Channel 5 x Forsytes
Channel 5 + Forsytes: A Secure, Exclusive Press Screening on EckoEnterprise.
Bringing Prestige Online: Channel 5’s Exclusive Forsytes Press Premiere.
When Channel 5 needed to debut its new period drama The Forsytes to press in an exclusive yet accessible way, they turned to Groovy Gecko and our EckoEnterprise platform. Together, we recreated the atmosphere of a high-profile London premiere, securely and seamlessly online.
Through a fully branded, invite-only microsite, journalists and critics from across the UK were given early access to Episode 1, followed by a live Q&A with writer Debbie Horsfield and the cast. The result: a broadcast-quality digital event that combined exclusivity with inclusivity, reaching regional and niche media while maintaining Channel 5’s signature polish and professionalism.
Background.
To mark the launch of its new period drama The Forsytes, Channel 5 set out to engage hyperlocal and niche media through a secure digital screening and live cast Q&A.
The aim was to provide journalists outside London with exclusive early access to Episode 1, replicating the prestige of an in-person press premiere while making it accessible to a geographically diverse audience.
Hosted on Groovy Gecko’s EckoEnterprise platform, the event offered an inclusive, invite-only experience that brought together regional journalists and special interest press for a live discussion with the cast and writer Debbie Horsfield.
Key objectives:
- Ensuring only authorised press could access the screening.
- Delivering a high-quality, fully branded viewing experience.
- Making the event accessible and inclusive for regional attendees.
- Enabling live interaction and engagement through Q&A.
THE challenge.
Channel 5 needed a platform that could combine tight content security with broadcast-quality streaming and brand consistency. The challenge was to create a virtual event that felt as premium as an in-person press launch, while maintaining control over access and user experience.
OUR SOLUTION.
Groovy Gecko delivered an exclusive and interactive digital premiere using its EckoEnterprise platform. The platform’s flexibility and security features were central to the project’s success.
On EckoEnterprise, we:
- Created a fully branded micrositewithin the platform, designed with The Forsytes and Channel 5 branding to mirror an in-person press environment.
- Implemented secure access controls, including invite-only registration and individual login credentials to safeguard unreleased content.
- Streamed the premiere in broadcast quality, optimised for stability across devices and network conditions.
- Activated engagement tools, including moderated Q&A, chat, and post-screening discussion, to replicate live audience interaction.
- Delivered full technical management, from pre-event testing and live moderation to real-time analytics and reporting.
“We’re so pleased with how everything came together for the series launch, it was a brilliant success! The event really resonated, lighting up both local press and influencer spaces. Huge thanks to the Groovy Gecko team for making it all happen so seamlessly.”
Sarah Lawson, Head of Social Channel 5
THE RESULTS.
The Forsytes digital screening delivered strong engagement and impressive reach across press and social channels. Attendance and participation exceeded expectations, with a highly engaged audience and significant visibility generated at minimal cost.
Key metrics included:
- 66% of registered guests attended the live screening.
- 90% of attendees stayed for the full 90-minute event.
- Estimated social reach: 9 million+
- Estimated press reach: 3 million+
- Estimated cost per impression: £0.003
66%
registered guests attended the live screening.
90%
of attendees stayed for the full 90 minute event.
9 mill
estimated social reach.
3 mill
estimated press reach.