University of Tennessee Athletics
“Dark Mode” Creative Reveal Earns Midsouth Emmy Award
February 23, 2026 | Football
NASHVILLE – Tennessee football's "Dark Mode" creative video reveal during the 2024 season recently earned a Midsouth Emmy Award for best sports promotion at the organization's ceremony in Nashville.
The viral video, launched on Oct. 28, 2024, was produced by Noah Halford of Tennessee football's creative team. John Gargiulo, Luke Poorman, Trey Morten, William Crowder and Cory Honaker also collaborated in the ideation and production.
The video's popularity on social media was overwhelming as it recorded over 35 million impressions and 34 million views. It had 6,455,101 engagements and a stellar 18.3 engagement rate.
The annual "Dark Mode" game in Neyland Stadium has become a popular fan event with unique in-venue entertainment accompanied by an engaging social media strategy. VFL Films, the football creative team, 151 Creative, fan experience and strategic communications all work together for the annual production.
In addition to the "Dark Mode" video, VFL Films' documentary "Bet on Me" was nominated for a Midsouth Emmy. The exclusive chronicled Zakai Zeigler, who became the most decorated point guard in Tennessee basketball history. It featured a journey from tragedy to triumph, from his roots in New York City to the top of Rocky Top. VFL Films' Sarah Detwiler directed and produced the documentary.
The Midsouth Emmy's encompass the states of North Carolina (except the Asheville area) and Tennessee, and the television market of Huntsville, Alabama.
The viral video, launched on Oct. 28, 2024, was produced by Noah Halford of Tennessee football's creative team. John Gargiulo, Luke Poorman, Trey Morten, William Crowder and Cory Honaker also collaborated in the ideation and production.
The video's popularity on social media was overwhelming as it recorded over 35 million impressions and 34 million views. It had 6,455,101 engagements and a stellar 18.3 engagement rate.
The annual "Dark Mode" game in Neyland Stadium has become a popular fan event with unique in-venue entertainment accompanied by an engaging social media strategy. VFL Films, the football creative team, 151 Creative, fan experience and strategic communications all work together for the annual production.
In addition to the "Dark Mode" video, VFL Films' documentary "Bet on Me" was nominated for a Midsouth Emmy. The exclusive chronicled Zakai Zeigler, who became the most decorated point guard in Tennessee basketball history. It featured a journey from tragedy to triumph, from his roots in New York City to the top of Rocky Top. VFL Films' Sarah Detwiler directed and produced the documentary.
The Midsouth Emmy's encompass the states of North Carolina (except the Asheville area) and Tennessee, and the television market of Huntsville, Alabama.
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