Discovery Channel’s Original Series ‘OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT’ Puts Nine Strangers to the Ultimate Mental and Physical Test
Eight-Part Series Continues Discovery’s Fascination With and Exploration of One of the Most Inhospitable Terrains on Earth
January 9, 2009
(Los Angeles, Calif.) – Would you volunteer to be abandoned deep in the Alaskan interior on the brink of winter with eight strangers and attempt to find civilization with nothing more than the clothes and gear on your back? This April, premiering during Discovery Channel’s popular “Alaska Week,” viewers will meet the nine daring people who abandoned the comforts of home to test their ability to survive in one of the most physically and mentally demanding environments in the world. OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT is a riveting depiction of man’s struggle against nature.
“OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT captures what is core to Discovery viewers,” said John Ford, president and general manager, Discovery Channel. “It is the test of human spirit through adverse conditions, coming out the other side with new knowledge. Through this series, viewers get a firsthand look into the resourcefulness and sheer determination it took for these nine volunteers to spend a month in one of the most unforgiving environments in the world. It’s must-see television.”
“OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT” once again teams Discovery Channel with Pilgrim Films and Television and Executive Producer Craig Piligian, who added, “Pilgrim is thrilled once again to be working with Discovery on building this new franchise which pushes the physical, mental and emotional limits of those whose mission – like Discovery’s – is to learn more about the world. We look forward to bringing this compelling series to Discovery viewers.”
In September 2008, nine amateur hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts put their lives on hold to take on the opportunity, and challenge, of a lifetime. After a three-day crash course in basic survival skills, including how to shoot a gun, skin an animal and start a fire without matches, the volunteers were flown to Ttsusena Lake in the rugged Alaskan interior. There they were given the first piece of a rudimentary map (additional pieces were given to the team along the route), a compass and a few basic tools and told to hike to civilization—before the harsh winter weather sets in.
Over the course of their monthlong journey, the volunteers put their newfound skills to the test, hunting, fishing and foraging for food and building makeshift shelters. They faced plummeting temperatures and diminishing daylight hours. Their only lifeline was a GPS beacon they could activate if their lives were in danger or if they wanted to be evacuated. And some chose to do just that.
For all their struggles, the brave volunteers weren’t being offered a million-dollar prize or seven-figure job at the end of their journey. Their reward was the chance to have a life-changing experience—the potential to never see their lives the same way again.
OUT OF THE WILD: THE ALASKA EXPERIMENT is produced for Discovery Channel by Pilgrim Films & Television. Craig Piligian, Eddie Barbini and Adam Briles are executive producers. For Discovery Channel, Tim Pastore is executive producer.
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 Discovery Channel.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications 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 How Stuff Works. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit Discovery Communications.