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(LONDON, UK, March 19, 2015) -- Discovery Networks International has announced five new series and specials in the genres of natural history, engineering, survival, science and aviation just one month after new executive vice president and chief creative officer Phil Craig assumed his post. The five series and specials will be broadcast across Discovery's networks in more than 220 countries and territories in 2015 and 2016.

"I am thrilled to announce some fresh new content that expands the range and loosens the filters on some of our classical factual genres," said Craig. "I came to Discovery to be part of a brand I've loved for nearly 30 years, to give our global content more energy, take it to new heights, to surprise and delight our viewers and satisfy their endless curiosity. This is just the beginning, as our London production hub starts to incubate new ideas with our independent production partners worldwide."

"Some of this new content is moving to broadcast quickly, like our documentary on the AirAsia tragedy as the current investigation unfolds and the public's curiosity remains high," he added. "Others will take more time to develop, as sometimes epic stories need time to unfold."

Craig's new greenlight slate includes the following:

TERROR IN THE SKIES: AIRASIA AND BEYOND (April 2015)

This 1x60' documentary examines the tragic events of 28th December 2014, when AirAsia flight 8501 and its 155 passengers and seven crew members were lost in a storm, 40 minutes into their journey from Indonesia to Singapore - concluding a devastating year of aviation disasters. The documentary special reveals troubling connections between this accident and the shocking Air France disaster of 2009, and explores the cutting-edge technology designed to prevent such tragedies taking place again, with the help of world-leading experts analyzing the state of the modern aviation industry and tackling the question on every passenger's mind: is flying (still) safe? TERROR IN THE SKIES is produced by ITN Productions and is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre and executive produced by Tom Gorham.  Ian Russell is the executive producer for ITN.

ENGINE ADDICT WITH JIMMY DE VILLE (Autumn 2015)

This all-new 6x60' series follows extreme engineer Jimmy de Ville on his mission to hunt down some of the world's most rare and iconic engines and repurpose them in the most uncanny ways. As an engineer, race car driver, adventurer and soldier, Jimmy has been tinkering with - and rebuilding - engines and vehicles his entire life. In ENGINE ADDICT WITH JIMMY DE VILLE, Jimmy will explore abandoned factories, junkyards and deserted airfields to unearth an incredible range of combustion engines across the globe - traveling to Poland, India, Brazil, Sweden, Austria and the United Kingdom. ENGINE ADDICT WITH JIMMY DE VILLE is produced by Maverick TV. The series is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre and executive produced by Victoria Noble for Discovery Networks International, and is executive produced by Dan Goldsack and Jim Sayer for Maverick TV.

LOST AND STARVING (wt) (Winter 2016)

This series cooks up an exotic recipe, mixing adventure, survival and food in a new series that gives viewers a seat at the table for bizarre foods that just might save your life. The 6x60' series features Mother Nature in her rarest form, teaming up British chef and restaurateur Matt Tebbutt with Kiwi survivalist and alpha male Josh James to challenge not only their survival and culinary skills, but also one another. In each episode, the intrepid duo travels to a new, alien environment with the ultimate goal to prove that knowledge, passion and a touch of desperation are the key ingredients in conquering the terrain. The two-man team is spending a week in the wild to prove you can live like kings if you know where to look and how to cook. Together, they show how the means to survive can be found in the most unusual places, seeking food you'd never imagine eating, maybe never knew existed - but these unusual foods could actually save your life - and in some cases make for a unique and delectable meal. LOST AND STARVING is produced by betty. The series is commissioned by Sarah Davies, executive produced by Liz Brach, with producer Rob Holloway for Discovery Networks International. For betty, Tom Sheahan is executive producer and Neil Smith is creative director.

THE BRAINY BUNCH (wt) (2016)

This entertaining, character-led series, inspired by "The Big Bang Theory," introduces viewers to the personalities and keen minds behind some remarkable breakthroughs in science, technology and medicine. Through ambition, invention and creation, the series will feature more than a dozen pioneers in the fields of space, technology, aviation, robotics and design, who will work against all odds to create what was once deemed impossible, and ultimately, transform the way we live. Featuring an international cast of scholars, engineers, scientists and technicians from renowned institutions, each episode provides a peek behind closed doors of the world's most innovative labs, workshops and test centres. From failed prototypes to epic moments of success, we'll witness the blood, sweat and tears behind invention and the issues that threaten to derail our geniuses as they battle with lack of funding and resources, along with the pressure of designing excellence. There is no limit to what these intellects are capable of! THE BRAINY BUNCH (wt) is produced by Lime Pictures and is commissioned by Elizabeth McIntyre and executive produced by Tom Gorham. Jack Kennedy is the executive producer for Lime Pictures.

LIFE OF DOGS (wt) (2016)

This is Discovery Networks International's first major natural history commission, made in an energised popular style that Craig has termed "New-Chip,"  unique blending traditional blue chip natural history with a new style of fresh storytelling.  Until recently, man's best friends were the only animals except humans found on every single continent; and in every place they are found, dogs work with men to achieve incredible feats. This 5x60' series provides unique insight into the incredible natural history of dogs. Observing dog breeds from across the world in their native settings, and in their modern day homes with humans, we reveal how the best friend that sits at your feet became so specialized, and how each breed has developed unique characteristics that allow them to perform the job they were originally designed to do. The series focuses on dogs at all four stages of domestication - wild dogs, worker dogs, domesticated pet dogs and the dogs released back into the wild - to reveal how dogs became our best friend, and to show this amazing species in all its glory. LIFE OF DOGS (wt) is produced by Plimsoll Productions, with multiple award- winning natural history filmmaker Dr. Martha Holmes at the helm, and is commissioned and executive produced by Helen Hawken for Discovery.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. For 30 years Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers with high-quality content through its global television brands, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery controls Eurosport, the leading pan-regional sports entertainment destination across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

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