In 2002, Red Bee Media helped 3 network launch the UK’s first 3G mobile service – complete with all–singing and dancing video content.

We were chosen because of our expertise in editorial compliance, our long heritage in video repurposing and our experience in writing for the small screen, not to mention our proven ability to manage, schedule and deliver high value content.

Gearing up for launch we provided an exclusive team of 17 mobile experts working around the clock in 3’s mobile production facility. There was also an additional pool of highly skilled staff able to be brought in for major events or the bulk publishing of content.

On a daily basis we were responsible for most of the publishing on the 3 portal and ensured on– time delivery and compliance with editorial and technical guidelines. Once the video went ’live’, further checks were carried out to ensure it remained available and worked as planned on the handset.

As well as creating detailed editorial and technical reports on 3’s suppliers and service, we provided expert scheduling services, ensuring that the content most relevant to 3’s audience was always the first to be found on the portal.

But key to the success of this project was our ability to assess what would and wouldn’t work in the new medium – whether it was selecting existing content for mobisodes, or making a judgement call on live sports footage. Often this could involve taking tough decisions on the unsuitability (either editorial or technical) of certain content until outstanding issues had been resolved. Only this way could we build and preserve the relevance and reliability of 3’s video offering – and ultimately its brand.

Of the 100,000 individual pieces of content we’ve published over the last five years, highlights include:
1. Ongoing work with high profile providers, like MTV, Sony, Sky, EMI and Universal
2. Creating made–for–mobile video highlights of the 2006 World Cup, major boxing matches
and pop festivals 3. Delivering the first ever made–for–mobile highlights of the FA Premiership in 2003
4. Creating 1000’s of video MMSs promoting music, sport and ringtones
5. Helping 3 take a 20% share in the sales of the UK’s first number one hit, download-only music track – Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”
The network has won numerous awards for its content output: 6. Meffy for Mobile Entertainment Operator of the Year
7. Music Week Magazine Best Digital Music Service 2005 and 2006
8. For the 2006 World Cup, due to the quality of production and speed of delivery, 3 were independently named Best Mobile Service by ArgoGroup