DISCOVERY CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS PRODUCTION OF FACTUAL SERIES "THE WEST"
Stephen David Entertainment and Sundance Productions to Produce
DRG Acquires International Rights
Discovery Channel announces today that it is in production of an all-new series, THE WEST, produced for Discovery by Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn's Sundance Productions, who recently produced Discovery Channel's Emmy Award nominated documentary All the President's Men Revisited, and Stephen David Entertainment, known for its two-time Emmy Award winning series, The Men Who Built America. THE WEST will provide unprecedented access into the wilderness, frontier lawlessness, and bloodshed of the 40 years between the end of the American Civil War and after the turn of the 20th Century, when the west was won. THE WEST is set to premiere in 2014.
"THE WEST will expose the triumphs, tragedies and legendary characters who gave rise to the taming of the American West," said Eileen O'Neill, Group President of Discovery and TLC Networks. "We are excited to partner with Stephen David Entertainment and again with Robert Redford and Sundance Productions to bring these enduring stories to Discovery."
"The stories of the American West are epic and profound with some of the biggest, most renowned and mythologized characters," said Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn, Sundance Productions. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Stephen David to bring this series to the world."
"After the Civil War, the Western frontier becomes this place where if you wanted something, you took it," said Stephen David of Stephen David Entertainment. "Whether you were fighting for land, money or pride, sooner or later, you found yourself on one end of a gun or another."
"We are delighted to be working on such an exciting project with two incredibly talented production companies," said Jeremy Fox, CEO, DRG. As one of Discovery's tent pole series for 2014, we can't wait to take it out to the international market."
From Jesse James and Crazy Horse to Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill, the characters at the center of this violent, blood-soaked period in American history are explored. Each episode of THE WEST will follow the stories and struggles of the West's most infamous outlaws as they fight for their land and identity. The American Dream belonged to those brave enough to claim it and THE WEST encapsulates the world of chaos, turmoil and opportunity during the notorious fight for the American west.
DRG, an independent distributor of content representing a host of internationally recognized production companies, has acquired international rights to distribute THE WEST outside of North America.
For Stephen David Entertainment, Stephen David is Executive Producer and for Sundance Productions, Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn will serve as Executive Producers. Michael Sorensen is Executive Producer for Discovery Channel.
About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 224 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com
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 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. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
About Stephen David Entertainment
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Stephen David Entertainment has emerged as a leader in high-end television production, specializing in docudrama, documentary and non-fiction, as well as selected scripted series. In the span of three years, Stephen David has established a bustling production and post-production company that has seen a meteoric rise and continued yearly growth.
Of the company's most recent credits, History Channel's The Men Who Built America has garnered two Primetime Emmys and three additional Emmy nominations, won awards at the BANFF World Media Festival and Realscreen, and received a nomination from the Visual Effects Society.
Last January, the ID Discovery debut of David's REDRUM broke the network's primetime ratings record. The show is currently in production on its second season, set to air in early 2014. David has several more docudrama miniseries premiering over the next year.
About Sundance Productions
Launched and founded in 2012 by Robert Redford and Laura Michalchyshyn, Sundance Productions develops and produces innovative, compelling television content for linear and digital platforms in the U.S. and around the world. Sundance Productions partners with leading storytellers, directors, and producers for the production of authentic tent pole series and specials across all platforms. In April 2013 Sundance Productions launched two documentaries All the President's Men Revisited on Discovery Channel and The March on PBS, both are rolling out worldwide. Upcoming projects include Chicagoland a Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin directed series for CNN and Cathedrals of Culture, a 3D series being executive produced with Wim Wenders/ Neue Road Media.
About DRG
DRG is one of the world's leading independent distributors of content, representing a host of internationally recognised production companies. DRG's independence means it is uniquely positioned to sell every programme it represents on its own merit.
DRG has a number of strategic partnerships with broadcasters and producers of high-quality programming, and the expertise to maximize value of content and rights in a rapidly evolving, multiplatform world.
Backed by MTG Studios, the company has a strong creative track record and the ability to build international brands, working with the widest range of respected clients, from independent producers to international TV networks; from web developers to ISPs and social networks; from individual talent to media agencies and global brands.
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