FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday 15 March 2016
DISCOVERY IGNITE 2016 IS NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
Discovery Ignite is a local production initiative created to generate exciting new local productions for Australia
Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP) in Australia, a branch of the world’s number one non-fiction media company Discovery Communications, is opening its doors for programming pitches from today for six channels covering factual, general entertainment and kids genres, with the launch of its annual local production initiative, Discovery Ignite.
Now in its tenth year, Discovery Ignite gives independent filmmakers the opportunity to pitch production ideas for local commission. For the first time, DNAP is broadening the categories in 2016, with producers invited to submit original, ‘distinctly Australian’ programming proposals for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science and Discovery Kids. Submissions close Thursday 30 June 2016 and applicants will be advised in July 2016 if their pitch has been shortlisted.
“Local productions resonate very strongly with our audiences so we’re always excited to receive submissions for Discovery Ignite. Each year has generated new and unique, local stories that we’re proud to be able to share exclusively with our Foxtel audiences,” said Mandy Pattinson, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, DNAP. “It’s a privilege to unearth talented documentary makers and provide them the opportunity to showcase their work on a local and international stage with our global reach. At the same time we’re able to continue investing in the creation of high quality, local productions that our viewers can trust and enjoy.”
Some of DNAP Australia’s most successful local productions are a result of Discovery Ignite. Most recently, Saltwater Heroes and John Eales Reveals: Life After Sport were commissioned through the initiative and premiered on Discovery Channel in 2015. Award winning Abalone Wars, completed its fourth season and has been picked up for Shark Week in the US, highlighting the true potential for international success.
Other Discovery Ignite successes include: Storm Surfers Australia, Storm Surfers New Zealand, the Ultimate Fish franchise with Andrew “ET” Ettingshausen and Rocket Compulsion.
For information on how to submit a program visit http://www.discoverychannel.com.au/ignite/submissions/
Submissions close Thursday 30 June 2016
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DNAP CHANNELS TAKING SUBMISSIONS
Discovery Channel Discovery Channel is the proud home of Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush and Shark Week. We’re looking for one-off program ideas that complement Discovery Channel’s existing core content and showcase distinctly Australian personalities or characters. Personalities who immerse viewers in fascinating stories and extraordinary experiences that build knowledge, satisfy curiosity and inspire the very spirit of discovery.
Your subject matter could take us to amazing locations, feature action and adventure, document characters overcoming extraordinary obstacles or maybe even surprise us with rare insights through a unique subculture. Ultimately, your story should have broad audience appeal.
Animal Planet Animal Planet is all about showcasing raw, visceral and immersive entertainment that taps into the primal instincts that drive us all. With compelling stories that resonate with human nature, Animal Planet leads viewers to feel before they think. We all live on the same planet, but Animal Planet takes you to a different world.
Animal Planet offers a variety of programming so we are looking for documentaries of animals in the wild, as well as ‘pawsome’ pet entertainment showcasing our domestic friends as well as everything in between.
Discovery Turbo Fast N’ Loud, Wheeler Dealers, Overhaulin’ and Fifth Gear are some of the best loved shows on Discovery Turbo. For all you gearheads, this is a chance to share your passion for all things fast n' furious in a uniquely Aussie way.
We’re looking for high-octane stories of remarkable people who design, engineer, invent or race the impossible. The format is open to interpretation, whether it is challenge-based, character driven or going behind-the-scenes at a unique event … don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
TLC TLC opens doors to peek into the lives of interesting people. Engaging viewers through real life stories, it offers TV to talk about through memorable moments from the relatable, to the remarkable.
It provides a variety of factual entertainment programming including key series Sister Wives, Little People, Big World, Kate Plus 8 and Say Yes To The Dress. These shows relay a range of emotions and provide viewers with the thrill of watching unusual experiences that ‘could happen to me’. It promises the magnetic lure of seeing unfamiliar lives, the addiction that is witnessing dramatic ups and downs of others - everyone needs a little TLC.
Discovery Science Dedicated to innovation and exciting programming, Discovery Science takes a microscope to the cutting edge of the world and then journeys out to worlds beyond.
We are looking for shows that showcase the hottest trends in the world of science and technology with a local twist. What are we doing that could change the way we all live? What innovations are impacting our environment and technology currently…or what might in the future? The content should be both topical and accessible.
Discovery Kids Discovery Kids lets children explore their awesome world and ignites their natural curiosity by providing content that is fun and enriching. The channel stimulates learning and imagination, and provides a safe environment that parents can trust.
We are looking for programs based on the key learning areas of the national curriculum, that take our young viewers into a world of information and entertainment exploring adventure, nature, science, wildlife, history and technology. 2
Discovery Ignite Closes Thursday 30 June 2016 www.discoverychannel.com.au/ignite
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Antella Jamie-Lee Burns Publicity Manager Publicity Coordinator +612 9506 2128 +612 9506 2112 [email protected] [email protected]
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 196 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 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. In Asia-Pacific, eight Discovery brands reach 590 million cumulative subscribers in 36 countries with programming customised in 15 languages and dialects.
About Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number-one pay-TV programmer Discovery Communications, is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its portfolio of 14 brands. From survival to natural history, wonders of science to extreme jobs, motoring to travel and lifestyle, and the latest engineering marvels to live sporting events, each channel offers distinct must-watch programming to engage viewers across the region. The network’s 14 brands reach 674 million cumulative subscribers in 36 countries and territories with programming customised in 14 languages and dialects. For more information, please visit www.asia.discovery.com.
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