Skilled marksmen get a shot at making history in... TOP SHOT

HISTORY� Greenlights Series Debut for 2010

New York, December 8, 2009 � In Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, Annie Oakley used a mirror to shoot a rifle over her shoulder. William Tell shot an apple off his son's head with a crossbow. Whether it's the Romans shooting flaming arrows or Barbarians slinging stones, history is filled with legendary tales of amazing marksmanship. Now, HISTORY is tapping into these inspiring feats of sharp-shooting for it's first-ever competition series � and one contestant will emerge with a $100,000 prize package and the title of "Top Shot."

The new 10 episode series, TOP SHOT, is slated to premiere in 2010. The announcement was made today by Nancy Dubuc, President and General Manager, HISTORY.

In each episode, contenders will face team and elimination challenges inspired by real events in history, from Wild West shootouts to modern-day sniper missions. Every challenge will reveal the weapons, technologies and tactics of a different era, while hi-speed HD cameras capture the skillful execution of each test with breathtaking precision in extreme slow-motion.

"Not only will contestants have a chance to experience history in the making, but they might make history themselves by breaking a world record," said Dubuc.

A nationwide search for contestants is underway. 16 finalists will be selected from among thousands of applicants, and only one will be declared "Top Shot."

TOP SHOT is produced for HISTORY by Pilgrim Films & Television. Executive Producers for HISTORY are Dirk Hoogstra and Paul Cabana. Craig Piligian is Executive Producer for Pilgrim Films & Television.