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(Silver Spring, Md.) - Discovery Channel has commissioned Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP), an IMG Media Company, to produce an ambitious three-part documentary series, revealing the wonders of the cosmos to a new generation. STEPHEN HAWKING'S UNIVERSE (wt) will air on Discovery Channel worldwide. A collaboration with Hawking, it will delve into the mind of the world's most famous living scientist and reveal the splendor and majesty of the universe as never seen before. The series, which will use a combination of CGI, live action, archive and visual effects, will bring the world-renowned Hawking's extraordinary vision of the universe to the screen in high definition.

More than 20 years after writing the groundbreaking A Brief History of Time, Hawking will offer a fresh perspective on the mysteries of the cosmos. Presenting his theories in what is considered to be the "golden age of cosmology," the epic series will chart the history of the universe, from the awe-inspiring energy of the big bang to the end of time itself. Accessible and entertaining, it will see Hawking tackle some of the greatest mysteries of the cosmos-How did the universe begin and how will it end? Are we alone? And is time travel possible?

In addition to airing STEPHEN HAWKING'S UNIVERSE (wt) on Discovery Channel globally, Discovery Enterprises International program sales and licensing group will partner with other broadcasters around the world to bring this groundbreaking series to an even wider audience.

Stephen Hawking says, "This ambitious series explores some of the most fascinating aspects of cosmology and I am pleased to bring these theories to a new audience. I'm delighted to be working with Darlow Smithson and Discovery Channel and I hope these visions of the universe will evoke a sense of wonder for everyone, and maybe inspire a new generation of cosmologists."

John Smithson, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Director of Darlow Smithson, says, "This is a wonderful creative challenge. We're tackling some mind-boggling science yet making a series that is both definitive and entertaining for a global audience. We are thrilled to be working with one of the greatest minds in science on this genre-busting project."

"To my knowledge, no other network has ever undertaken as compelling or ambitious a project as this to date," said John Ford, President and General Manager, Discovery Channel. "We are breaking the mold of documentary filmmaking and storytelling in STEPHEN. Visualizing the universe through one of the greatest minds on the planet is an incredibly challenging prospect. Darlow Smithson was the ideal choice to bring this definitive series to the screen and to Discovery Channel's audience around the globe."

STEPHEN HAWKING'S UNIVERSE (wt) is a 1x120' and 2x60' Darlow Smithson Production for Discovery Channel worldwide. It is executive produced by John Smithson and Ben Bowie for Darlow Smithson Productions. Susan Winslow is executive producer for Discovery Channel. CGI and visual effects by Darlow Smithson and Red Vision.

About Discovery Channel

 

Discovery Channel (DSC) is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which reaches 98.1 million viewers in the US, can be seen in over 170 countries, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

Darlow Smithson Productions (DSP) is one of the most prestigious and celebrated independent production

companies in the UK. With an unsurpassed reputation for producing high quality programmes for both UK and international broadcasters, DSP has achieved worldwide industry recognition for its groundbreaking specialist factual, drama, documentaries and factual entertainment. DSP was acquired by IMG Entertainment, a division of IMG, the world's premier Sports, Entertainment and Media Company IMG, in April 2006. DSP's work has been honoured with more than 30 international awards including BAFTAs, two British Independent Film awards, a US Emmy, an International Emmy, two Royal Television Society awards, an Indie Award and the Cult Award for Best Documentary at the Rome Film Festival. Most recently THRILLER IN MANILA (More4) was selected for the Sundance Film Festival in the International Documentary Feature Films category. TOUCHING THE VOID (Film Four, Film Council, PBS, Channel 4) is DSP's most successful production to date, winning 12 major awards including a BAFTA for Best British Film 2004 and is the most successful British feature doc in UK box office history. With unrivalled experience in high-definition productions, DSP also specializes in the use of advanced computer graphics and quality dramatic reconstruction with its in-house VFX department ensuring creative and efficient practice from concept through to delivery. DSP's main offices are in London, but they also have growing production centres in New York, Los Angeles and Singapore to benefit their portfolio of international clients. Recent successful projects include; THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (BBC1), THRILLER IN MANILA (More4), RICHARD HAMMOND'S ENGINEERING CONNECTIONS (Natgeo US and Int. BBC2), U BE DEAD (ITV), SMASH LAB (Discovery Channel), THE BRAIN (The History Channel), ECOPOLIS (Discovery US), RUTKAS DIARY (BBC1), KILLER IN A SMALL TOWN - THE IPSWICH MURDERS (Channel 4).

Press Contacts for Darlow Smithson:

Mary Jones and Kathryn Meadmore

Franklin Rae Communications

Tel: + 44 (0)20 7317 5400

Email: mary@franklinrae.com or kathryn@franklinrae.com