Simpel Sports is an internationally oriented television production company based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The company focuses on the development, production, distribution and sale of TV programs, formats and marketing con¬cepts. Its management consists one of the founding partners of international television production company Eyeworks. Simpel Sports is one of the few European production companies with specific knowledge of the world’s most popular card game, poker. Since its founding in 2005, the company has gained a lot of expertise in this field. This expertise ranges from live coverage of international poker tournaments such as the Master Classics of Poker, the Unibet Open, the Russian Poker Tour and the Russian Poker Series to entertainment shows such as Veronica Poker, Stars of Poker and Late Night Stars of Poker. A full list of productions is found in section 4 of this document. With offices in Amsterdam, Antwerp and Budapest, the company is flexible in many ways and able to achieve the highest level of service and production quality in short production periods. The Simpel Sports poker team consists of young talent, refined poker experts and several experienced, prize-winning creatives in the field of tv production. Our specialized staff in combination with use of our full service in-house (SD and HD) AVID video post production facilities, Simpel Sports can offer its clients the flexibility needed for these highly specialized kind of productions.
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Simpel Sports International, SSI
1. Simpel Sports BV • JOAN MUYSKENWEG 140-142 • 1099 CK AMSTERDAM
T. +31 (0)20 5911 811 • F. +31 (0)20 5911 810 • WWW.SIMPELMEDIA.TV
2. 1. Introduction to Simpel Sports (Poker Producers) Page 3
2. The SSI Key Team Page 4
3. Production Outline Page 5
4. Visuals Page 8
5. Simpel Media Track Record Page 9
Page 2 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
3. Page 3 Introduction to Simpel Sports
SimpelSportsisaninternationallyorientedtelevision production companybased in Amsterdam,TheNetherlands.
Thecompanyfocusesonthedevelopment,production,distribution and saleofTVprograms,formatsand marketingcon-
cepts.Itsmanagementconsistsoneofthefoundingpartnersofinternational television production companyEyeworks.
SimpelSportsisoneofthefewEuropeanproduction companieswith specificknowledgeoftheworld’smostpopular
cardgame,poker.Sinceitsfoundingin2005,thecompanyhasgained alotofexpertisein thisfield.Thisexpertiseranges
fromlivecoverageofinternationalpokertournamentssuch astheMaster ClassicsofPoker,theUnibetOpen,theRussian
PokerTourandtheRussianPokerSeriestoentertainmentshowssuch asVeronicaPoker,StarsofPoker and LateNight
StarsofPoker.Afulllistofproductionsisfoundinsection 4 ofthisdocument.
WithofficesinAmsterdam,AntwerpandBudapest,thecompanyisflexiblein manywaysand ableto achievethehighest
levelofserviceandproductionqualityinshortproduction periods.
TheSimpelSportspokerteamconsistsofyoungtalent,refined poker expertsand several experienced,
prize-winningcreativesinthefieldoftvproduction.
Ourspecializedstaffincombinationwithuseofour full servicein-house(SDand HD)AVIDvideo postproduction facilities,
SimpelSportscanofferitsclientstheflexibilityneeded for thesehighlyspecialized kind ofproductions.
1. Introduction to Simpel Sports (Poker Producers)
4. Page 4 The SSI Key Team
Jurriaan Hillen CEO
StartedhiscareerwithJoopvandenEndeTVproductions(Endemol).In 2001hebecameco-founder ofEyeworks(Reinout
Oerlemans)andgainedresponsibilityfortheinternational deploymentand salesoftheNational IQtest(ELGRANTEST,
A3tv).In2005hefoundedSimpelMediaandSSItogether with Martijn Bruyns,among others.Jurriaan hascommitted
himselftopoker(andgambling)fromtheveryearlydaysofthecompanyand hasbeen responsiblefor thecreation and
productionsofallpokerproductionswithinSSI.
Martijn Bruyns
MartijnstartedhiscareerwithEyeworks,followedbyhisco-foundation ofSimpel Mediaand Simpel SportsInternational
togetherwithJurriaanHillenandothersin2005.Martijn istheCreativeDirector ofthecompanyand hasbeen chiefeditor
ofallSSIproductions.
The rest of the crew
TheSSI(andSimpelMedia)staffhasextensiveandhighlyspecialized experiencein poker productions.Thisteamwas
responsibleforproductionsinmanydifferentcountriesand thereforehastheexperiencein working with amultilingual
productioncrewthatisallsetforproducingmanylanguages.SSIhasaproven trackrecord ofgambling productions all
overEurope.
