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Discovery Channel U.S. and Discovery Networks International Launch New Global Landmark Development Fund to Kickstart the Next Generation of Global Landmark Series and Events


WEBWIRE

Silver Spring, Md. - Discovery Channel U.S. and Discovery Networks International (DNI) today announced the launch of a new Global Landmark Development Fund in the amount of $500,000 to fuel the next generation of groundbreaking epic series and landmark events. In its continued commitment to developing and producing the world’s most ambitious, highest quality programming, Discovery Channel and DNI are working in partnership to kickstart the creation of the next big breakthrough programs in science, adventure, history, engineering, natural history and more. The Global Landmark Development Fund will invest in the most impressive and daring ideas from the production community around the world.

“Discovery Channel is as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and breaking new grounds in the non-fiction space,” said Eileen O’Neill, Group President, Discovery Channel and TLC Networks, U.S. “With a strong focus on our roots in natural history to new explorations of the unknown -- like live events including SKYWIRE LIVE WITH NIK WALLENDA and SPACE JUMP LIVE – we will continue to provide the unprecedented access to extraordinary people and places that sets us apart from our competition.”

“This is an exciting challenge for producers to bring us ideas as ambitious and innovative as PLANET EARTH and NORTH AMERICA,” said Luis Silberwasser, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, DNI. “By working on a global scale, we have a unique opportunity to enlist the world’s best production companies to make their most ambitious ideas a reality. Discovery programming is renowned worldwide for its excellence and this fund will ensure we continue to reinvent in the masterpieces of which we are so proud"

Signature Discovery highlights from the past year include the runaway success of NORTH AMERICA, Discovery’s first independently-produced natural history landmark series. From the zenith of the Rock Mountains to the barren deserts of the American Southwest to the lush forests of Belize, each episode reveals the intimate struggle of survival and coexistence in never-before-seen filming firsts and mind-blowing imagery. Earlier this year, Discovery celebrated other marvels, capturing Nik Wallenda’s historic tightrope crossing over the Grand Canyon with the nail-biting special SKYWIRE LIVE WITH NIK WALLENDA, which aired live in nearly 180 countries worldwide.Towering 1,500 feet above the Little Colorado River, a height greater than the Empire State Building, this was the highest tightrope walk ever attempted by “The King of the Wire” – all without a tether or safety net. Viewers across the world tuned in to the momentous event that showcased the fulfillment of a lifelong dream against the spectacular cavernous backdrop and shared in the unfolding of a personal and astonishing milestone.

Production companies should submit their very best and most innovative ideas to Andrew Jackson, Executive Vice President, Production and Development, Landmark Series and Specials, Discovery Channel, and Julian Bellamy, Creative Director and Head of Production and Development, DNI.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than two billion cumulative subscribers in 224 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 195 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. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. 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 42 international brands, reaching 1.6 billion cumulative subscribers with programming available in 45 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.



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