Extreme Sailing Series™ announces Red Handed as Host Broadcaster and IMG as Distribution Partner
OC Sport, the owner and organiser of the Extreme Sailing Series™, has today announced the appointment of Red Handed as its host broadcaster alongside IMG as distribution partner for the world-renowned Stadium Racing circuit.
Monday 16th January 2017
OC Sport, the owner and organiser of the Extreme Sailing Series™, has today announced the appointment of Red Handed as its host broadcaster alongside IMG as distribution partner for the world-renowned Stadium Racing circuit.
Now in its eleventh year, the Extreme Sailing Series is regarded as the world’s leading professional inshore racing circuit. In 2017, the partnership will cover the eight global events on this year’s Extreme Sailing Series calendar, which will see the circuit visit the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Red Handed work with a range of clients from brands to sports events, and have extensive experience in creating compelling content for sailing. They will be tasked with producing digital content alongside an eight-part TV series, live programming and news coverage of the Series for a global audience.
IMG, the world’s largest distributor of sports programs, will lead the distribution strategy through its extensive worldwide network. Melissa Payne, Vice President, Head of Technical Operations, Media Rights & Distribution commented: “We have seen the Extreme Sailing Series grow and grow over the years and we are extremely excited to be on-board and helping take the Series to the next level.”
Sam Usher, Founder and Creative Director of Red Handed said: “It’s a real honour to be working alongside the Extreme Sailing Series as host broadcaster. I am really excited about the innovations we can bring to the coverage of the Series. This will ensure that we deliver exciting and compelling content for both a digital and broadcast audience around the globe to help grow the reach of this world-class event.”
Andy Tourell, Extreme Sailing Series Event Director commented: “The combination of competition and drama that is unique to the Series provides us with a unique story-telling opportunity, and our task is to create high-quality, well-packaged content that works for different audiences on different platforms.
“We are really excited about the opportunity to work with Red Handed and IMG to not only continue the trend of improving our international TV distribution, but also to create compelling digital content that encourages a reaction and sharing, and ultimately delivers real value for our stakeholders.”
The first Act of the 2017 Extreme Sailing Series season kicks off in Muscat, Oman on the 8 March. The full line-up of teams, which includes a mix of established and new faces, will be revealed in the coming weeks.
For distribution enquires please contact melissa.payne@img.com.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 30 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world’s greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages hundreds of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is one of the largest independent producers and distributors of sports media. IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, a leading global entertainment agency.
About the Extreme Sailing Series™
Established in 2007, the Extreme Sailing Series™ is the original ‘stadium-style’ racing circuit designed for spectators, delivering high-performance action close to shore. Attracting some of the worlds very best sailors racing GC32 hydro-foiling catamarans on short courses around the globe. The Extreme Sailing Series™ also delivers a unique and bespoke VIP experience, with guests racing on board during the races and sailing fans around the world following the action via the live TV coverage online.
The media value of the Extreme Sailing Series™ has grown year on year since 2007, and in 2015 Repucom reported a year end value of €49.5 million, including an eight-part TV series distributed to broadcasters worldwide, offering an attractive proposition to the circuit’s partners.
Focusing on building its shoreside Race Village with live music and entertainment, this pioneering circuit will continue to innovate as it looks to the future. The Extreme Sailing Series™ has been granted “Special Event Status” by World Sailing, the sport’s governing body, and is a strong supporter of promoting sailing in to new markets and to new audiences.
For more information, email media@extremesailingseries.com.
About Red Handed
Red Handed is an award winning, independent production agency with a wealth of experience in Live Broadcast Feeds, HD Digital Streaming, Highlights Packages, News Clips, Digital and Broadcast Distribution. Their client roster reflects the diversity of their production capabilities across a range of different sports on a global basis, which have been honed on difficult-to-capture production work in very challenging locations.
For more information, email samusher@redhandedtv.co.uk
