Brand Video Awards: The BRAVES
Circa 2012
The BRAVES are the Brand Video Awards. In the fast-growing video universe, brands and marketers have the ability to produce amazing content, distribute it flawlessly and measure its success to the smallest detail.
This was their 2012 Awards website.
Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages.
Acknowledgement: We had to put off the launch of the Brand Video Awards due to a significant issue triggered by a huge problem that our SEO agency caused. Unknown to us, they were inappropriately using techniques outside of Google's guidelines and caused the website to get penalized for non-compliance - they were using many doorway pages with external links to game Google's search engine thinking they could quickly advance our ranks when the opposite was true. When we hired another SEO team to look into this, they immediately removed all the non-compliant structures and links, which took months to clear. We asked how long to recover from a Google penalty because delays were eating our budget, but they had no clue. The answer is too long - in this case about 3 months. But now we're back and the Awards event was able to get back on the calendar for the following year. Painful lessons learned.
ABOUT THE BRAVES
Celebrating the best of brand video
The BRAVES are the Brand Video Awards, the only awards ceremony to recognise and reward the use of video by brands. Many other awards ceremonies pay lip service to the use of video across platforms by brands, but only the BRAVES is dedicated to celebrating the very best of brand involvement in video.
From the earliest days of video creation, brands have set the agenda for the medium. Soap operas were created to provide entertaining advert breaks to let FMCG companies sell soap. In the 21st century, the communion of brand and video reaches across all platforms: TV, online, mobile, cinema, out-of-home and even print. Any environment that can show video, shows brand: initiated, created, sponsored, influenced, mashed, mixed or funded content. It is in this video rich world that we launch the BRAVES, the first awards solely dedicated to recognising and rewarding the excellence of brands in video.
Why enter
• Recognise the role of brands in the video eco-system
• Are open to brands, agencies, content creators and technical companies of all sizes
• Welcome entries from any platform, device or medium that supports video
• Will become the mark of quality and innovation in the brand video eco-system
CELEBRATING THE BEST OF BRAND VIDEO
The winners have been announced
The BRAVES are the Brand Video Awards. In the fast-growing video universe, brands and marketers have the ability to produce amazing content, distribute it flawlessly and measure its success to the smallest detail.
The first ever BRAVES winners have been revealed
The heroes of brand video were rewarded at a glamorous red carpet premier-style event on 11 July at Vue Cinema in London. The event celebrated the very best in branded content with an evening at the movies, broadcasting the winning entries live on the big screen.
If you wish to register your interest to enter or attend the 2013 BRAVES Awards, please email graham@csquared.cc to be added to our mailing list and receive updates
CATEGORIES
Be inspired and take a look at videos we like in each category
Campaign BRAVES
Sponsored by Unruly
Smart and strategic, Campaign BRAVE has a plan and is in control. A master of innovation and insight, his mission is to promote the best use of video in advertising campaigns. The Campaign BRAVES category promotes the best in video campaign innovation and creative planning.
1. Best Pre- and Post-Roll Campaign
This award will recognise the best video campaign using the pre- and/or post-roll video advertising standards. Judges will be looking to reward the most creative, innovative and intelligent use of pre- and post-roll advertising in line with BRAVES judging methodology.
2. Best Adaptation of a TV Ad
This award will recognise the best online video campaign based on ‘made for TV’ content. In this category, judges will be looking for the intelligent and successful use of a TV spot, in line with BRAVES judging methodology.
3. Best Video Sponsorship Campaign
This award will recognise the best video sponsorship campaign. Judges will reward the most creative, innovative and intelligent sponsorship, in line with BRAVES judging methodology.
4. Best Social Video Campaign
This award will recognise the most creative, innovative and intelligent viral video campaign. The winning campaign will demonstrate huge success through the number of views generated by the viral nature of the content. Metrics to show success will be important, but the category will be judged in line with BRAVES judging methodology.
5. BRAVE Campaign Grand Prix (Non-entering category)
This award will be given to the video campaign that the judges feel stands apart from all others in the Campaign BRAVES. It will be judged in line with BRAVES judging methodology, based on the winners of all Campaign BRAVE categories.

Content BRAVES
1. Best Long Form Brand Content ->3min
This award will recognise the best long-form video content produced for a brand. Judges will use the BRAVES overall judging methodology to determine the winner. All video content entered in this category must be longer than 3 minutes in length.
2. Best Short Form Brand Content
This award will recognise the best short-form video content produced for a brand. Judges will use the BRAVES overall judging methodology to determine the winner. All video content entered in this category must be shorter than 3 minutes in length.
3. Best Brand Channel
This award will recognise the use of a dedicated channel to promote a brand, through tight integration with relevant content. Judges will use the BRAVES overall judging methodology to determine the ‘best’ Brand Channel and, while looking for metrics, will not rely on these alone.
