Discovery Channel to launch China-focused documentaries

China's State Council Information Office and Discovery Channel officially signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 16, under which both sides will jointly invest and produce China-focused documentary programs with international influence and broadcast them through Discovery Channel's international TV network covering over 180 countries and regions.

The cooperation project aims to showcase China's unique people, landscapes, attractions and marvels, pique global viewers' interest and curiosity about China and make the world gain a better understanding of China. The two sides will produce a series of documentaries covering topics such as China's science and technology, natural geography, social lives and traditional culture.

Furthermore, they will initiate training and media forum initiatives in order to create more training and exchange opportunities for Chinese documentary producers and nurture talent with the experience in producing international TV programs.

The first two documentaries of the cooperation project are "Man Made Marvels: Building Sichuan" depicting the post-disaster reconstruction in China's Sichuan Province and "China's Man Made Marvels: Ancient Beijing" which will showcase Beijing's historical urban development. The two documentaries are scheduled to start shooting in the near future and premiere on Discovery Channel in the second quarter of 2011. Meanwhile, the world's first China-focused 3D documentary will also start shooting and is expected to debut on Discovery Channel in 2011.

By People's Daily Online