The action at the iconic Wimbledon tennis tournament will be available in 3D for the first time this year. The men’s singles semi-finals and the ladies’ and men’s singles finals will be filmed using Sony 3D technology and screened live in high definition 3D to capable cinemas around the world.
Sony and The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced the multi-year partnership today. The live 3D production, in partnership with the host broadcaster the BBC, will also be offered to interested global broadcasters.
Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, says, “Wimbledon is renowned for its heritage and sense of tradition. At the same time we are always looking for ways to improve the presentation of the championships by successfully blending that tradition with innovation.”
Ritchie says he hopes the format will offer a compelling new viewing experience for their global audiences, especially their younger supporters.
According to Fujio Nishida, president of Sony Europe, many more people will now be able to enjoy the sporting event as though they were actually there. “Watching tennis in high definition 3D is a stunning experience, bringing the speed of the action and the emotions of the occasion to life; it is as close to the atmosphere and excitement of Centre Court as actually being there,” says Nishida.
Sony will work with SuperVision Media, their theatrical distribution partners, to bring the Wimbledon action to 3D cinemas worldwide.
