Channel 4 Orders London’s Great Bridges: Lighting the Thames

ITN Productions has been commissioned by Channel 4 for the three-part series London’s Great Bridges: Lighting the Thames, presented by architectural designer Charlie Luxton.

The docuseries will capture the creation of Illuminated River, a public artwork that will light up to 15 bridges on the River Thames. Luxton will guide viewers through a mix of history, art, engineering and observational filmmaking to tell the stories of Britain’s most iconic bridges. London’s Great Bridges: Lighting the Thames will culminate with the illumination of the first four bridges as they transform London’s nighttime landscape.

The Illuminated River International Design Competition was launched in June 2016, attracting entries from 105 teams working in the fields of art, technology and design from all over the world. Leo Villareal, an internationally acclaimed artist, and the British-based architecture practice Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands were chosen to create the artwork.

Andy Dunn, executive producer at ITN Productions, said: “This is an ambitious, challenging and visually stunning project. To secure behind-the-scenes access and chart the journey of such a historic art installation over London’s iconic bridges is really special.”

Sean Doyle, commissioning editor for Channel 4, added: “ITN has done a great job capturing this jaw-dropping and ambitious project that is full of challenges for the men and women involved. It’s a fascinating project that will transform the great bridges of London.”