Final preps ahead of 2021 Eurovision Song Contest

STORY: Netherlands Eurovision Preview - Final preps ahead of 2021 Eurovision Song Contest

LENGTH: 04:00

FIRST RUN: 0300

RESTRICTIONS: Part of content has significant restrictions; please see script for details

TYPE: English/Natsound

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

STORY NUMBER: 4326175

DATELINE: 12/14 May 2021 - Rotterdam

SHOTLIST:

RESTRICTION SUMMARY: PART SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTIONS ON REHEARSAL FOOTAGE - SEE BELOW

++Broadcast use strictly in the news context on TV in general current affairs bulletin

++On-Demand Use of the general current affairs bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right-Holder) - Broadcast use strictly on news bulletins on TV.

++On-Demand Use of the News Bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right Holder).

++The mention "COURTESY OF NPO/NOS/AVROTROS AND EBU" shall be included as an on-screen credit for the whole duration

++10 seconds use only++

ASSOCIATED PRESS - SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTIONS ON REHEARSAL FOOTAGE

++Broadcast use strictly in the news context on TV in general current affairs bulletin

++On-Demand Use of the general current affairs bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right-Holder) - Broadcast use strictly on news bulletins on TV.

++On-Demand Use of the News Bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right Holder).

++The mention "COURTESY OF NPO/NOS/AVROTROS AND EBU" shall be included as an on-screen credit for the whole duration

++10 seconds use only++

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 14 May 2021

1. Various of stage rehearsal of the Finnish band Blind Channel, song 'Live on the Dark Side'

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 14 May 2021

2. Workers cleaning the stage

3. Wide of the stage

4. Technicians

5. Various of venue and the seats for performers and delegations

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 12 May 2021

6. Screen showing Eurovision self-promotion video at the Ahoy Arena

7. Wide shot exterior of the Ahoy Arena

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer, Eurovision Song Contest:

"Organizing the Eurovision Song Contest is always challenging because you have less than a year to organize one of the biggest and most complex events in Europe, but to do it in a pandemic is much, much more complicated because of health and safety regulations, because of all the limitations, hygiene."

9. Workers putting up the Eurovision Song Contest poster

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 14 May 2021

10. Various of Portuguese band The Black Mamba

11. Bulgarian singer Viktoria posing for photographers

ASSOCIATED PRESS - SIGNIFICANT RESTRICTIONS ON REHEARSAL FOOTAGE

++Broadcast use strictly in the news context on TV in general current affairs bulletin

++On-Demand Use of the general current affairs bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right-Holder) - Broadcast use strictly on news bulletins on TV.

++On-Demand Use of the News Bulletins possible only on Fully Owned Websites (i.e. operated under the editorial control of the Non-Right Holder).

++The mention "COURTESY OF NPO/NOS/AVROTROS AND EBU" shall be included as an on-screen credit for the whole duration

++10 seconds use only++

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 14 May 2021

12. Various of stage rehearsal of Samanta Tina representing Latvia with the song The Moon is Rising

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 12 May 2021

13. SOUNDBITE (English) Elena Tsagrinou, Cyprus' performer:

"It is very difficult for the artists this year to work in this situation. Because of the COVID we all know that we are a little bit like not so free, but that's not going to keep us back and we're going to feel the vibe that we want to feel and the smile in our face because this is why. What happens if we feel good, we're gonna be good on stage, too."

14. Tsagrinou leaving with members of Cyprus' delegation

15. Close up of traffic lights and green figure dances to Abba's iconic 1974 winning song "Waterloo"

16. Pan shot of people crossing a pedestrian walkway outside the venue with background song "Waterloo"

17. Tilt down from a traffic light to a man dancing with his children at the pedestrian walkway

18. Wide shot of people dancing at the pedestrian walkway

19. Various of traffic light and people dancing at the pedestrian walkway

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 14 May 2021

20. Wide shot of the Eurovision Song Contest media center

21. Various of journalists

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Rotterdam, Netherlands - 12 May 2021

22. SOUNDBITE (English) Sietse Bakker, Executive Producer, Eurovision Song Contest:

"Actually, the theme and the slogan, 'Open Up', we already came up with that for the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest long before the pandemic. But when the contest was canceled last year and when it was decided to organize it in 2021, we decided to keep the theme because especially in these times, it's important that we are open towards each other and that we feel the possibility to open up to one another, to show our true feelings, emotions and thoughts and it reflects very well who we are as Dutch people."

