Nick Rapp
People News
NEWSDiscovery Networks (Silver Spring, U.S.): Jane Root has replaced Clark Bunting as EVP and GM at Discovery Channel US, leaving her former post as controller of BBC2. Bunting has been upped to evp for Discovery Networks in the u.s. At Discovery Networks International, Rebecca Batties takes over as svp of creative development and brand management for Discovery’s 10 international networks.
The Whole Package
NEWSEnvironment, the newest installment of its pioneering web-only doc project. With a focus on the big three – earth, air and water – it’s an interactive exploration of how the environment affects our lives, from personal stories (such as why actor/producer Larry David drives a hybrid) to games. Produced by P.O.V. Interactive, info gleaned from teams in the u.s. and Germany is presented in a forum that invites dialog and introspection. Borders launched in 2002 as an R&D exercise in online narrative, and the new multi-part series spans radio, forums, games, videos and guest bloggers. The curriculum effort hosts an international class project, quizzes and prizes. www.pbs.org/pov/borders Nick Rapp
Pick of the Issue
NEWSRealScreen chats with John Willis, who rejoined the BBC last June as director of factual and learning, just as the venerable institution’s editorial practices were hitting the headlines, and the fallout continues…
Tapeless gear and HD offerings head to Sin City
NEWSThe end may be near for costly digital transfers as Sony, Hitachi and Panasonic release tapeless production gear. In time for the National Association of Broadcasters show (April 17 to 22, Las Vegas) Panasonic has begun the rollout of its new memory products.
People News
NEWSGranada International (London, U.K.): In continuing Carlton/Granada news, Ian Jones is leaving the merged sales unit, as his GM position no longer exists. Nadine Nohr is MD of Granada International and Emmanuelle Namiech is controller of programming, heading up acquisition, copro and development.
The ape and the athlete
NEWSFor many, actor Johnny Weissmueller is known by one name only, Tarzan. But, the man was much more than a single film character. Born into a poor family in Freidorf (now Romania), he won three gold medals for the U.S. at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, becoming the first man to swim 100 meters in less than a minute. Yet, after becoming a Hollywood sex symbol, Weissmueller found himself a prisoner of his own movie star identity, moving from his role as Lord of the Apes to that of Jungle Jim for both the big screen and TV. Labled one of the worst actors of all time, Weissmueller went through several marriages and eventually lost his fortune before dying in obscurity 20 years ago in Acapulco, Mexico.
Morgue than you wanted to know
NEWSDr. Jan Garavaglia is a rarity in her field – as a medical examiner in the U.S., she toils in a profession dominated by men. However, she will soon join the sisters of a growing sector when she becomes a reality-celebrity in New York-based Atlas Media’s Dr. G: Medical Examiner. Produced for Discovery Health Channel U.S., the 13 x 1-hour series will follow this mother of two through her daily activities as one of the top forensic pathologists in the country, illuminating the inner workings of a forensics lab, while looking not only at Dr. G’s workload, but those of the medical investigators and morgue staff as well.
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Factual Entertainment Forum 2011 - Jo Sharon, vice president of development for Magical Elves Productions, at Realscreen’s Factual Entertainment Forum in Santa Monica.