A Wales-based gig ticket comparison website which has rocketed into the top ten of UK music websites, is playing a leading role in the OFT’s anti-ticket scam campaign, has launched a viral public information video co-produced by Media Wales and written and directed by Peter Acton at Blanket Communications.

www.stereoboard.com, which started life as the Stereophonics official website, and today receives 3million unique visits and £1million in ticket sales a month, is using its influence to warn against ticket scam websites, as part of the OFT’s Just Tick It awareness week.

According to the OFT one in twelve ticket buyers admit to having been caught out by fake ticketing websites, with many of those having fallen victim in the last year and losing an average £80 each. (www.oft.gov.uk/justtickit)

Filmed on location around South Wales, the ‘Access All Areas’ short video, received its ‘Royal’ Premiere,  before a music industry audience at Cardiff’s Royal Hotel.  There are also plans for the film to be shown in cinemas.

It follows the experiences of a group of friends, who opt to go ‘off road’ obtaining their tickets unofficially, to blag their way backstage at a major gig and suffering the dramatic consequences of being scammed.  It features a performance by Welsh band Under The Driftwood Tree, who donated their time for free to help the campaign.

Stereoboard.com Founder, Pontypridd born Nigel Sachdev said: “We are working with colleagues in the music industry and the Government to eradicate the hoaxers and scammers which cause so much heartache and financial loss amongst fans.  By investing in making this film, we are taking a lead role and helping the Government communicate its message to millions of people on the Internet.

People most fall victim when gigs sell-out and they resort to unofficial websites, auction or social networking means.  We are saying that this is unnecessary, which is why we point them to legitimate ticket agencies and fan exchanges, which guarantee their money and tickets are safe.  Its high time that official ticket outlets like ourselves really joined forces to drive scammers out of the live music industry.”

Chris Stoodley of Under The Driftwood Tree said: “Many fans have faced the huge disappointment of a gig being cancelled at the last minute for legitimate reasons, but its infinitely worse when all your mates gain entry to a gig and you have been refused at the door for being sold a fake ticket.  We are happy to give our voices and music to support this important campaign and really spread the anti-scam message.”

In operation Stereoboard tracks the availability and prices from leading primary and secondary ticket sellers including Ticketmaster, See Tickets, Ticketline, Viagogo, Seatwave and GETMEIN!  Users click through and acquire the most economical tickets for the gigs and locations of their choice.  The site also provides constantly updated music news enabling users to find out about the latest tours as soon as they are announced, and before tickets go on sale to the public.

 The site compares only the prices of companies that have a registered UK operation and all tickets purchased through Stereoboard.com carry a replacement or money back guarantee in the event of a cancelled gig.

Darryl Corner of Media Wales, who made the film with Cardiff writer Peter Acton said: “We filmed in locations known to Welsh music fans, not least the famous Traders Tavern where so many fans meet before major Cardiff Concerts.  We built in an element of suspense -  “will or won’t they get backstage?” - it was fun to make with a very serious message. I am pleased that Stereoboard want to make this a continuing series of films, following the fortunes of our gang of gig going friends in the future.”