Belfast-based independent television production company Century TV will be in the pink this month, with today’s announcement that they have been awarded the host broadcaster contract for the world famous Giro D’Italia.
The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the prestigious multiple stage bicycle race will take place over three days from 9 – 11 May and Century TV will be responsible for broadcasting the race, which is considered second only to the Tour de France, to a potential world audience of 591 million across 174 countries and every continent.
Century TV is based in Shepperton Studios in England and opened their Northern Ireland base at the impressive Scottish Provident Building in Belfast’s city centre three years ago. With offices overlooking the finish line of the two opening stages and experience gained broadcasting the Tour of Britain and producing The Cycle Show for ITV and Moto GP for BBC, Century TV are the perfect partner to showcase both the race and all that Northern Ireland has to offer.
Graham Little, Manager Century TV Northern Ireland said, “We’ve covered cycling in many forms for years but getting a crack at producing the world feed coverage for an event on the scale of the Giro d’Italia is a huge responsibility.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be involved at such a level, and to be able to work on a massive international event, delivering footage to 174 countries from the comfort of our own office in Belfast City Centre is incredible!
“The finish line of the first two stages is literally outside my office window in the Scottish Provident Building, I can’t imagine that has ever been the case for any production company anywhere previously. Having successfully delivered the BBC’s Moto GP coverage for three years it was great to get another big international contract as our next major gig.
“We’re also producing some of Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s promotional videos ahead of the race so the Giro coming here has been a real blessing for us.”
Chris Johnston, Manager Director, Scottish Provident Building said, “We are delighted that our business centre is playing a part in this worldwide sporting fixture. It will be an amazing sight to behold and luckily our location right next to City Hall will give us a prime viewing spot of all the live action.
“I for one can’t wait to see 200 of the world’s best riders racing through Belfast and we congratulate Century TV on winning the contract, which puts them, Belfast and even our building firmly on the global sporting map.”
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