2. The SSI Key Team
5. Page 5 Production Outline
Ourproductionprotocolhasanadvancedrecordingmethod.Itusesan HDOutsideBroadcasting Van (OBV)for fastsetup
onlocation.IthasFullHDtechnologycombinedwithan LSM.ByX-fileencoding all video directon aHard DiskDrive(HDD),
wesavealotoftimeinpostproductionandlotsofexpensivetapes.
Keyelementsofeveryshow:
- Qualityhandsthattellastoryfromthebeginning to theend ofeach show
- Introducethecharacters:providing storytelling/character building to theshow.
- TVgraphicsthatreachthehigheststandardsofpoker production.
- Asenseofthestudio.Discussion/audio atthetableor in studio isalwaysleading
combinedwiththecommentary
- Creativeuseofplayers’interviewsthroughouttheshow.
- Pokerportrayedasasport,agameofskill.
STILA Graphics
SimpelMediahasproducedit’sownpokereditorsystemcalled STILA.Each situation during ahand isadded to the
databaseduringtherecordingperiod.Severaloutcomesand graphicscan begenerated with thedatabaseduring the
postproductionprocess.
- Pokerdatabase
- Keepingtrackoftheplayershands& during recordings& efficientduring post
production.
- Enablingthecreationofbetterstorylinesbetween players:creating
heroes/thepeople’sfavorites.
- Generatinggraphicsofallstatistics.
- Personalizedplayerbiographies
- Postproductiontimewillbeshorter
2. Production Outline
6. Page 6 Production Outline
Cinevideo Group Broadcasting facilities
Since2005SimpelMediaiscooperatingonmanyproductionswith Cinevideo Group,partoftheworld’slargestoutside
broadcastingfacilitatingcompanytheEuroMediaGroup.
FordetailedinformationwerefertoUnitedCinevideogroup facts& figures.
Shooting
- Key production crew
SimpelMediahasamultilingualproduction crew.Theteamconsistsofpeoplethatare
experiencedinmakinghighqualitypoker showsfor television.Theteamcovered poker productions
suchasLateNightStarsofPoker,UnibetOpen,Master ClassicsofPoker,Russian Poker Tour
andmanymore.
- Central position in Europe
SimpelMediaisbasedinAmsterdamand hasseveral outletstroughoutEurope.Theseareeasily
accessibleandtransportfacilities arefirstclass.
- Top quality production facilities
SimpelMediamakesuseoftopqualityfilm& television facilitiesthataretaylor madefor poker
productions.Studiosarebrandnew and workwith thenewestequipment.
7. Page 7 Production Outline
Post production in Amsterdam
• In-house post production systems
SimpelMediahasitsownin-housepostproduction facilities.Weguaranteeahigh qualitypost
productionperiod.
• Remote viewing during post production
Eachavidsystemworkswitharemoteviewing system.Itispossiblefor theclientto seethe
progressoftheproductionsandtalkto thecrew atanytime.In thiswaytheproduction team
inAmsterdamcanhavefullaccessto theproduction processwithouthaving to travel to the
productioncompany.
9. 4. Simpel Sports Track Record
RUSSIAN POKER SERIES 2010 (KIEV, RIGA,
SHARM-EL-SHEIK, KIEV)
Episodes9/duration45minutes
The Russian Poker Series is a poker tournament series that is broadcasted in Russia
and the Ukraine. The registration per event consists of three episodes of 45 minutes
each, that focuses on the final table of the Main Event. However there is special
attention for the course of every tournament that is reflected in the Series Leader
board. There is special attention for hand and tournament analysis. The programs
are delivered turnkey for the Russian and Ukrainian audiences, so completely
dubbed with graphics in Russian.
EUROPEAN CITY POKER TOUR BARCELONA (2010)
Broadcaster:differentbroadcastersaroundEurope/episodes6/duration45minutes
One, 50 minute, live registration of the ECPT 2010 in Barcelona. Full ENG
coverage of the whole event, including storyline telling of the Main Event.
Extra emphasis was put on the Barcelona experience of the players, by real life
shooting in hotel rooms, during late night parties and beach side dinners.
