S+V wins C4 Paralympic production deal

Channel 4 has awarded the production contract for its live coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games to Sunset+Vine, part of the Tinopolis Group, following an extensive tender process. The sports production company will produce over 200 hours of live coverage and highlights across the Rio Paralympics, which take place in September 2016.

Sunset+Vine co-produced Channel 4’s BAFTA winning coverage of the 2012 Paralympics which reached record audiences and had significant impact on changing viewers’ attitudes and perceptions towards disability.

In 2012, Channel 4 launched the careers of 10 new disabled presenters and reporters following a ground-breaking nationwide search for on-screen talent – and the new partnership with Sunset+Vine will extend the investment in disabled talent, with further details being announced in January 2015.

Channel 4’s Head of Live Events Ed Havard said: “The Rio Paralympics will be one of the defining events of 2016. We’re delighted to be working with Sunset+Vine to showcase the Games for our audiences and to build on the extraordinary success of the 2012 coverage.”

Jeff Foulser, Chairman Sunset+Vine said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up once again with C4 to bring the 2016 Paralympic Games to the UK audience. Our award-winning experience from London 2012 and the expertise we have developed from subsequent events has enabled us to demystify Para sport and present it in an exhilarating and entertaining way.

“Thanks to C4’s ongoing commitment to Para-sport, there is now a genuine appetite to follow the GB team at the Rio Paralympics 2016 — and the exciting performances and inspirational stories behind their achievements. We look forward to playing our part in making Rio an even greater success.”