh, new insight" into the glamour that takes places at such events.
However, keep in mind that Facebook aims to deliver video ads during Live streamings, so the experience might be a bit off-putting.
To watch the Emmys, tune into ABC on Sept. 18.