DE POKERKAMPIOEN VAN NEDERLAND
(2008 & 2009 & 2010)
In 2008, Simpel Sports organised a nationwide freeroll, with live coverage of
the final 4 days. This freeroll was named `Dutch Poker Champ’. Over six weeks,
players could qualify for the finals by playing weekly tournaments in their local
bar or, if the bars were full, they could qualify online through the second chance
competition. During this second chance competition, 150.000 unique players
tried to qualify. In 2009, the second event hosted 16.000 players throughout
bars in the Netherlands, of which 520 competed in the finals that were covered
live. The success of `Dutch Poker Champ’ continued in 2010. Even more play-
ers entered the event, that resulted in 15 television shows. In total, more than
200.000 players competed. Click here to see a Dutch Poker Champ episode
LIVE TOURNAMENT COVERAGE
Page 9 Simpel Sports Track Record
10. DE POKERKAMPIOEN VAN VLAANDEREN (2010)
After the immense success of `Dutch Poker Champ’, in 2010 a successful little
brother was launched in Flanders as ‘the Pokerkampioen van Vlaanderen’.
In total, the first event of this size in Flanders hosted 25.000 Flemish players, of
which 500 competed in the finals that were covered live.
UNIBETOPENAlGARVE/LONDON(2009)
Broadcaster:differentbroadcastersaroundEurope/episodes6/duration45minutes
The Unibet Open is an international poker tournament organized in different
countries across Europe. Although the main focus is still an exciting poker
tournament, Unibet also wants to make sure every player has a lot of fun
outside the poker arena. The best hotels, the biggest parties and different fun
side-events are all part of the experience. Simpel Sports did the television
recordings of the Unibet tournaments in Portugal and London, but also took
care of the registration of the experiences of the players. All the episodes
proof that playing poker is definitely fun.
RUSSIAN POKER TOUR MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG
(2009)
Broadcaster:MegasportRussiaandSTBUkraine/episodes4/duration45minutes
The Russian Poker Tour 2009 is an international poker tournament that took
place in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Simpel Sports made a two-episode
registration of each tournament
Page 10 Simpel Sports Track Record
11. MASTER CLASSICS OF POKER (2006 & 2007)
BroadcasterRTL7/episodes5/duration50minutes
In 2006, Simpel Sports covered its first live event, the four-day Main Event of
the Master Classics of Poker in Amsterdam, the oldest international poker event
in Europe. A strong list of requirements was set for Simpel Sports by the
broadcaster and the client. The hardest of these was the delivery of a 60
minute, daily television show within 24 hours of the last hand being played the
day before. In 2007 Simpel Sports succeeded in delivering four 60 minute
television shows covering this event live. The special feature of these 4 shows
was the complete coverage of the entire event, with players being followed
throughout the tournament.
CLUBULDEPOKER(2010)
BroadcasterPrimaTV/episodes8/duration45minutes
8 Romanian Celebrities join each other in a quest to become the first gold
member of the poker club of Bucharest (clubul de poker). They are submitted
to serious poker challenges, lessons and ranking games during their stay in the
poker club. In the end only one of them can stay. In episode 4 two celebrities
are eliminated. They are replaced by two online qualifiers. They play two
eighthanded semifinals after which three players are elminated. The remaining
five players are joined by one superqualifier for the sixhanded final.
LORDSOFPOKER(2009)
Lords of Poker is an elite society, formed by 45 of the most prominent Dutch
poker players. Successful businessmen, famous athletes, celebrities and the
best professional poker players have joined forces to create this extraordi-
nary alliance. The exclusive meetings between these Lords are accessible for
promising young players. Through massive online freerolls on several poker
websites, upcoming talents qualify for the first LOP selection round. Only those
with the highest skill level and a strong personality will become new members
of the LOP society. These players receive a seat at the poker table in the Lords
of Poker Mansion. Here they test their poker abilities against the very best of
our country. At the end of the series, one player will emerge victorious. This
undisputed champion will represent the Lords in the world’s most prestigious
poker tournaments. Click here to see a Lords Of Poker episode
POKER FORMATS
POKER INFOTAINMENT
Page 11 Simpel Sports Track Record
12. POKER UNCOVERED (2008)
BroadcasterTien/episodes12/duration25minutes
Some of the most memorable moments in international poker history are being
analysed and discussed by the people that know most about them: the players
themselves. Who are these players, why did they take certain decisions and
what made these moments so special? In twelve thematic episodes, the viewer
gets treated to the biggest bluffs, most painful bad beats, most unbelievable
hands and other extraordinary poker moments in history.
