New U.K. Commissions for Nat Geo Channel

LONDON: National Geographic Channel U.K. has commissioned Wall to Wall to produce Sea Patrol UK and has tapped The Gamma Project for Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie.

Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie is a four-part series that follows well-known British TV and vintage machine enthusiast Chris Barrie as he looks at machines that have changed peoples’ lives. Some of these include the Dragon Rapide, the Morris 8, the Deltic diesel locomotive, the Lovell Telescope, the Routemaster bus, the Ford Transit Van and the DeLorean DMC.

Simon Bohrsmann, the general manager of National Geographic Channel U.K., said, “This series is a real celebration of British genius—it dishes up a big dose of nostalgia and presents the role these incredible inventions played in shaping the history of the U.K. Chris Barrie’s passion and vast expertise makes him the ideal host to bring these stories alive.”

Hugh Whitworth, the executive producer for The Gamma Project, added, “The Gamma Project is delighted to be chosen to produce this important series for National Geographic Channel U.K. We’ve been working closely with the channel to create a unique series. When it comes to engineering history, Chris Barrie is simply the most engaging presenter on the planet. Both his millions of dedicated fans and newcomers to his hands on style and great storytelling will not be disappointed. This is 20th century British history like you’ve never seen it before.”

The six-part Sea Patrol UK is a co-production from National Geographic Channel U.K. and Five. The series follows the multi-agency enforcement team that regulates the English Channel and surrounding waterways. The groups are all tasked with keeping the Channel incident-free.

Bohrsmann commented, “The English Channel is unique. It is a major daily operation to monitor it, police it and keep it safe. None of this would happen every day without the many unsung heroes of the Channel. Viewers will be surprised by what it takes to regulate this busy waterway.”

Guy Davies, the senior executive producer at Wall to Wall, said, “With access to all the agencies who keep the Channel operating, Sea Patrol UK will be a real eye-opening and exciting series. It promises to be an action packed project. From a two mile long slick of timber adrift in the Channel to desperate night-time helicopter searches across the white cliffs, and tankers full of chemicals dangerously adrift, Sea Patrol UK meets close up the people who keep our waterways safe 24/7.”

Both series will premiere on National Geographic Channel U.K. this summer.