Dunedin firm in Ashes deal

Animation Research managing director Ian Taylor. Photo / NZ Herald

A New Zealand company will supply graphics for the Ashes test series in Australia.

Animation Research managing director Ian Taylor confirmed his company would provide graphics to Channel 9, in Australia, and BSkyB, in Britain, for the Australia-England cricket series.

The three-year contract was a "huge coup" for the Dunedin-based company, which came close to closing its doors two years ago after losing cricket contracts in India and New Zealand, and a golf contract for the European golf tour.

The company had worked to get its credibility back, Taylor said.

"We have been rewarded with the best contract we could hope for."

The successful bid was made possible after the company received a $170,000 grant from the Dunedin City Council's industry project fund, of which the company had spent just $50,000. And the pay-off? More than $1.5 million of contracts signed as a result of the grant.

As part of the Ashes deal, several new features would be added to its Virtual Eye graphics, including a suggestion from former test cricketer turned commentator Tony Greig that a protractor be used to explain the deviations of a cricket ball.

Another tool will allow the Channel 9 commentary team to move virtual players to alternative fielding positions, and the ability to gauge how far a player travelled to field a ball.

One feature will remain a secret until the first Ashes test starts in Brisbane in November.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES