Discovery Networks Asia has acquired the factual entertainment series “Around The World By Train,” presented Sir Tony Robinson. The 6x60’ programme will be airing this October.
The series, commissioned by Channel 5 UK from Rumpus Media and Motion Content Group, follows world-renowned comedian, actor and author Sir Tony Robinson as he gives house-bound viewers a form of escapism; jumping on and off trains through India, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Europe and finally the USA. Sir Tony disembarks to experience and explore the things that fascinate him most – whether it’s mastering the art of herding camels by a helicopter in the Australian outback, joining the musical parade through the streets of New Orleans or abseiling an enormous tree in the Malaysian rain forest. A second series, which sees Sir Tony circumnavigate the world in the opposite direction, is also available.
This deal is the first to be completed as part of a freshly-inked collaboration between Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency, and Keshet International (KI), the global content producer and distributor, in a newly forged distribution partnership over the Asian region. This alliance will see Bomanbridge exclusively sell 275 hours of content from KI’s burgeoning unscripted finished catalogue, including factual, factual entertainment and entertainment series from a number of UK-based productions companies including Crackit Productions, Woodcut Media, Keshet Productions and Rumpus Media.
“Keshet International, with a real entrepreneurial drive and such smart, creative content, will make good program partners for us and the Asian region,” said Sonia Fleck, CEO of Bomanbridge Media. “With a real demand for competitive, high-quality programming needed now more than ever, our stellar team is very excited to join forces and expand the sales growth and success!,” she added.
“We are thrilled to be working with Bomanbridge and pleased that they have already helped us find a home for this fabulous travelogue in Asia with Discovery Networks. Sir Tony is such an engaging to follow as he circumnavigates the globe by train with multiple stop-offs, ensuring this series has broad appeal, particularly at a time when people are unable to travel as much as they might like. It’s no wonder it’s one of our most popular titles,” commented Kelly Wright, SVP Distribution and New Business at Keshet International.
“Around The World By Train” has already been sold by KI into Australia (SBS - first window), The History Channel (second window), Hungary (AMC Networks), Poland and South Africa (BBC Earth), Israel (The Travel Channel), and New Zealand (TVNZ). Discussions continue with other broadcasters.