Whisper Films wins Channel 4 Formula One production contract


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Editor

| 12 January 2016




As it gets into gear to prepare for FIA Formula One racing, Channel 4 has awarded the production contract for its coverage to Whisper Films.



In December 2015, the UK’s fourth largest broadcaster announced it would take over from the BBC the UK free-to-air coverage of Formula 1 races for the 2016-2018 seasons. Channel 4 plans to broadcast live ten races of the FIA Formula One World Championship per season, with highlights of all 21 races.

Whisper Films was set up in 2010 by former BBC Sport F1 producer Sunil Patel, former Formula One driver David Coulthard and BT Sport and former BBC F1 presenter, Jake Humphrey.

Channel 4 took a minority stake in the production company in 2015 as part of its Indie Growth Fund but stresses that its F1 rights contract was awarded after a competitive tender process with production companies with Formula One credentials.

The broadcaster says that as well as demonstrating significant innovation and creativity in their approach to producing Formula One coverage, included within Whisper Film’s winning pitch was the signing of a number of key production personnel and presenters with extensive experience in the sport. These include Mark Wilkin, editor of the BBC’s award-winning F1 coverage, as programme editor. North One Television, who has a track record in motorsports production, will also work with Channel 4 on a number of accompanying programmes to support Formula One.

Commenting on the deal, Ed Havard, Channel 4’s head of TV events and sport said: “Whisper Films outlined an extremely impressive and exciting vision for their F1 coverage, with outstanding on and off screen talent as an integral part of their pitch. We are delighted that David Coulthard will be at the heart of Channel 4’s coverage and look forward to announcing the full presenting team in the coming weeks.”

“Whisper Films has an unrivalled production team with over 20 years’ experience in Formula One and unique contacts throughout the sport,” added Sunil Patel. “Channel 4 and the sport have talked about a new approach and we believe we are ideally placed to deliver this.”