VERONICA POKER (2006)
BroadcasterVeronica/episodes8/duration45minutes
Six celebrities learn how to play poker like the pro’s, by two of Holland’s most
well known professionals, Marcel Luske and Noah Boeken. In a beautiful
countryside mansion, they follow an extensive course, showing them the ropes
of poker. Every episode they show how much they have learned from their
training, as they battle each other in the ranking games. During these games
they can earn extra chips for the grand final. The winner of this exciting game of
poker gets to go to Las Vegas to play a multimillion dollar tournament
MORE THAN JUST A GAME (2010)
BroadcasterRTL5(Netherlands)/episodes16/duration50minutes
In More Than Just a Game, the most famous poker players from the Netherlands
are being followed in an exciting real life program. Fatima Moreira de Melo,
Marcel Luske, Lex Veldhuis, Thierry van den Berg, Pieter de Korver and Noah
Boeken travel the world to participate in the biggest and most prestigious poker
tournaments. In sixteen episodes, the viewer gets a realistic insight in the way
Team Pokerstars members live their “normal” life in the Netherlands. But next
to this, we join them during their stay at the various international poker
tournaments, their losses, moments of glory and sometimes even during
complex semi political issues they have to face.
POKER ENTERTAINMENT
Page 12 Simpel Sports Track Record
13. LATENIGHTSTARSOFPOKER(2009)
BroadcasterRTL7(Netherlands)andJIM(Belgium)/episodes21/duration55minutes
‘Late Night Stars of poker’: a late night poker entertainment program, that
combines true poker table action with interesting background information and
entertainment. The main ingredient of every episode of ‘Late Night Stars of
Poker’ is the battle between two professional poker players, two celebrities and
two home viewers, that have qualified for the game through a freeroll internet
poker tournament. Click here to see a Late Night Stars of Poker episode.
Click here to see a Late Night Stars of Poker episode
STARS OF POKER (2008)
BroadcasterDSF,Italia1,RTL7/episodes8/duration45minutes
RENTVRussiaandSTVUkraine/episodes150/duration45minutes
Stars of Poker’ is an international poker format, in which 9 poker pro’s sit down
at the table in a great studio ambiance, ready for a tough game of poker. Simpel
Sports has produced several variants of the format. German Stars of Poker (DSF,
Germany), with Germany’s best players. Dutch vs German Stars of Poker (DSF,
Germany), Holland-Germany, always a special game. Italian Stars of Poker (Italia
1, Italy), with poker players and celebrities such as Alberto Tomba. Dutch Stars
of Poker (DSF, Germany; RTL 7, Netherlands), with Holland’s most famous
players. Click here to see an Italian Stars of Poker episode
NEXT STAR OF POKER (2008)
BroadcasterRTL7/episodes7/duration50minutes
RTL ‘Next Star of Poker’ gives thousands of internet qualifiers at home the
chance to proof their poker skills once and for all at the television table.
A select group of 36 of the best players at home qualify for the show. Each
episode shows the thrilling match between 6 contestants. The winners of these
6 matches get a place at the table during the final. Who will cope best with the
tension and win the title ‘Next Star of Poker’?
Page 13 Simpel Sports Track Record
14. CELEBRITYPOKER(2007)
Broadcaster Tien / episodes 8 / duration 45 minutes
In ‘Celebrity Poker’, 25 Dutch celebrities battle each other for the title ‘Best
Famous Poker Player of Holland’. In a beautiful studio setting they take a seat at
the poker table. After seven rounds, the best player will prevail and wins the
Celebrity Poker Bracelet. He also gets to show the professional poker world
what he’s capable of, as he travels to the city where poker dreams can come
true: Las Vegas, to participate in the WPT $25.000 event.
POKER KINGS NL (2006)
BroadcasterTien/episodes8/duration25minutes
Holland’s two most famous poker players are being followed during their quest
for poker chips. Marcel Luske and Noah Boeken travel the world to participate in
the biggest and most prestigious poker tournaments. In 8 episodes we see the
way they live their luxurious life, filled with expensive hotels, flashy casinos and
exclusive night clubs, starting in Monte Carlo for the European Poker Tour and
ending there a year later. We see their best moments, their most painful losses
and get to taste what the life of a poker pro is all about
Page 14 Simpel Sports Track Record