23. Various of Rotterdam metro bridge decorated with posters with words of the songs that will be performed at the Eurovision Song Contest

24. Various of street spray artists creating murals near the Ahoy arena

25. Pan shot of a cruise ship moored at the ex- ship terminal Holland

STORYLINE:

The 2021 Eurovision Song Contest has begun its final preparations for this year's show, after it was cancelled in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

National delegations traveling to Rotterdam are abiding by strict measures to reduce the risk of infections while the thousands of fans allowed to attend dress rehearsals, two semifinals and May 22's grand final will have to undergo testing to ensure they do not bring the virus into the cavernous venue.

Executive producer Sietse Bakker is glad it's going ahead at all.

"Organizing the Eurovision Song Contest is always challenging because you have less than a year to organize one of the biggest and most complex events in Europe, but to do it in a pandemic is much, much more complicated," he told The Associated Press.

Despite the pandemic measures, the contest that aims to unite Europe in song is continuing its tradition of upbeat fun.

Fans near the Ahoy arena can get into the swing of the event early.

Traffic lights at a pedestrian walkway outside the venue have been transformed so that a green figure dances to Abba's iconic 1974 winning song "Waterloo" when it's safe to cross.

The immensely popular event mixes high camp - at rehearsals, Norway's Andreas Haukeland, known as TIX, performed his song "Fallen Angel" in huge white wings - with lyrics encouraging inclusion and positivity while avoiding overtly political messages.

Belarus was booted out before the contest even started because organizers the European Broadcasting Union said the country's original song "puts the non-political nature of the Contest in question."

The theme for this year's Eurovision Song Contest is "Open up."

It was actually chosen before the pandemic derailed public life around the globe, but is now very apt as Europe begins to tentatively emerge from the coronavirus pandemic.

"We decided to keep the theme because, especially in these times, it's important that we are open towards each other and that we feel the possibility to open up to one another, to show our true feelings, emotions and thoughts," Bakker said.

The 2019 Dutch winner, Duncan Laurence, says on the event's site that he sees music as a way of forging links. "That's why we need the Eurovision Song Contest. To feel connected again."

Thousands of fans will be able to make the connection in person.

Dress rehearsals, the two semifinals and the May 22 final will each be open to 3,500 people — only about 20% of the capacity of the cavernous Ahoy arena hosting the event — who must show a negative test result that is less than 24 hours old.

The pandemic forced the cancellation of last year's event and this year prevented Australian singer Montaigne from flying to Rotterdam, which is hosting the event because Laurence, the last winner, is Dutch.

Montaigne is still taking part, but by sending in a recorded live performance.

She's not the only one missing out.

The mother of Dutch entrant, Jeangu Macrooy, also is unable to attend as she can't travel from her home in Suriname.

Swedish singer Tusse's father wants to know if he can vote for him from his home in Congo.

Montaigne is among 39 national entrants vying for a coveted victory that can be a springboard to a global career or a fleeting taste of fame.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded:

(i) to check the terms of their licence agreements for use of content outside news programming and that further advice and assistance can be obtained from the AP Archive on: Tel +44 (0) 20 7482 7482 Email: info@aparchive.com

(ii) they should check with the applicable collecting society in their Territory regarding the clearance of any sound recording or performance included within the AP Television News service

(iii) they have editorial responsibility for the use of all and any content included within the AP Television News service and for libel, privacy, compliance and third party rights applicable to their Territory.