Discovery Networks International (DNI) and Discovery Channel in the United States is starting a new global development fund of $500 000 to help kickstart brand-new TV series and landmark events.
"In its continued commitment to developing and producing the world’s most ambitious, highest quality programming, Discovery Channel and Discovery Networks International are working in partnership to kickstart the creation of the next big breakthrough programs in science, adventure, history, engineering, natural history and more," says the factual entertainment company in a statement.
The Global Landmark Development Fund will invest in the most impressive and daring ideas from the production community around the world.
"Discovery Channel is as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and breaking new grounds in the non-fiction space," says Eileen O’Neill, the group president for Discovery Channel and TLC Networksin the United States.
"With a strong focus on our roots in natural history to new explorations of the unknown — like live events including Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda and Space Jump Live – we will continue to provide the unprecedented access to extraordinary people and places that sets us apart from our competition."
"This is an exciting challenge for producers to bring us ideas as ambitious and innovative as Planet Earth and North America," says Luis Silberwasser, the executive vice president and chief content officer for Discovery Networks International.
"By working on a global scale, we have a unique opportunity to enlist the world's best production companies to make their most ambitious ideas a reality. Discovery programming is renowned worldwide for its excellence and this fund will ensure we continue to reinvent in the masterpieces of which we are so proud."
Production companies around the world can now submit their best and most innovative ideas to Andrew Jackson, the executive vice president of production and development for landmark series and specials, Discovery Channel, and Julian Bellamy, the creative director and head of production and development at Discovery Networks International.
