LONDON: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has commissioned UK-based production house Whisper to maximise its live coverage of the ongoing Test series between England and India.
The series began on Wednesday, 4 August, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The second Test is currently on at Lord’s.
The latest addition to Whisper’s fast-growing international cricket portfolio, the partnership will see Whisper support SPN’s live coverage from venues across the five-Test series by providing a wealth of interviews and analysis from guests and players on the ground.
A dedicated on-site Whisper production team with a TVU kit will provide immersive content from the heart of the action. This will form an integral part of SPN’s broadcasts ahead of play each day, as well as at lunch, tea and the close. The relationship has been developed by Whisper’s cricket lead Rob Williams, who has produced multiple International Cricket Council tournaments, including the 2019 World Cup Final at Lord’s and the production is being overseen by Sarah Warnock, who has previously worked on major ICC events.
Whisper has already helped Sony Pictures Networks India create compelling content for their non-live programming via interviews with Hanuma Vihari and Mohammed Siraj ahead of the series.
This new commission adds to a busy summer of cricket coverage for Whisper. On top of its BBC, West Indies and Spark Sport cricket commitments, the production company is also now supplying live international coverage, features and interviews for Ten Sports in Pakistan for the West Indies v Pakistan series. This involves four T20 internationals in Barbados and Guyana and two Tests in Jamaica, which began on 28 July in Barbados.
Mark Cole, Whisper managing director, commented: “We’re thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Networks India to deliver the best content from the ground at what promises to be a hugely exciting tour this Summer. We’re massive cricket fans and have fantastic production talent on our team. We’re currently creating highlights for the BBC, working as production partner with Spark Sports in New Zealand, and are host broadcaster for the West Indies, amongst others. We’re really motivated to deliver in the ambitious way that we approach all our projects and will be relentless in our pursuit of speaking to the best names on the ground for Sony Pictures Networks India.”
Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer, Distribution and head – Sports Business, SPN, noted: “We are pleased to associate with Whisper for the India Tour of England. We are relying on them to not only be our partners but also our eyes and ears onsite at the venues so we can present our viewers with the best viewing experience despite having to adopt a remote production workflow for this high-profile series. Whisper’s experienced team will ensure a seamless delivery of all the production elements to enhance the live coverage of the five test matches of the series.”
Whisper currently produces cricket for the BBC, Cricket West Indies, New Zealand Cricket with Spark Sports and Ten Sports Pakistan. This is in addition to producing Formula One, The Paralympics and Women’s Super League, amongst others. A Broadcast Best Places to Work (2017-2020), it has offices in London, Cardiff, Maidenhead and Auckland.
