Windfall Productions takes to the Sea with an ESPN International TV Special featuring the Inaugural “Royal 5K in St. Maarten”
After celebrating an unprecedented five-year ESPN TV ratings bonanza for USA Track & Field, Windfall Productions, boards the largest cruise ship in the world for a running, Lifestyle, and Fitness voyage to paradise.
New York, NY (PRWEB) December 12, 2010 –
In 2010, Windfall Productions, as exclusive TV production partner for USA Track & Field coverage, posted a whopping 43% increase in TV ratings on ESPN and an 18% increase on ESPN2. “We are shifting gears towards entertainment-related sports programming,” says Ralph J Mole, Windfall Productions Executive Producer. “And yet we are staying on track with our friends at ESPN.”
“Our goal is to produce a half-hour sports special for ESPN International while capturing the excitement and breath-taking spectacle of Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas. Our seven-night cruise through the Eastern Caribbean will showcase a healthy lifestyle enhanced by running for fitness. Our production crosses the finish line with a 5K road race in St. Maarten.” This program will air on an ESPN International network in late January so check local listings.
Windfall will capture the images with Panasonic HDX-900 Varicams. Digital post will occur in New York City utilizing the Avid Media Composer. Windfall will execute a P2 post-production workflow strategy in concert with DVCPro HD videotape. The highlights of the Royal 5K will focus on:
- A “Fun Run” in Nassau, the Bahamas, with amazing views of Paradise Island;
- A world record attempt for the “mile at sea” on board a cruise ship.
- The Allure of the Seas has a 0.46- mile running track, the longest track at sea.
- On-board running seminars in preparation for the 5K hosted by elite athletes in beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
The featured Royal 5K, the championship run will include the race start and finish at the A.C. Wathney Pier & Port Facility in St. Maarten, as the panoramic race course navigates the boardwalk, parallel to the beach. The elite athletes mentoring the participants include Frank Shorter, 1972 Olympic gold medalist; Sean Jefferson, a six-time All-American track star at Indiana University and currently a professional tri-athlete; and Bart Yasso, America’s “Mayor of Running.”
“If you think an Olympic Stadium is big”, Mole ́ remarks, “imagine the size of Allure of the Seas which is capable of housing a 600m running track on board”. This marvel of marine technology extends over 16 decks, weighing in at 225,282 gross registered tons. The ship can accommodate 5,400 guests at double occupancy featuring 2,700 staterooms. The seven-night TV production cruise will originate at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and sail the Eastern Caribbean.
In addition to the Royal 5K, ESPN Regional TV will directly contract Ralph J. Mole’ and Windfall’s services to deliver coverage of the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships plus the SEC Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field.
