ITV

Category: Factual

  • Sony BBC Earth gets regulatory approval, to launch in India soon

    Sony BBC Earth gets regulatory approval, to launch in India soon

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Network’s much-awaited channel — Sony BBC Earth — is all set to launch in India. The network has received regulatory approvals for the launch of Sony BBC Earth. 

    “We have received regulatory approval for the launch of Sony BBC Earth, in both SD and HD. We are now gearing up for the launch of these channels and will announce a launch date soon,” said a spokesperson from the network.

    The new channel will showcase the work of the world’s foremost factual film-makers as it takes the audience on a journey of discovery. From the smallest creature under the microscope to the limitless expanses of space, the channel will bring viewers face to face with heart-pounding action, mind-blowing ideas and the wonders of being human.

    The Sony BBC Earth channels will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

    Also Read: Sony BBC Earth is just an approval away: NP Singh

  • Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

    Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

    MUMBAI: Experienced a war like a solider? With its new series “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” will bring viewers into the hearts and minds of soldiers, a captivating experience like nothing ever seen on film. For the first-time ever audience with an inside-look at the Afghanistan War from the perspective of four members of the 101st Airborne deployed to Combat Outpost Michigan. The series uses footage taken directly from the soldiers’ helmet and body cameras. Discovery’s five-part series will air one episode per week. It will premiere Thursday February 2 at 10 pm.

    “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is the story of a band of brothers deployed to defend one of the United States’ farthest flung outposts at the gateway to one of the deadliest places on earth: the mouth of the Taliban-held Korengal Valley in Northeast Afghanistan. Told by the men who fought on the frontlines themselves and illustrated with real combat footage shot on helmet cameras and handy cams, this material never-before-seen on television takes viewers along for a visceral experience not witnessed in news reports or traditional documentary portrayals of war.

    Commenting on the series, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific – Real World Entertainment VP Sameer Rao said, “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is a war as never seen before. The footage these soldiers brought back, charts an extraordinary first-eye view of modern warfare in one of the deadliest places on earth.”

    It is not simply a series of war stories, but a character-driven serial, showing the impact of war on a handful of men during the course of their year on the frontlines. Presented through the eyes of four American soldiers, Kyle Boucher, J.J. McCool, Kyle Petry and Ken Shriver, their unmediated rushes reveal personal struggles with the dilemmas, confusions, joys and sorrows of war. The men leave the United States seeking adventure, inspired to serve their country. What they experience in Afghanistan changes them forever. In flashes forward to their lives six years on, the men reflect on their year in the Korengal. Now, with their partners who waited anxiously for the safe return of their sweethearts, these soldiers reunite. For some, it’s their chance to lay old ghosts to rest.

  • Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

    Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

    MUMBAI: Experienced a war like a solider? With its new series “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” will bring viewers into the hearts and minds of soldiers, a captivating experience like nothing ever seen on film. For the first-time ever audience with an inside-look at the Afghanistan War from the perspective of four members of the 101st Airborne deployed to Combat Outpost Michigan. The series uses footage taken directly from the soldiers’ helmet and body cameras. Discovery’s five-part series will air one episode per week. It will premiere Thursday February 2 at 10 pm.

    “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is the story of a band of brothers deployed to defend one of the United States’ farthest flung outposts at the gateway to one of the deadliest places on earth: the mouth of the Taliban-held Korengal Valley in Northeast Afghanistan. Told by the men who fought on the frontlines themselves and illustrated with real combat footage shot on helmet cameras and handy cams, this material never-before-seen on television takes viewers along for a visceral experience not witnessed in news reports or traditional documentary portrayals of war.

    Commenting on the series, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific – Real World Entertainment VP Sameer Rao said, “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is a war as never seen before. The footage these soldiers brought back, charts an extraordinary first-eye view of modern warfare in one of the deadliest places on earth.”

    It is not simply a series of war stories, but a character-driven serial, showing the impact of war on a handful of men during the course of their year on the frontlines. Presented through the eyes of four American soldiers, Kyle Boucher, J.J. McCool, Kyle Petry and Ken Shriver, their unmediated rushes reveal personal struggles with the dilemmas, confusions, joys and sorrows of war. The men leave the United States seeking adventure, inspired to serve their country. What they experience in Afghanistan changes them forever. In flashes forward to their lives six years on, the men reflect on their year in the Korengal. Now, with their partners who waited anxiously for the safe return of their sweethearts, these soldiers reunite. For some, it’s their chance to lay old ghosts to rest.

