Discovery, Raw TV to embark on “Endurance” test

September 27, 2012 by Barry Walsh

Discovery Networks Western Europe has commissioned Endurance in the Wake of Shackleton, a three-part adventure series from UK prodco Raw TV that will follow a team of explorers retracing the steps of one of history’s greatest survival stories.

Close to 100 years ago, in an ill-fated attempt to cross Antarctica from the coast of the Weddell Sea to the Ross Sea coast, Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, became trapped in ice. After the explorer and his 28-man crew eventually made it to Elephant Island, he and five men embarked on a dangerous journey across the Southern Ocean and over the South Georgia mountains to find help.

The production team will house the expedition boat, a replica of original lifeboat the James Caird, with a fixed-rig camera system, and will also use handheld cameras to capture the action as a team of six men, led by polar explorer Tim Jarvis (pictured), recreate the journey. BAFTA-nominated expedition cameraman/director Ed Wardle will be one of the six. The adventure will be undertaken using traditional equipment, navigational tools and clothing.

“Discovery’s 2013 expedition will wage their strength, skill and toughness against the most powerful forces of nature to discover the secrets behind Shackleton’s survival and to see how they measure up against the heroes of a hundred years ago,” said Dan Korn, SVP, head of programming for Discovery Networks Western Europe.

“We are delighted to build on Discovery’s unrivalled reputation as the home of survival and adventure with this hugely exciting new commission,” added series commissioner Elizabeth McIntyre, VP production and development, factual, for Discovery Networks International. “Shackleton’s incredible journey was described as an act of ‘unparalleled bravery and physical endurance’ and has never been successfully completed again – until now.”

The series will air in the third quarter of 2013. It’s executive produced by Elizabeth McIntyre and Helen Hawken for Discovery Networks Western Europe and Sam Maynard for Raw TV.

For more information on the Shackleton Epic expedition, click here.

Tags: Dan Korn, Discovery Networks Western Europe, Elizabeth McIntyre, Endurance in the Wake of Shackleton, Raw TV, Tim Jarvis