4. Best Branded Content [Factual]
This award will recognise the best factual branded video content. Judges will be looking for excellence in every aspect of the content, using the BRAVES overall judging methodology, but paying particular attention to the delivery of factual information at its heart and its resonance with the brand.
5. Best Branded Content [Entertainment]
This award will recognise the best entertainment video content created for a brand. Judges will be looking for excellence in every aspect of the content, using the BRAVES overall judging methodology, but paying particular attention to the entertainment value created by the video and its resonance with the brand.
6. Best Art Direction / Photography
This award will recognise the best art direction/photography within a branded content video. Judges will use the BRAVES overall judging methodology, paying specific attention to the artistic talent that helps the winner stand apart from the crowd.
7. BRAVES Content Grand Prix (Non-entering category)
This award will be given to the branded content video that the judges feel stands apart from all others in the Content BRAVES. It will be judged in line with BRAVES judging methodology, based on the winners of all Content BRAVES categories.

Technical BRAVES
Nobody knows where he came from. With tools for platforms, players, analytics and distribution, strong, silent Technical BRAVE is essential to the video ecosystem. His best work often goes unnoticed, so the Technical BRAVES are designed to recognise the best technical contributions and innovations to the video landscape.
1. Best Video Service for Advertisers and Publishers
This award will recognise the best video platform for brand advertising and publishing video content. The judges will reward the network that has consistently powered brand advertising video content to success. Judges will be looking for hard statistics that prove the value of the platform. Entries should be in case study format, based upon multiple brands.
2. Best Video Analytics Solution
This award will recognise the best video analytics provider. The judges will reward the provider that can show it has provided brands with the best insights in order for brand video to succeed. Judges will look for insights that prove the power of the analytics solution. This category is open to analytics providers across any platform.
3. Best Content Distribution Service
This award will recognise the best video distribution service. The judges will reward the service that has consistently powered brand video content to success by ensuring that consumers view brand videos. Judges will be looking for hard statistics that prove the value of the seeding services, as well as case study based examples of brands using the network. This category is open to content seeding services across any platform.
4. BRAVES Award for Technical Innovation
This award will recognise the service provider that has displayed consistent excellence in the field of brand video content support. This category is open to services across all platforms, technologies and sectors. Entries should be in case study format, based upon multiple brands.
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BLOG 2012
Tumblr video project: The Lively Morgue and the New York Times
So Tumblr has launched a new content project called Storyboard. Billed as “tales from behind the dashboard”, the series will follow various members of the Tumblr community in a kind of digital mass-observation project. These could be anyone from performers
Due to popular demand, entries remain open until 25 May
We are pleased to announce that the deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 25 May 2012. Due to the high demand we received last week whilst embarking on BRAVES on Tour, we are delighted that entrants now have an extra two weeks
The best advert the Brit Awards never had
This is one for pop fans. Some of you might be familiar with the work of Jenny Bede, the rising YouTube comedienne. Youve probably heard her inspired Cheryl Cole impersonation Talk this way, released during the pop stars US X-Factor
The BRAVES go on tour
Coming soon to an office near you The BRAVES are currently touring media and creative hotspots in central London, delivering popcorn to agencies, creative studios and production houses.
Chevrolet street art documentary
Jeff Soto is a street artist who was challenged by Chevrolet to make a a graffiti piece aided by a Chevy Sonic fitted out with spray paint guns and robotics. His work has been documented in this cool film from
Video-based car configuration
IMAGE: toyota-prius1.jpg
Toyota and Saatchi & Saatchi LA have debuted a brand new online experience as part of the ongoing campaign supporting the Prius c. This immersive platform is the first and only YouTube-based car configurator to exist, and is aimed at busy, digitally savvy Generation Y-ers preparing to
Google in education
A new ad from Google proves just how important internet resources have become for teachers and the students they educate.
