North firm cashes in on Grand National

Mar 28 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

AS runners and riders thunder towards the final furlong at this year’s Grand National, one North East company will be cashing in on the world famous event.

The Media Company, based in Newcastle, will provide camera crew and facilities to Sky Sports, Five, ITV and other international broadcasters for the three-day event at Aintree next month. Having secured the contract for the eighth successive year the firm will provide full coverage for the duration of the event.

The company’s interview camera position in the winners enclosure will be the only non-BBC video camera allowed to film during racing.

Director Jon Pijnen, said: “This is one of our favourite projects of the year and to have held it for the eighth year makes me incredibly proud.

“It’s not often international television broadcasters have to use the same camera and operator. But if it’s during racing at Aintree racecourse when its Grand National week they do, and I’m glad to say this will be provided by The Media Company.”