  • Z Living premiering three series in US

    Z Living premiering three series in US

    MUMBAI: Leading Health Entertainment Network, Z Living is premiering three new series in an all-new primetime programming block kicking off January 2017 in the US.

    ZEEL president – content & strategy, international business Rajeev Kheror said, “More than two years ago, in October 2014, we created an entirely new category – ‘Health Entertainment’ in the US with the launch of the Z Living Network. This January, the Z Living Network takes another momentous step as we further strengthen the original programming with the launch of our three new series – ‘Altar’d’, ‘Finding Fido’ and ‘POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered’. These programs which embrace our positioning, will further define Health Entertainment to the world.”

    All three original shows evoke Z Living’s mission of creating content focused on all aspects of healthy living, including food, fitness, family, relationships, lifestyle and more.

    Altar’d airs at 8 pm ET/PT, followed up by Finding Fido, featuring award-winning photographer and New York Times Best-Selling Author Seth Casteel (“Underwater Dogs,” “Pounce”), at 9 pm ET/PT and POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered at 10 pm ET/PT. New episodes for all three series will air weekly on Tuesday nights.

    Altar’d captures the journeys of six engaged couples who are determined to lose weight and adopt healthy lifestyles before saying “I do.” Three months prior to their nuptials, the future bride and groom are paired with acclaimed fitness trainers Chris Marhefka and Erin Stutland to shape their transformations. However, in a twist that none of the participants see coming, the couples will be separated, unable to see each other for the entire 90 days until they are reunited for an incredible and emotional reveal at the altar. While the arduous process brings many of the couples closer together, it offers others a newfound clarity that could prompt them to re-evaluate their anticipated walk down the aisle. Altar’d is produced by Bodega Pictures. Josh Ackerman and Benjamin Nurick are executive producers. Tim Krubsack serves as executive producer for Z Living.

    In each episode of Finding Fido, Casteel plays matchmaker to hopeful pet owners-to-be and dogs in need of homes. After meeting with prospective “pet parents,” he gets to know their environment, assesses their health, wellness and lifestyle needs, and then locates three potential canine candidates. The future owners spend time with each dog – at home and in public – before finally determining their perfect match. Throughout each episode, Casteel also demonstrates quick and easy dog behavioral tests that can help evaluate a specific canine’s personality and demeanor. Finding Fido is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment. Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub, DJ Nurre, Jeff Altrock, Tim Krubsack and Jay Bluemke are executive producers.

    From POPSUGAR Studios, Conquered unveils unique and uplifting stories about people – from the everyday to the influential – who have broken boundaries and conquered obstacles in order to achieve their goals. Each half-hour episode will explore such themes as physical achievement, career, personal relationships and health, among others. POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered is produced by POPSUGAR Studios. Executive producers for POPSUGAR are Nicole Lucas Haimes, Ted Haimes, Jordan Allen and David Grant. Tim Krubsack executive produces for Z Living.

  • Z Living premiering three series in US

    Z Living premiering three series in US

    MUMBAI: Leading Health Entertainment Network, Z Living is premiering three new series in an all-new primetime programming block kicking off January 2017 in the US.

    ZEEL president – content & strategy, international business Rajeev Kheror said, “More than two years ago, in October 2014, we created an entirely new category – ‘Health Entertainment’ in the US with the launch of the Z Living Network. This January, the Z Living Network takes another momentous step as we further strengthen the original programming with the launch of our three new series – ‘Altar’d’, ‘Finding Fido’ and ‘POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered’. These programs which embrace our positioning, will further define Health Entertainment to the world.”

    All three original shows evoke Z Living’s mission of creating content focused on all aspects of healthy living, including food, fitness, family, relationships, lifestyle and more.

    Altar’d airs at 8 pm ET/PT, followed up by Finding Fido, featuring award-winning photographer and New York Times Best-Selling Author Seth Casteel (“Underwater Dogs,” “Pounce”), at 9 pm ET/PT and POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered at 10 pm ET/PT. New episodes for all three series will air weekly on Tuesday nights.

    Altar’d captures the journeys of six engaged couples who are determined to lose weight and adopt healthy lifestyles before saying “I do.” Three months prior to their nuptials, the future bride and groom are paired with acclaimed fitness trainers Chris Marhefka and Erin Stutland to shape their transformations. However, in a twist that none of the participants see coming, the couples will be separated, unable to see each other for the entire 90 days until they are reunited for an incredible and emotional reveal at the altar. While the arduous process brings many of the couples closer together, it offers others a newfound clarity that could prompt them to re-evaluate their anticipated walk down the aisle. Altar’d is produced by Bodega Pictures. Josh Ackerman and Benjamin Nurick are executive producers. Tim Krubsack serves as executive producer for Z Living.