A wild night with Ruprecht
IMAGE: ruprecht-braves.jpg
This cheeky viral from Blueprint TV is a nice update of the Burger King Interactive Chicken video from a few years ago. Meet Ruprecht, the unlikely hero of a new ad campaign from The Phantom Card a discount club
Top 5 branded music videos
Sponsored music videos are a chance for brands to get cool again. Given that expensive-looking, high quality TV spots are a thing of the past (Ive already cleared my inbox in preparation for the rebuttal emails from Thinkbox et al
WINNERS
CAMPAIGN BRAVES Sponsored by
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Best Adaptation of a TV Ad |
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Leave the ordinary behind | Jumeirah Group | Jumeirah Group | UAE |
Best Video Sponsorship |
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Hyundai’s New Thinkers index | Microsoft | Hyundai Motor Company | UK |
Best Social Video |
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Great films fill rooms | Sony Entertainment Network | Video Store of PlayStation Store | UK |
Grand Prix Campaign BRAVES |
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Leave the ordinary behind | Jumeirah Group | Jumeirah Group | UAE |
CONTENT BRAVES - Sponsored by
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Best Art Direction/Photography |
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A world made simpler by Xerox | Young & Rubicam NY | Xerox | US |
Best Brand Channel |
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XperiaStudio.com | LBi | Sony | UK |
Best Branded Content (Entertainment) |
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Chivas consideration | Euro RSCG London | Chivas Regal | UK |
Best Branded Content (Factual) |
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Horizons | OgilvyEntertainment | DuPont | US |
Best Long Form Branded Content |
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>Horizons | OgilvyEntertainment | DuPont | US |
Best Short Form Branded Content |
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Bing holiday Rudolph | Starcom MediaVest Group |
Microsoft | US |
Grand Prix Content BRAVES |
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A world made simpler by Xerox | Young & Rubicam NY | Xerox | US |
TECHNICAL BRAVES - Sponsored by
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Best Video Service |
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SocialVibe | UK | ||
Award for Technical Innovation |
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Aurasma | UK | ||
Best Video Analytics Solution |
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Ooyala | UK | ||
Best Content Distribution Service |
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Unruly | US | ||
CHAIRMANS AWARD Sponsored by
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Sony Entertainment Network | Video Store of PlayStation Store | UK |
More Background on TheBraveAwards.com
TheBraveAwards.com was a website dedicated to the Brand Video Awards, also known as The BRAVES. Launched around 2012, these awards celebrated excellence in brand video content across various categories. The BRAVES were positioned as the first awards solely dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the use of video by brands across multiple platforms, including TV, online, mobile, cinema, and out-of-home advertising.
Key Features of TheBraveAwards.com
The website served as the primary platform for information about the awards, showcasing different award categories, providing detailed information about each category and judging criteria, and offering resources for potential entrants. It featured a blog section with updates and insights related to brand video content, as well as entry guidelines and deadlines.
Award Categories
The BRAVES recognized excellence in several areas:
Campaign BRAVES
Sponsored by Unruly, this category celebrated the best use of video in advertising campaigns. It included subcategories such as:
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Best Pre- and Post-Roll Campaign
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Best Adaptation of a TV Ad
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Best Video Sponsorship Campaign
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Best Social Video Campaign
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BRAVE Campaign Grand Prix (Non-entering category)
Content BRAVES
This category celebrated the art in video and specifically rewarded branded video content where the brand had been involved from the outset. Subcategories included:
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Best Long Form Brand Content (>3min)
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Best Short Form Brand Content
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Best Brand Channel
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Best Branded Content [Factual]
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Best Branded Content [Entertainment]
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Best Art Direction / Photography
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BRAVES Content Grand Prix (Non-entering category)
Technical BRAVES
Sponsored by Preview Networks, this category recognized the best technical contributions and innovations in the video landscape. Subcategories included:
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Best Video Service for Advertisers and Publishers
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Best Video Analytics Solution
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Best Content Distribution Service
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BRAVES Award for Technical Innovation
Significance and Impact
The BRAVES aimed to recognize and reward the use of video by brands in the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape. By focusing solely on brand video content, the awards highlighted the growing importance of video in marketing strategies and celebrated innovation in this field.
Event Details
The awards ceremony was designed as a glamorous, red carpet, premier-style event. In 2012, it was held on July 11 at Vue Cinema in London, where winning entries were broadcast live on the big screen. This format provided a unique showcase for the winning content, allowing attendees to experience the best brand videos in a cinematic setting.
Challenges and Adaptations
Interestingly, the launch of the Brand Video Awards faced a significant setback due to SEO issues. The website acknowledged that their SEO agency had used techniques outside of Google's guidelines, resulting in a penalty. This led to a delay in the launch and required months of work to remove non-compliant structures and links. The incident highlights the importance of ethical SEO practices and the potential impact of search engine penalties on digital initiatives.
Winners and Recognition
The inaugural BRAVES in 2012 recognized excellence across various categories. Notable winners included:
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Jumeirah Group's "Leave the ordinary behind" campaign, which won Best Adaptation of a TV Ad and the Grand Prix Campaign BRAVES
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Young & Rubicam NY's "A world made simpler by Xerox" campaign, winning Best Art Direction/Photography and the Grand Prix Content BRAVES
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Technical category winners included SocialVibe, Aurasma, Ooyala, and Unruly
Legacy and Impact
While specific information about the long-term impact of TheBraveAwards.com is limited, the initiative represented an early recognition of the growing importance of brand video content. By creating a dedicated platform to celebrate excellence in this field, the BRAVES likely contributed to raising standards and encouraging innovation in brand video production and distribution.
As of February 2025, it's unclear whether TheBraveAwards.com or the BRAVES awards are still active. However, the concepts and categories they introduced remain relevant in today's digital marketing landscape, where video content continues to play a crucial role in brand communication and engagement strategies.