BBC Partners With UKTV & FremantleMedia International On Planet Earth-Style Adventure Doc Series
International TV business models are changing… the BBC has partnered with digital broadcaster UKTV t..
International TV business models are changing… the BBC has partnered with digital broadcaster UKTV to co-fund a Planet Earth-style documentary series produced by the former head of the BBCs Natural History Unit.
BBC Two and UKTVs Dave are partnering on Expedition with Steve Backshall, produced by Wendy Darkes production company True to Nature. FremantleMedia International has taken international rights.
The adventure series will follow Backshall as he travels on a white-water river in the Himalayas, trekking through unexplored jungles in South America and climbing mountains in the deserts of the Middle East.
BBC Two will air the first four episodes of the series in 2019, while Dave will premiere the next six episodes exclusively later in the year, followed by its own versions of the BBCs episodes.
Backshall said, “If you think our planet was explored long ago, think again. There are still dark and forgotten corners of our world with hidden secrets and we plan to reveal them.”
Darke said, “I couldnt wish to be working alongside a more talented, experienced and dedicated team of creatives in production, broadcast and distribution, to realise the ambition for our world first premium factual global series. Steve Backshall is a skilled naturalist and explorer who will take viewers on a fascinating journey to reveal the natural mysteries and treasures of our planet.”
Angela Neillis, Director of Non-Scripted for FremantleMedia International, added, “Were delighted to partner with the world-class team at True to Nature, the adventure daredevil Steve Backshall, UKTV and BBC for Expedition. Steve will take global audiences on an epic journey of wonder and awe, and were looking forward to working with broadcasters internationally to build Expedition into a global brand. Were always on the lookout to partner with producers that can bring us the best in factual programming and jaw-dropping television experiences. Wendy and her team deliver just that.”
