DEI Press Releases
DISCOVERY LAUNCHES UNPRECEDENTED LANDMARK BLUE CHIP DOCUMENTARIES
Awe-Inspiring Programming Examines Topics Never Before Explored
CANNES, October 5, 2009 – Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world’s number one nonfiction media company, today announced the launch of three new landmark blue chip documentaries that embody the mission, values and true essence of the world renowned Discovery brand.
“Discovery is the number one factual entertainment company in the world, and we strive to answer curiosity and we do it on a bigger scale than any producer out there,” said Nicolas Bonard, Senior Vice President, Discovery Enterprises International. “With our immense global distribution platform, nobody can do it with the same passion, breadth and depth that we can.”
Discovery is dedicated to creating the highest quality nonfiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. At the heart of the Discovery brand, first-rate blue chip documentaries that span the globe, satisfying curiosity and captivating audiences. Discovery Enterprises International will make available for the first time three new unprecedented specials for consideration by third-party broadcasters.
Discovering Ardi
Discovering Ardi reveals the breaking news behind a scientific study that opens a new chapter on human evolution. The two-hour special documents the discovery of a 4.4 million-year-old female partial skeleton nicknamed “Ardi," and recounts the first evolutionary steps our ancestors took after we diverged from a common ancestor we once shared with living chimpanzees. The film documents the sustained, intensive investigation leading up to the landmark publication of the Ardipithecus ramidus fossils. "Ardi's" centerpiece skeleton, the other hominids she lived with, and the rocks, soils, plants and animals that made up her world were analyzed in laboratories around the globe. The discoveries answer questions about how hominids became bipedal.
Stephen Hawking's Universe (working title)
Stephen Hawking's Universe (working title) is an ambitious three-part documentary series, revealing the wonders of the cosmos to a new generation. A unique collaboration between Discovery Channel and mastermind Stephen Hawking, the program will delve into the mind of the world’s most famous living scientist and reveal the splendor and majesty of the universe as never seen before. The series, which will use a combination of CGI, live action, archive and visual effects, will bring the world-renowned Hawking’s extraordinary vision of the universe to the screen in high-definition. Stephen Hawking's Universe is produced for Discovery Channel by Darlow Smithson Productions.
Last Days of the Dinosaurs
A fully immersive thrill-ride of mega-tsunamis, terrifying meteor showers, off the scale earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, firestorms, bitter acid rain and a chilling nuclear winter, Last Days of the Dinosaurs examines the day that changed pre-history. The series reveals an epic story of survival, from the asteroid impact and its fiery aftermath, to the desperate fight for life among the dinosaurs who escaped the blast, only to face a more horrific fate in the days and weeks that followed.
Discovery Enterprises International focuses on maximizing sales opportunities with international third-party broadcasters and licensees by streamlining access to Discovery's worldwide brands and content. The Enterprises team partners with local clients through regional offices in London, Miami, Munich, Singapore, Sydney and Discovery's global headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, to analyze international markets in order to break down the programming needs of individual broadcasters within each territory.
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Enterprises International, the company's international program sales and licensing arm, licenses programming and properties in multiple markets including the UK, Japan, France, Germany, China, India and Russia. For more information, please visit www.discoveryenterprisesinternational.com. Discovery Networks International distributes 18 international brands, reaching 946 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in 35 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.