    In each episode of Finding Fido, Casteel plays matchmaker to hopeful pet owners-to-be and dogs in need of homes. After meeting with prospective “pet parents,” he gets to know their environment, assesses their health, wellness and lifestyle needs, and then locates three potential canine candidates. The future owners spend time with each dog – at home and in public – before finally determining their perfect match. Throughout each episode, Casteel also demonstrates quick and easy dog behavioral tests that can help evaluate a specific canine’s personality and demeanor. Finding Fido is produced by 3 Ball Entertainment. Todd A. Nelson, Ross Weintraub, DJ Nurre, Jeff Altrock, Tim Krubsack and Jay Bluemke are executive producers.

    From POPSUGAR Studios, Conquered unveils unique and uplifting stories about people – from the everyday to the influential – who have broken boundaries and conquered obstacles in order to achieve their goals. Each half-hour episode will explore such themes as physical achievement, career, personal relationships and health, among others. POPSUGAR Presents: Conquered is produced by POPSUGAR Studios. Executive producers for POPSUGAR are Nicole Lucas Haimes, Ted Haimes, Jordan Allen and David Grant. Tim Krubsack executive produces for Z Living.

  • CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

    CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency , has announced sale of several significant factual programmes in the Asian region, including deals with Discovery Asia, EBS South Korea, and CNN Southeast Asia.

    Discovery Asia acquired multiple titles including Hippo Supremacy, which documents a mother hippopotamus who risks her safety to protect her struggling baby from the danger-filled waters of the Luagwa river, and River Battlefront, where the hippopotamus and the Nile crocodile share a home in East Africa, fighting for their survival. Other wildlife titles acquired by Discovery Asia include Tanzania’s Best Kept Secrets, Crocs of Katuma, and Fawn Identity.

    South Korea’s EBS acquired Strip the Cosmo, which uses stunning CGI animation to strip planets, moons, black holes, stars and galaxies – layer by layer – to solve key mysteries surrounding the origin and destiny of the universe, Messiah at the Foundling Hospital, one-hour drama documentary which recreates the first performance of Messiah at London’s Foundling Hospital in 1750, Raccoons – The New European, Drain the Bermuda Triangle, and Drain the Titanic.

    On top of Drain the Titanic, CNN Southeast Asia also took Cobra Mafia, Creative Killers, and People’s Health, a six-hour series that looks at how people in Thailand, China, United Kingdom, Brazil, Istanbul, and Turkey cope with some of the major health issues the world face today.

    “Bomanbridge is the preeminent distributor in Asia of quality factual programming from around the globe. We represent first-rate production companies with award-winning documentaries and factual shows including gripping wildlife series; intriguing exploration and inspiring musical docs. Bomanbridge is also in a robust acquisition phase and look forward to acquiring even more premium factual programs for our library,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

    CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

    MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency , has announced sale of several significant factual programmes in the Asian region, including deals with Discovery Asia, EBS South Korea, and CNN Southeast Asia.

    Discovery Asia acquired multiple titles including Hippo Supremacy, which documents a mother hippopotamus who risks her safety to protect her struggling baby from the danger-filled waters of the Luagwa river, and River Battlefront, where the hippopotamus and the Nile crocodile share a home in East Africa, fighting for their survival. Other wildlife titles acquired by Discovery Asia include Tanzania’s Best Kept Secrets, Crocs of Katuma, and Fawn Identity.

    South Korea’s EBS acquired Strip the Cosmo, which uses stunning CGI animation to strip planets, moons, black holes, stars and galaxies – layer by layer – to solve key mysteries surrounding the origin and destiny of the universe, Messiah at the Foundling Hospital, one-hour drama documentary which recreates the first performance of Messiah at London’s Foundling Hospital in 1750, Raccoons – The New European, Drain the Bermuda Triangle, and Drain the Titanic.

    On top of Drain the Titanic, CNN Southeast Asia also took Cobra Mafia, Creative Killers, and People’s Health, a six-hour series that looks at how people in Thailand, China, United Kingdom, Brazil, Istanbul, and Turkey cope with some of the major health issues the world face today.

