Globetrotting partners of a North East production company have completed their 1500th video.
Darlington-based 3 Point Media was formed 11 years ago by producer Michael Weadock, editor and director Xavier Davidson and cameraman Dan Whaler. Their clients include the NHS, the Bannatyne Group and BAE Systems.
Although the trio met when they were employed by Middlesbrough Football Club’s pioneering cable station, Boro TV, they had already launched their careers in broadcasting. Michael had previously reported for Sky News and the Mirror Group while Xavier and Dan worked with the BBC.
As 3 Point Media has gone from strength to strength, the partners have been able to pursue their passions for television and radio. Michael broadcast from the Rio Olympics for talkSPORT, Xavier worked at the European football championship in France and Dan has just returned from filming a Formula E race in Hong Kong.
“We are fortunate to have the business but are also able to find the time for our freelance work,” said Michael, who is also a presenter on Star Radio and is well-known to sports followers in Yorkshire through his work on Leeds United TV and Radio Yorkshire.
“It also means that we are aware of the latest developments in broadcasting and we bring that understanding to bear when we work with our clients.
“The development of technology means the use of video to tell stories or promote businesses and products is more popular than ever.”
The advances in air travel have also helped. “We probably never dreamed that travelling around the world to work was possible from a base in the North East,” said Dan, who has filmed in 30 countries in the past few years and next month heads off to Kenya with the international organisation Traidcraft.
Much of Xavier’s freelance work takes place in the less exotic surroundings of a Sky television truck parked outside a Premier League football ground, although he worked on the football World Cup in Brazil and London Olympics as well as two UEFA Champions League finals.
“I provide the replays, so it’s quite intense. You’re so busy that you don’t have time to properly watch the match,” he said. “Although I did give myself a moment when Middlesbrough clinched promotion.”
3 Point Media was created out of necessity when the plug was pulled on Boro TV. From humble beginnings in a cramped office in Billingham, the partners say they have built a business which has grown through recommendation and repeat business.
“We are very proud to have reached this landmark,” said Michael. “It’s obviously an increasingly competitive field, but we like to think we can offer a little bit more than most.”
For further information about 3 Point Media visit its website www.3pointmedia.com/