logo
#

Latest news with #IMGMedia

The Open organisers agree to use of Spidercam on 18th green at Portrush
The Open organisers agree to use of Spidercam on 18th green at Portrush

Irish Examiner

time6 days ago

  • Sport
  • Irish Examiner

The Open organisers agree to use of Spidercam on 18th green at Portrush

The R&A has installed a Spidercam above the 18th green at Portrush for next week's Open – the first time the technology has been used in golf. The four-point wire-cam system has been suspended above the final hole using four 25-metre-high pylons and will be used to provide spectacular aerial views and unique angles of play, as well as capturing the Open champion's final walk up the 18th in unprecedented detail. The players were briefed on the R&A's plans on Friday morning. While there were concerns expressed during internal discussions beforehand that some players would be unhappy with the intrusion and the potential for distraction caused by a roving camera during preparations for a shot, it is understood there have been no complaints. Spidercam has been deployed by broadcasters in stadium-based sports such as football, rugby union and cricket for several years, but the logistics and cost involved have prevented it being used in golf. The R&A is understood to be paying the operational costs of about £300,000 for the week at Portrush after a 12-month planning project undertaken in ­collaboration with European Tour Productions, which, in ­conjunction with IMG Media, is responsible for producing coverage of the Open, the Ryder Cup and the DP World Tour. The Spidercam coverage will be made available to the R&A's broadcaster partners, including Sky Sports in the UK and NBC in the US, who are both delighted with the innovation. If deemed successful, Spidercam could be used in future tournaments where the logistics allow, although due to the cost, it is unlikely to become a regular feature of golf events. Discussions over whether Spidercam can be used at next year's Open at Royal Birkdale will take place after the championship. 'It's not often the Open is the first to do something, as usually innovations are made by the Tours before being introduced by the Majors, so this is really exciting,' the R&A's head of broadcasting and media rights, Paul Sutcliffe, said. 'Portrush is one of the few venues without a clubhouse on the 18th green so that gave us a unique opportunity. 'With more space around the green we have been able to install technology. There will be some wires around the green, but the camera will retract to the grandstand before each ­player's second shot so we're confident there will be no interference. '2019 was one of the iconic Opens with the emotion of Shane Lowry winning at Portrush and Spidercam will enable viewers to walk with the 2025 champion up the 18th. It's the greatest walk in golf and should be very special.' Spidercam will complement existing technology, including a plane camera, aerial drones and bunker cameras, to enhance live coverage of the Open. Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at the R&A, said: 'We have worked closely with European Tour Productions to invest in cutting-edge broadcast technology and believe that Spidercam will bring millions of fans a new perspective of the action with incredible detail and accessibility wherever they are in the world. Richard Bunn, chief content and revenue officer at the European Tour Group, said: 'European Tour Productions has a shared vision with the R&A to use the latest technologies to create a truly immersive experience for the millions of fans watching the global broadcast. With new innovations such as Spidercam being rolled out this year, The 153rd Open will get fans closer tor the action than ever before.' The Open is the longest single broadcast in golf, with 48 hours of live coverage on air over four days from next Thursday. — The Guardian

Alex Fraser Dies: Former Red Arrow, Sky & IMG Media Exec Was 54
Alex Fraser Dies: Former Red Arrow, Sky & IMG Media Exec Was 54

Yahoo

time27-01-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Alex Fraser Dies: Former Red Arrow, Sky & IMG Media Exec Was 54

Alex Fraser, the former Red Arrow Studios, Sky Vision and IMG Media executive, has died aged 54. The acquisitions and distribution specialist had cancer and passed away earlier this month at home in London. More from Deadline Jules Feiffer Dies: Cartoonist, Playwright & 'Carnal Knowledge' Screenwriter Was 95 Tony Slattery Dies: Comedian, Actor & 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' Star Was 65 Leah Remini Shares Emotional Tribute To Mike Rinder, Her 'Scientology And The Aftermath' Co-Host: "We Lost A Giant" Fraser was a well-known face on the international circuit, working senior roles at Red Arrow Studios International (now Studios International) and Sky Vision (now part of Sky Studios) in London. His primarily skill as a dealmaker was financing European co-productions in both scripted and unscripted. Over a career lasting nearly 25 years, Fraser ran his own consultancy, AMF Consulting, and held several key posts at major distributors. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Eagle Rock Entertainment and IMG Media, where he met the likes of industry veteran Henrik Pabst, who later hired him as EVP Acquisitions & Content Investment at ProSiebenSat.1 Media's Red Arrow Studios International. 'I met Alex 20 years ago at IMG Media and from minute one, he was supportive and welcoming, which helped me a lot and started our friendship,' said Pabst. 'Alex was one of these rare souls, very funny and cynically sharp, yet with a heart of half of the size of his body. His view on life and on work topics helped me often to see clearer. Thank you, Alex. Hanging out with him on the Autobahn at Cologne Carneval or laughing and gossiping over a good meal somewhere on this planet will never be forgotten. I will miss you, my dear friend.' Pabst is now CEO of Married at First Sight and Vienna Blood firm Studios and Chief Content Officer, Entertainment for Entertainment, which is part of German giant ProSiebenSat.1. Niki Page, who worked with Fraser twice during his career, said: 'I knew Alex on both a professional and personal level, and he was a truly exceptional person. We worked together at Sky Vision and later at Red Arrow, where his vast network of contacts in the UK and U.S. made him a great dealmaker. 'He was a font of industry knowledge — knowing who worked where, who bought what, and who might be in line to make the next big move. His expertise was invaluable to all of us. On a personal level, I will miss him terribly — his dry sense of humour, quick wit, sharp intelligence, and, above all, his big heart. Alex's presence left a lasting impact, and his friendship was something I will always cherish.' Malcolm Gerrie, who runs the Lionsgate-owned UK producer Whizz Kid Entertainment, said: 'I was deeply saddened to hear about Alex's passing and my thoughts are with his friends and family. We first met in the early nineties when Alex was working for Greg Roselli's Big Picture company, and I was running Initial TV. We desperately needed distribution and Greg and Alex were a perfect fit for us: Passionate about good ideas, well connected and progressive. 'Alex was hugely likeable, charming, and smart. He knew everyone and his gentle manner was a hit both with producers and buyers. He became a popular, friendly face at MIPTV and MIPCOM and was the go-to person for the very best gossip in Cannes. He will be sorely missed.' Best of Deadline 'Severance' Cast Through Seasons 1 And 2: Innies, Outies, Severed and Unsevered 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More 2025 Deaths Photo Gallery: Hollywood & Media Obituaries

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store