Tern, part of Zinc Media Group, has announced two returning series for BBC Network and BBC Scotland – Martin Compston’s Northern Fling and Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle.
In Martin Compston’s Northern Fling (6 x 30 min), the Line of Duty actor, along with his best friend Phil MacHugh, embarks on an epic Northern adventure – searching for all that it means to be from the ‘North’ starting in Shetland, before travelling the length of Norway to “lift the lid on what we can learn from the most Northern of our Scandinavian neighbours.” The commission is the sequel to Martin Compston’s Scottish Fling, which followed the duo across Scotland.
Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle (4 x 60 min) has been commissioned for its second series, following the launch series last year. Ben Fogle will once again explore the connection between stunning landscapes and spiritual belief across several beautiful islands. Complemented with drone footage, he will celebrate each island he visits, meeting the locals and learning how the island’s unique religious history is woven through the community today.
Both series are expected to broadcast later this year. Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle will be shown on BBC Scotland, BBC One and iPlayer and Martin Compston’s Northern Fling will air on BBC Scotland, BBC Two and iPlayer.
David Marshall, Head of Entertainment, Tern, says: “Making series where big name talent do counterintuitive things is what Tern is known for, and we are pleased to have secured another series with Martin and Ben, both household names who are able to disarm contributors and make audiences feel they are part of their adventures.”
Harry Bell, Managing Director, Tern, adds: “Tern’s strength is in bringing Nations stories to the Network, as well as marrying top talent with their passions – so these commissions sit perfectly in our sweet spot. Not only that, returnable series form the foundation of our business, and allow us to continue to grow and evolve.”
Tern has also been commissioned to make a 46th series of Beechgrove Garden (26 x 30 min) for BBC Scotland and BBC Two. Tern’s longest-running returning series, it is presented by Carole Baxter, George Anderson, Brian Cunningham, Calum Clunie, Kirsty Wilson, Diana Yates and Lizzie Schofield, and once again offers topical tips and hands on gardening advice from the company’s specially designed studio garden.
Steve Allen, Commissioning Editor, BBC Scotland says: “Viewers loved these series, though they each brought something very different to the table. Martin and Phil’s irrepressible sense of fun, based on their solid friendship, delighted viewers as they travelled across Scotland. While Ben’s serenity as he took a spiritual island tour, with the backdrop of fantastic scenery, engaged people in a different way, but again was very much taken to viewers’ hearts. We are delighted that these wonderful wanderers are returning to BBC Scotland and BBC network for new series.”
Martin Compston’s Northern Fling was commissioned by Clare Mottershead, Lead Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment & Events and Steve Allen at BBC Scotland. It is Series Produced by Allanah Langstaff and Executive Produced by David Marshall for Tern at Zinc Media. The series is distributed by TVF International. Scotland’s Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle was commissioned by Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion and Ethics TV and Steve Allen at BBC Scotland. It is Series Produced by Craig Collinson and Executive Produced by Harry Bell for Tern at Zinc Media. The series is distributed by DCD Rights.
Jon Creamer
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