Saudi International 2009

Production Details

For this event, DeLierre drew on his vast experience as squash producer & director introducing new filming techniques and methods. As he called into play more dynamic camera angles and immersive replays from control center, he also oversaw the programs' master recordings and satellite outputs to networks for live broadcast inclusive of special effects, 5.1 surround sounds and multi-language commentaries. According to the reviews that poured in during the broadcast, the resulting programs were ground-breaking.

Jean at control with team member
Photo courtesy of Framboise Gommendy.

The players had traveled to Saudi from their previous event in India, wrapping up a most gruelling season. As it turned out, on top of boasting the one of the largest purses ever as incentive, one of the competitors also had shot at becoming world #1 for the first time ever if he succeeded in being the last man standing in the finale. Many matches were out of this world, with some undoubtedly attaining the rank of instant classics.

The production benefited from the exceptional contribution of Saudi Intl' promoter Ziad Al-Turki who stopped at nothing to raise the bar to a whole new level for the tour once again. Indeed, in addition to the notable prize money as well his aid in assisting the production with court graphics, lighting and so much more, he also invested in a new experimental floor for the court which turned out to be a resounding success. A special thanks to Robert Edwards for his contribution as MC for the event and as commentator - one amazing story-teller who has dedicated a good part of his life to the sport, and who in recent years has contributed in raising the tour's prize money through his Middle Eastern contacts and friends. Also, a notable thanks to Erik Zaremba who simultaneously had to manage his engineering duties on the Squashlive.com production, all-the-while manning the lower back wall camera for improved angles and close ups, and to Jeffrey De Lierre who manned the two master cameras used for more than 80% of the live action. Finally but not the least, a heartfelt thank you to Emad Zikri - Atco's liaison maestro and master problem solver, and Hadi Mitri the site engineer for his invaluable help on set and behind the scenes, and to all players and special guests who assisted the production as expert commentators - i.e., Palmer, ElHindi, Barker, Grant, Selby, BengHee, Ashour, Pilley, Barrington, Walker and Duman Al-Turki.

* Prize money of US$250,000. The year's second richest
* A new world #1 would be crowned at the conclusion of this event
* Ideal playing weather for all playing styles
* Joint production with Saudi TV using 8 broadcast cameras
* Countless original coaching & tour insight features with PSA VIPs and top players (named below in the production details)
* FX, replays & 3 soundtrack options (Commentators OFF or ON in English or Arabic)
* Creative features & personal insights on top player and Ziad Al-Turki
* Only the best 8 matches were selected for edits from the 15 matches we filmed
* Two of those are offered free with the all-DVD package