BBC Worldwide has struck its first ever co-production deal with local Greek broadcaster SKAI Television.

 

The major deal will see SKAI Television collaborate with BBC Worldwide on three landmark co-productions – Bible, Life and Frozen Planet - all due to be delivered between 2009 and 2011.

 

Launched in April 2006, SKAI Television is a newly established terrestrial infotainment channel which has quickly become a key acquisition partner in Greece for BBC Worldwide.

 

Having already licensed top BBC Worldwide titles such as Robin Hood, Torchwood and Top Gear, this deal reinforces SKAI Television's position as a prime partner in the development of the BBC brand in Greece.

 

"Since the channel's launch we have developed and maintained an excellent relationship with SKAI Television, providing its audiences with top BBC dramas, documentaries and childrens shows from the outset," commented Ben Donald, Head of Northern Mediterranean Sales at BBC Worldwide.

 

"This new co-production deal is a logical step in SKAI's ambition to associate itself with the strong BBC brand. By working directly with us, they can now take an important hand in producing fantastic content for the world."

 

With the legendary BBC Natural History Unit also as a co-producer, Life will be one of the greatest wildlife stories ever told.

 

Shot in HD, this ten part natural history blockbuster will be the definitive exploration of the diversity of life on earth, packed with stories that reveal the most spectacular and fascinating animal behaviour, driven by their endless struggle to survive.

 

Religious co-production Bible will be a six part series featuring the most important and iconic Bible stories. Each episode will use drama and CGI to bring the stories to life – emphasising their humanity, the miraculous experiences and the epic encounters.

 

It will be an accessible, entertaining, informative and intelligent guide to important passages in the Bible.

 

Teaming up with the BBC's Natural History Unit once more, the six episodes of Frozen Planet will be the ultimate and most comprehensive portrait of the polar regions ever filmed.

 

For the first time, a truly multi-media approach to broadcasting will give near unlimited scope to the way in which the stories of our ice caps are told and will properly explain the science that is vital to these environments.

 

Ioannis Alafouzos, President & Managing Director of SKAI Television said: "Frozen Planet, Bible and Life will encapsulate everything that BBC Worldwide and SKAI Television stand for – high quality, high impact, prime-time landmark television series.

 

"Through this deal we're able to strengthen our already fruitful collaboration with BBC Worldwide and we're looking forward to co-creating, promoting and broadcasting exciting television that we are all proud of."

 

 

Caroline Sennitt