    “Bomanbridge is the preeminent distributor in Asia of quality factual programming from around the globe. We represent first-rate production companies with award-winning documentaries and factual shows including gripping wildlife series; intriguing exploration and inspiring musical docs. Bomanbridge is also in a robust acquisition phase and look forward to acquiring even more premium factual programs for our library,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

  • Courteney Cox, Nick Jonas, Vanessa to feature in ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’

    Courteney Cox, Nick Jonas, Vanessa to feature in ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’

    MUMBAI: Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ is back, as the famed survivalist takes a new host of unsuspecting celebrities under his wing to explore some of the most remote locations around the world. First up joining the renowned adventurer is triple-platinum recording artist and actor, Nick Jonas, followed by SAG Award-winning actress, Courteney Cox, as Grylls takes them on the 48-hour extreme survival challenge of a lifetime.

    Airing exclusively on the Discovery Channel from 5 January every Thursdays at 9 pm, other celebrities joining Grylls include: dancer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer, Julianne Hough; stage and screen actress and singer, Vanessa Hudgens; alpine skier and Olympic gold medallist, Lindsey Vonn; and Hall of Fame basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal.

    Each of the accomplished actors and athletes will partner with Bear for two days for a one-on-one adventure they will never forget.

    From the remote African Savanna and mountain passes of Sierra Nevada to the wilds of Ireland and rocky shores of Corsica, the intrepid cast members will face their deepest fears and tackle everything from wild animals to rock rappelling as they journey through some of the world’s most unforgiving wildernesses, learning a little more about themselves in the process.

    Pushing their minds and bodies to the limit to complete their journey, they experience the excitement of being dropped into uncharted territory and tackling the wilderness head-on, which is daunting and draining, but also very empowering.

    · Television icon Cox joins Grylls on a harrowing journey to Ireland on this week’s Running Wild. Dropped along the wind swept coastline, they navigate jagged peaks and descend sheer cliffs, only to be battered by ocean swells. As they contend with the elements, the two struggle to stay warm and must subsist on a meager diet of maggots sourced from a rotting sheep. Cox’s limits will be tested, but her spirit shines while sharing insights on aging gracefully, the loss of her father, and the joy of motherhood.

    · Vonn takes a speedboat trip with Grylls, before they swim to shore, cross a chasm and dine on sea urchins. How will she get on?

    · O’Neal joins Grylls on an oversized adventure to the remote Adirondacks on Running Wild. After being plucked from a freight train via helicopter, Bear and the 7’1” Shaq battle dense forest, blood-sucking leaches and two-hundred-foot sheer rock faces in search of their extraction point. Along the way, Shaq’s infectious energy, tales of legendary NBA moments, and unwavering drive to be help others remind us why he is beloved the world over.

    · Hough joins Grylls on a roaring adventure to the African Savanna. They initially navigate the unforgiving African terrain on ATV and must elude a pack of elephants that block their path. Rappelling from a sheer cliff, they enter a remote canyon where they evade a pack of big cats, come face-to-face with a massive snake, and navigate treacherous waterfalls before reaching their extraction point. As they make their way through the dangerous and unpredictable terrain, Julianne shares her personal story of abuse, and the positivity and unwavering determination that got her to the top.

    · Jonas joins Grylls for an icy journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains. With a blizzard bearing down, Nick and Bear must rappel down a sheer rock face before navigating an avalanche-prone mountain face. Building camp under harsh conditions, the two feast on a frozen bird, and eventually make a heart-stopping swim across a freezing lake. Along the way, Nick gives us the definitive account of the Jonas Brothers’ split and reveals how his struggle with diabetes gave him the drive to reach the pinnacle of the music world.

    · America’s Got Talent judge and pop icon Mel B roughs it with Grylls on the shark-infested waters of the Irish coast.

    · After a breathtaking repel from a helicopter, Grylls and Hudgens evade a boulder avalanche, summit a massive dormant volcano, and come face-to-face with a rattlesnake, which makes for a cringe-worthy dinner. Along the way, Vanessa reveals her struggle to accept the passing of her father, and shares insights on her meteoric rise to stardom.

  • Courteney Cox, Nick Jonas, Vanessa to feature in ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’

    Courteney Cox, Nick Jonas, Vanessa to feature in ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’

    MUMBAI: Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ is back, as the famed survivalist takes a new host of unsuspecting celebrities under his wing to explore some of the most remote locations around the world. First up joining the renowned adventurer is triple-platinum recording artist and actor, Nick Jonas, followed by SAG Award-winning actress, Courteney Cox, as Grylls takes them on the 48-hour extreme survival challenge of a lifetime.

