26.02.02
Michael
Palin extends his travels to Brighton
Michael
Palin has journeyed to Brighton to unveil his latest adventure series,
Sahara, to the world's television programme buyers at BBC Showcase.
Palin's
much-anticipated new series sees him facing one of the world's greatest
challenges - crossing the world's largest desert from the rock of
Gibraltar to Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and beyond. Palin's previous
adventures - Full Circle with Michael Palin, Pole to Pole and Around
the World in 80 Days have all been licensed around the globe to
more than 50 countries.
BBC
Worldwide's US-based sales team has concluded a major pre-sale agreement
for Sahara with US cable network Bravo. The channel has also acquired
other Palin series as part of the agreement.
Hosted
by BBC Worldwide, the main commercial arm of the BBC, and now in
its 26th year, BBC Showcase continues to be the world's largest
television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, and
this year has attracted a record 460 buyers from around the globe
- an increase of 20% on last year. Deals initiated at the market
generate an estimated £40 million annually for BBC Worldwide.
"The
year-on-year success of BBC Showcase clearly demonstrates the strength
of the BBC in the international market - no other broadcaster in
the world has the range of programming, in terms of quality and
diversity, to attract so many international buyers for such an event,
" says BBC Worldwide Chief Executive Rupert Gavin. "It
is a great bonus having Michael at the event this year - his presence
and enthusiasm will greatly encourage buyers to sign up for his
stunning new series."
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