Production company IMG on the recruitment drive after opening Leeds office and striking deal over Channel 4's Super League coverage

Production company IMG is opening a new office in Leeds after it was awarded a two-year contract to provide Channel 4’s Betfred Super League coverage.
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For the first time in its 26-year history, Super League rugby will be shown live on free-to-air television after Channel 4 secured a deal initially to show 10 live matches and Grand Final highlights for the next two seasons.

IMG will produce the live coverage of Super League on site from the stadia of all 12 Super League clubs.

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The new office in Leeds will work specifically on the Channel 4 live programming.

Leeds Rhinos' Mikolaj OledzkiLeeds Rhinos' Mikolaj Oledzki
Leeds Rhinos' Mikolaj Oledzki

Channel 4’s Head of Sport Pete Andrews said: “It was a very competitive tender process but IMG showed a vision that really stood out.

“And we were absolutely delighted when they revealed their plans to open a Leeds base. This chimes perfectly with Channel 4’s ambition – to help boost the production industry in the Nations and Regions.

“I can’t wait for the coverage of our first live Super League game on February 12 when Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves.”

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Barney Francis, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Production at IMG, said: “This is a great opportunity for us and we are delighted to be working with Channel 4 on live coverage of Super League, one of the action-packed sports of the summer.

St Helens' Alex Walmsley celebrates with the trophy after the Betfred Challenge Cup finalSt Helens' Alex Walmsley celebrates with the trophy after the Betfred Challenge Cup final
St Helens' Alex Walmsley celebrates with the trophy after the Betfred Challenge Cup final

“We are excited to be opening a new base in Leeds - right in the heartland of the rugby league world - which will enable us to tap into the production talent in the area. Going forward, we can also see a number of long-term strategic advantages for IMG to have a base in the region.”

IMG will be based in the offices of post-production company Sticks and Glass in the city centre and is currently in the process of hiring creative, production management and technical support.

Channel 4 officially launched its Leeds headquarters last year at the Majestic building.

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