    Airing exclusively on the Discovery Channel from 5 January every Thursdays at 9 pm, other celebrities joining Grylls include: dancer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer, Julianne Hough; stage and screen actress and singer, Vanessa Hudgens; alpine skier and Olympic gold medallist, Lindsey Vonn; and Hall of Fame basketball player, Shaquille O’Neal.

    Each of the accomplished actors and athletes will partner with Bear for two days for a one-on-one adventure they will never forget.

    From the remote African Savanna and mountain passes of Sierra Nevada to the wilds of Ireland and rocky shores of Corsica, the intrepid cast members will face their deepest fears and tackle everything from wild animals to rock rappelling as they journey through some of the world’s most unforgiving wildernesses, learning a little more about themselves in the process.

    Pushing their minds and bodies to the limit to complete their journey, they experience the excitement of being dropped into uncharted territory and tackling the wilderness head-on, which is daunting and draining, but also very empowering.

    · Television icon Cox joins Grylls on a harrowing journey to Ireland on this week’s Running Wild. Dropped along the wind swept coastline, they navigate jagged peaks and descend sheer cliffs, only to be battered by ocean swells. As they contend with the elements, the two struggle to stay warm and must subsist on a meager diet of maggots sourced from a rotting sheep. Cox’s limits will be tested, but her spirit shines while sharing insights on aging gracefully, the loss of her father, and the joy of motherhood.

    · Vonn takes a speedboat trip with Grylls, before they swim to shore, cross a chasm and dine on sea urchins. How will she get on?

    · O’Neal joins Grylls on an oversized adventure to the remote Adirondacks on Running Wild. After being plucked from a freight train via helicopter, Bear and the 7’1” Shaq battle dense forest, blood-sucking leaches and two-hundred-foot sheer rock faces in search of their extraction point. Along the way, Shaq’s infectious energy, tales of legendary NBA moments, and unwavering drive to be help others remind us why he is beloved the world over.

    · Hough joins Grylls on a roaring adventure to the African Savanna. They initially navigate the unforgiving African terrain on ATV and must elude a pack of elephants that block their path. Rappelling from a sheer cliff, they enter a remote canyon where they evade a pack of big cats, come face-to-face with a massive snake, and navigate treacherous waterfalls before reaching their extraction point. As they make their way through the dangerous and unpredictable terrain, Julianne shares her personal story of abuse, and the positivity and unwavering determination that got her to the top.

    · Jonas joins Grylls for an icy journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains. With a blizzard bearing down, Nick and Bear must rappel down a sheer rock face before navigating an avalanche-prone mountain face. Building camp under harsh conditions, the two feast on a frozen bird, and eventually make a heart-stopping swim across a freezing lake. Along the way, Nick gives us the definitive account of the Jonas Brothers’ split and reveals how his struggle with diabetes gave him the drive to reach the pinnacle of the music world.

    · America’s Got Talent judge and pop icon Mel B roughs it with Grylls on the shark-infested waters of the Irish coast.

    · After a breathtaking repel from a helicopter, Grylls and Hudgens evade a boulder avalanche, summit a massive dormant volcano, and come face-to-face with a rattlesnake, which makes for a cringe-worthy dinner. Along the way, Vanessa reveals her struggle to accept the passing of her father, and shares insights on her meteoric rise to stardom.

  • ‘The Bible’ on History TV18 from 24 December

    ‘The Bible’ on History TV18 from 24 December

    MUMBAI: With Christmas around the corner, History TV18 is all set to enthrall its audience with The Bible. Starting from 24 December at 9 pm, the channel will telecast stories from the Bible, revealing insights into the iconic characters of the Bible.

    This 10-part miniseries will feature some of the best-known stories ever written from Noah’s Ark to the Exodus, and the life and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth in the Bible.

    The series brings fresh life to the world’s best known book. Instead of presenting the Bible’s epic tales through the lens of faith or religion, this event series immerses the viewer in the stories in a new way. It is told in the first person, from the point of view of the heroes and villains whose decisions shaped both Old and New Testaments. From Abraham to Moses, from Noah to David, through Jesus and the Apostles, The Bible captures the struggles of real people dealing with real issues in a way a modern audience can relate to.

    Keith David narrates the series that stars Roma Downey (aka Mother Mary), who also serves as a co-executive producer along with her husband, Mark Burnett, who is the creator and producer of this show. Joining them is the Portuguese TV star Diogo Morgado (aka Jesus), Darwin Shaw (aka Peter) and Sebastian Knapp (aka John).