Blackbird partners with EVS to deploy international sporting events

Blackbird said it has partnered with EVS, a globally recognised live video technology company, which will include launch deployments for international sporting events.

The Group, which develops and sells its cloud video editing platform, Blackbird, said EVS operates as a leader in live video technology for broadcast and new media productions.

It said EVS delivers some of the most high-profile and prestigious live sports images, entertainment shows and breaking news content on a global scale to millions of viewers in real-time. It added that it has 16 regional operations strategically located around the world.

“It’s a real thrill for us to announce this partnership with EVS who are synonymous with the production of the world’s most emotive and high value sports content as well as global news and market leading entertainment shows,” commented Blackbird’s CEO, Ian McDonough.

He acknowledged that, “To announce this together with a deployment on two of the greatest international sporting events taking place in the near future is simply fantastic.”

He said the partnership highlights “not only the attributes of the Blackbird technology but also the confidence that EVS has in our team to deliver on the biggest of stages.”

Shares in Blackbird have increased by nearly 20% in value since the beginning of 2021. The stock was trading 8.89% higher this morning at 24.5p following the announcement. 

“Blackbird is helping EVS to expand its live and near-live content management and distribution offering with the integration of a flexible infrastructure and future-proof cloud-based video editing that meets the challenging demands of the world’s most prestigious sporting events,” said EVS’ Chief Marketing Officer, Nicolas Bourdon of the partnership.

In a research note, Investment Bank, Allenby Capital said the partnership is a “significant commercial endorsement” with the initial deployments representing a significant endorsement for Blackbird and a considerable revenue opportunity going forward.

It noted that both sports and news represent core markets for Blackbird given the strengths of its cloud-native video editing software which provides rapid access to video content for creating clips, highlights and long form content to multiple devices and platforms. 

By operating as an ‘ultra-green technology’, Blackbird has pledged its commitment to the sustainability goals of the media production industry. It drives awareness reach and monetization for brands within the sports, news, entertainment and enterprise sectors.

Its customers include IMG, Deltatre, Sky News Arabia, A+E Networks, NHL, Eleven Sports, Arsenal FC, the U.S Department of State and 50 local US news stations with TownNews. Vox Markets