For several years, 411 Productions of New York City has captured the action at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas and presented it to at-home viewers through ESPN. If you regularly watch the WSOP from the comfort of your living room, you’re probably accustomed to 411 Productions’ style, also featured in shows such as Champions of the NCAA on HBO.
This year, however, TV production rights for the WSOP are going to POKER PROductions, a Las Vegas studio that is capturing all of the high stakes action (as well as the glitzy celebrities and outrageous prop bets) once again for ESPN. POKER PROductions will place an emphasis on learning for the viewer in order to attract a more casual and younger audience.
POKER PROductions, led by former poker pro Mori Eskandani, has built an impressive resume since 2003. The company produces several popular TV poker franchises, including Poker After Dark (NBC) and High Stakes Poker (GSN).
One of the biggest improvements viewers can look forward to in POKER PROductions’ WSOP coverage is deeper hand analysis, most of which will come from noted poker commentator Kara Scott. The company also plans to feature quick interviews with famous pros to show their instant analyses of important hands, as well as mini biographies that will give some insight into the lives of established and up-and-coming poker pros.
Although some fans may miss the familiar style used by 411 Productions, the reason for the change in production companies was largely based on viewer input: ratings were down in 2010, and many fans complained that coverage was stale.
Everyone, however, can share some excitement over one of POKER PROductions’ new features: live online coverage of the 2011 Main Event. Coverage will begin on July 14th (Day 3), and include hole cards, commentary and a delay of only 30 minutes.
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