Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific launches “Rebuilding Japan”

April 26, 2011 by Barry Walsh

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) is inviting Japan’s filmmakers to submit original documentaries concerning the country’s efforts to rebuild following the devastating effects of March’s earthquake and tsunami.

The “Rebuilding Japan” initiative will see the creation of a fund that will enable the production of up to six films that will air first on Discovery Channel and Animal Planet in Japan, and then internationally through Discovery’s networks next year.

“We decided to launch the ‘Rebuilding Japan’ initiative after Discovery Japan received requests from viewers who had seen the touching on-air messages of sympathy and support from Discovery’s key talent – among them, Bear Grylls, the Mythbusters, Jeremy Wade, and Dave Salmoni,” said James Gibbons,  senior vice president and general manager for Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific/Japan. “They wrote in to ask us to record and broadcast Japan’s recovery from the disaster. We are sure that the theme of the project – triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity – will resonate with our viewers not just in Japan but also around the world.”

DNAP says it is looking for individual recovery stories that reflect the larger national effort to rebuild the country and that the stories should “present a series of unique local perspectives through a Discovery lens.”

Interested filmmakers have until June 10 to submit an original story outline or documentary treatment related to the theme. Six filmmakers will then work with DNAP and its producers to produce films based on the proposals.

For more information, visit www.japan.discovery.com.

Tags: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

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