Discovery launches Global Landmark Development Fund

Discovery Networks International (DNI) and Discovery Channel U.S. are investing US$500,000 toward the next generation of epic series and landmark events.

TV Asia Pacific reports that the Global Landmark Development Fund is intended to kick-start the creation of the next big breakthrough programs in science, adventure, history, engineering, natural history and other categories.

“Discovery Channel is as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and breaking new grounds in the non-fiction space,” said Eileen O’Neill, the group president of Discovery Channel and TLC Networks in the U.S. “With a strong focus on our roots in natural history to new explorations of the unknown—like live events including Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda and Space Jump Live—we will continue to provide the unprecedented access to extraordinary people and places that sets us apart from our competition.”

“This is an exciting challenge for producers to bring us ideas as ambitious and innovative as Planet Earth and North America,” added Luis Silberwasser, the executive VP and chief content officer of DNI. “By working on a global scale, we have a unique opportunity to enlist the world’s best production companies to make their most ambitious ideas a reality. Discovery programming is renowned worldwide for its excellence and this fund will ensure we continue to reinvent in the masterpieces of which we are so proud.”