Discovery Networks International Launches New Original Series that Delves Into the Secret World of International Gangs in INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE

Silver Spring, Md. - Discovery Networks International (DNI) today announced a world premiere, original series that invites viewers into the inner workings of some of the world’s most notorious gangs. INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE, an all-new 5x60 series from production company NERD TV, follows ex-mafia street boss Lou Ferrante as he delves into previously impenetrable communities of gangsters and seeks out their hidden leaders. INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE will premiere on Discovery Channel in 217 countries across Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America from end of February 2013.

Through INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE, Ferrante, once a street boss for the New York mob, uses his insider smarts to shed new light on very different gang cultures, characters and modes of operation in El Salvador, the Philippines, New Mexico, Italy, and Poland. Incredibly, these gangs frequently have codes of practice that dictate life both inside and outside the prison walls; they run their activities, grow and prosper behind bars, yet continue to terrorize and control communities living outside.

Ferrante will set out to explain gang origins, history, developing networks of power, motivations and political sway in graphic detail, and with an insider’s insight and passion never before applied to the subject. In order to explore each gang, Ferrante will immerse himself in their respective cultures, both inside and outside of prisons. He will live alongside prisoners, talk to guards, get under the skin of gang members, and meet top tier “soldiers,” following the trail of gang power from prison to the outside world, meeting key figures and family to provide an insider’s perspective on a notoriously clandestine world.

“INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE offers exclusive insight into empires that operate both within and beneath the apparent culture,” said Elizabeth McIntyre, VP Production & Development, Factual Programming, DNI. “The knowledge and passion, risks and challenges undertaken by Lou give a completely new perception to organized crime. We have seen in the past scripted dramas about mob life, but by exploring the operation beyond mere stereotypes, the audience gains a real and vivid understanding that spans globally.”

“In this series, Lou is able to combine his long experience as a New York mobster with a wit, intelligence, and appetite for truth-seeking that is all his own,” said Jago Lee, Executive Producer for NERD TV. “Lou is a remarkable new talent, and his unique approach compellingly reinvents the story of gangs and gangster life on television.”

INSIDE THE GANGSTERS’ CODE is produced for Discovery Networks International by NERD TV. For Discovery Networks International, Elizabeth McIntyre is commissioner and executive producer. For NERD TV, Jago Lee is executive producer.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 217 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 153 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. Discovery Networks International distributes 26 international brands, reaching over 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers with programming available in 45 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.