Channel 5 has ordered two new natural history commissions following the debut last year of its wildlife series Loch Lomond: A Year in the Wild.
The broadcaster has also ordered new history doc Elizabeth I, as well as a second series of comedy Borderline.
The two natural history series are both co-productions from Tigress Productions and GroupM Entertainment. A Year in the Wild of Alaska (4 x 60”) and The Dales and Moors: A Year in the Wild (4 x 60”) are both set to air in 2017 and the Channel 5 commissioner for both series is Sean Doyle.
A Year in the Wild of Alaska is executive produced by Sarah Swingler for Tigress Productions; Melanie Darlston executive produces for GroupM Productions.
The Dales and Moors: A Year in the Wild is exec produced by Dick Colthurst for Tigress Productions, Melanie Darlston executive produces for GroupM Productions.
Oxford Film and TV will produce a 3 x 60” docu-drama focussing on Queen Elizabeth I. The story will be driven by the contrasting viewpoints of historians Suzannah Lipscomb, who will give viewers Elizabeth’s point of view, and Dan Jones, who will highlight the threats posed by her enemies. The series is executive produced by Sue Jones and Nick Kent for Oxford Film and TV, Channel 5’s Commissioning Editor is Lucy Willis.
Channel 5 also confirmed that that original comedy Borderline will return for a second series. LittleRock Pictures, headed up by Zoe Rocha and Ralf Little will once again produce the retro-scripted mockumentary with the writing duo Chris Gau and Michael Orton-Olliver. Sebastian Cardwell is the executive producer for Channel 5.
Channel 5 Director of Programmes Ben Frow commented: “Today’s announcement underlines the evolution of the channel; we’re building on our successes with high quality commissions that increase the breadth, range and appeal of our home grown programming. The critical reaction to Borderline has been really encouraging as we begin to build our comedy portfolio.”
Staff Reporter
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