Australian Birch sets sights on Rio Olympic ceremonies

Australian event producer Ric Birch, one of the most prominent creators of Olympic Games ceremonies, has been appointed by Filmmaster Group as executive producer at Filmmaster Events.

Filmmaster Group, which Birch had partnered in 2006 to produce the opening and closing ceremonies of the Turin Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, will also be responsible for the production of the ceremonies for Rio's 2016 Olympics through a new company -- CC2016, reports Xinhua.

"Birch is now back on board to lead development of the company's international show business projects," said Filmmaster Group in a release.

Birch has played an important role in producing opening ceremonies of the 2000 and 2008 Olympic Games and the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Based in China for the last two years, working with the Shanghai City Entertainment Group, Birch's extensive expertise also includes TV production, permanent shows and the creation and development of live productions for theme parks.