BBC Worldwide in New Co-Production on Beijing

BRIGHTON, February 26: BBC
Worldwide is teaming up with Beijing TV and the Media Development Authority of
Singapore for A History of Beijing,
a new co-production that offers an in-depth tour of the Chinese capital and its
people.

This regional
co-production marks the first such collaboration for BBC Worldwide’s Global
Channels business since its launch in 2006.

Originally shot by Beijing
TV as a 12-part series, A History of Beijing showcases the rich history of the city, taking
audiences on a journey behind its growth—from its nomadic beginnings to
its iconic dynasties and today’s modern, thriving metropolis. Many of the
ancient city’s greatest historical moments are recreated through stunning reconstructions.

A special three-part
version of the series will premiere exclusively on BBC Knowledge across Asia in
August 2008. It will also be broadcast on BBC Knowledge in Poland and in some
European territories on BBC Prime. BBC Worldwide will also offer a first
glimpse of the series at its annual market, BBC Showcase, which takes place in
Brighton in the U.K. and runs from February 24 through tomorrow.

Christine Leo-McKerrow,
the senior VP and general manager of BBC Worldwide’s Global Channels for Asia
Pacific, said: “Producing with Asian partners content that has relevance for
regional and global audiences has been our intent since introducing the
BBC-branded channels to this part of the world. With the BBC being one of the
world’s largest and most renowned producers of documentary programming, it is a
natural progression for us to extend this expertise through local productions,
and with local partners, such as Beijing TV.”

Leo-McKerrow continued: “This
series comes at a highly opportune time when there is a massive interest in
China, and in particular, Beijing. Through this series, audiences can find a
deeper understanding of Beijing and its people before the world descends on the
ancient city in August.”

—By Irene Lew