| MUMBAI:
Television format creator and distributor FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has
announced its partnership with The Travel Channel making it the exclusive international
distributor for the network’s original programming. The
agreement provides access to a catalogue of more than 200 hours of top-tier programming
from the US Travel Channel as well as a first-look at new productions for possible
co-financing for international distribution. FME will make The Travel Channel
library available for international sale at MipTV, which takes place in Cannes
from 7-11 April. Headlining
the slate are talent-led titles Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Bizarre
Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Samantha Brown Passport to China and Best
Places to Find Cash and Treasures with Kirsten Gumm all shot in high definition.
FME CEO David
Ellender said, “As the world gets smaller viewers are very excited to learn
about new places and cultures. We are delighted to deliver programming that takes
a fascinating approach to the topic with the best of talent and the highest in
production values in the genre.” Travel
Channel Media president, GM Patrick Younge says, "FremantleMedia is a leader
in global content distribution, and the ideal partner to represent the Travel
Channel's content in the international marketplace. This opportunity enables us
to both build the Travel Channel brand internationally, and to support the US
tourism industry by showcasing domestic destinations to millions of international
travellers."
Anthony
Bourdain: No Reservations invites viewers to travel the
world with the experienced chef and writer seeking out authentic
experiences and food that flavour the world’s culture.
The Zero Point Zero production, profiles Bourdain who is currently
the executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles and has run kitchens
in many prestigious eateries such as New York City's Supper
Club and One Fifth Avenue. His literary work has appeared
in the New York Times, The Times and The Face. He is a contributing
authority for Food Arts magazine.
Following
his wanderlust, Bourdain’s journey takes him to people
and places far beyond the realm of food. From Iceland to Vietnam,
the show presents a candid view of a chef out of his kitchen
and his comfort zone!
Packing
an open and curious mind, a strong stomach, and a healthy appetite for travel,
Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern follows the chef and food writer, as he
tastes his way around the world eating bear, tongue, pigeon, brain, turtle soup,
and even pig’s toes. In each episode, he reveals the beauty of both the locations
and the traditions behind the foods he consumes; he broadens the viewers’
culinary horizons and encourages their palates to venture outside grilled cheese
sandwiches and hamburgers and take a chance to taste the world.
Taking her
viewers on an adventure of a lifetime, in her series Samantha Brown Passport
to China the travel presenter discovers what’s new in one of the world’s
oldest countries. In a land where East is meeting West in surprising ways, China
is being rebuilt as a tourist Mecca because of the 2008 Olympic Games.
On
Best Places to Find Cash and Treasures host Kirsten
Gumm takes the viewer on a journey to uncover relics, buried
jewels and other valuable items at real locations accessible
to the public. Kirsten then takes her finds to local experts
to transform her raw gems into fabulous treasures.
How
much are they worth? Find out when certified appraisers price them in our final
“Show Me the Money!” reveal. In pursuit of each treasure, Becky brings
viewers along as she unearths unexpected finds. | 
