Discovery Networks International kicked off the 2015 Edinburgh International Television Festival by unveiling four new and one returning series aimed at attracting new fans across its factual and lifestyle networks in 220 countries and territories in 2015 and 2016.
”As Discovery International builds a new and dynamic slate, we are crisscrossing the globe for stories and characters that will resonate with our international audiences,” said DNI executive vice president and chief creative officer Phil Craig in a statement.
The new content slate includes:
Free Ride: Winter 2016. The show features adventurer, survivalist and green enthusiast Rob Greenfield on a trek across South America with no money. Travelling with him will be filmmaker James Levelle, documenting every step of their journey together, from bartering for a bed in a Brazilian Favela to sleeping under the stars in the Amazon,
washing plates in a back road diner in exchange for food, and hitching a ride on a big rig. Free Ride is produced for Discovery Networks
International by Raw TV, commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre, executive produced by Liz Brach and produced by Marion Haberman. Sam Maynard and Rebecca North are executive producers for Raw TV.
Driving Wild: Spring 2016. Documents veteran Formula 1 mechanic Marc ‘Elvis’ Priestley as he immerses himself in extraordinary car cultures across the world Combining his F1 know-how with their grassroots skill and resourcefulness, Priestley will work with each motoring group in an attempt to pull off a series of ingenious vehicle modifications as they prepare for a high-octane, high-pressure driving challenge. Driving Wild is produced for Discovery Networks International by Dragonfly, is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre, executive produced by Liz Brach
and produced by Marion Haberman. Clare Mottershead is the executive producer for Dragonfly.
Question Everything: Spring 2016.A popular science program hosted by expert physicist Dr. Derek Muller that searches for answers to questions that most people believe cannot be answered. Question Everything uses explosive experiments, quirky street stunts, compelling field visits, and stunning in-scene infographics that bring visual meaning to numbers and revealing fast, factual information that’s relevant to everyday lives – from how the Earth works, to how we make decisions. Question Everything, is produced for Discovery Networks International by Essential Media and Entertainment, is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre , executive produced by Liz Brach and produced by Marion Haberman. Alan Erson and Chris Hilton are the executive producers for Essential Media and Entertainment.
Sydney Harbour Uncovered: Fall 2016. An all-access documentary series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the world’s largest natural harbour, interweaving character-driven narratives with cinematic filming techniques. Sydney Harbour is a complex web of shipping, tourism, industry, culture and commerce that hosts more than 40 million visitors a year – it’s a mammoth logistical challenge for the people who keep it running. The series showcases the daily tensions and triumphs of a diverse cast who call the Harbour their “office,” as they deal with the major international events that bring millions to the dockside or cope with the dramatic weather that threatens to shut the Harbour completely, a power and responsibility that rests solely with one of the show’s key characters, Harbour master Captain Phil Holliday. Sydney Harbour Uncovered is produced for Discovery Networks International by WTFN, is commissioned by HelenHawken and executive produced by Tom Gorham. Shaun Gilmartin is the executive producer for WTFN.
Extraordinary Pregnancies 2: Spring 2016. The returning series follows pregnancies occurring under extreme and unbelievable circumstances. The series spotlights brave mothers-to-be as they juggle the usual excitements and unpredictability of expecting a baby, but also face the obstacles related to personal disabilities, medical conditions or unusual lifestyles. Extraordinary Pregnancies is produced for Discovery Networks International by Curve Media, is commissioned by Sarah Thornton and executive produced by Charlotte Reid and Mark Procter. Rob Carey is the executive producer and Rachael Barnes is the series producer for Curve Media.
First Heartbeat: October 2015: A documentary special that follows a British couple’s struggle to overcome successive miscarriages in order to have a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. First Heartbeat is produced for Discovery Networks International by October Films and is commissioned by Sarah Thornton and executive produced by Mark Procter. For October Films, Matt Robins,
Adam Bullmore and Ruth Pitt are the executive producers. The previously announced First Heartbeat was originally a UK commission and is now a full global commission.
