TLC Orders Two New Shows from Darlow Smithson

LONDON: Darlow Smithson Productions has been commissioned for two new factual programs for TLC: one dealing with rare medical conditions, the other focused on near-death experiences of children.

The first commission is for six hour-long installments, to be produced in association with Barcroft Media,which will chart the journeys of individuals who are battling some of the world’s rarest medical conditions. There’s also a commission for the hour-long program tentatively titled My Kid Survived, which will re-tell the life or death experiences of three children who survived odd circumstances against all odds.

The international sales for both commissions will be handled by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.

Viv McGrath, the executive producer of Darlow Smithson Productions, said, “Following the success of Plane Crash Survivors and BAFTA-nominated Tsunami Caught on Camera—both of which we produced for TLC in 2009—we are delighted to be once again working with the network to tell more incredible stories of human struggle for survival. These commissions are fantastic examples of high quality, dramatic factual programming with incredible stories at their heart.”

Cathy Payne, the chief executive at Endemol Worldwide Distribution, added, “Darlow Smithson’s six-part strand is an extraordinary series of programs with universal appeal. The plight of these individuals and their amazing courage will touch the hearts of audiences around the world. We look forward to launching the programs at MIPCOM 2010.”