Whoop Inc. and Discovery Emerging Networks Group Sign Programming Development Deal
Whoopi Goldberg to Develop Series and Specials for Science Channel and Investigation Discovery
November 11, 2008
(Silver Spring, MD) – Whoopi Goldberg’s lifelong passion for learning is the centerpiece of a new development deal between Whoop Inc. and Discovery Communications’ Emerging Networks Group. Under the agreement, Goldberg and her producing partner, Tom Leonardis, will develop targeted series for Investigation Discovery and Science Channel, with a guarantee that at least one concept, executive produced by the team, will receive a greenlight. With this deal Discovery Emerging Networks continues to build upon its commitment to attract top-caliber production houses and talent.
“As the creative force behind Whoop Inc., Whoopi Goldberg is an entertainment powerhouse and we are delighted to partner with her on Science Channel and Investigation Discovery,” said Deborah Adler Myers, senior vice president, Discovery Emerging Networks. “Whoop Inc.’s dedication to thought-provoking, high-quality entertainment bolsters our mission to bring great storytelling and unique content to life on our networks.”
“Since I’m really curious about the world, what better place for Tom and me to exercise this interest than at Discovery,” says Goldberg. “This partnership opens up a whole new world for us and we’re thrilled to be in business with Science Channel and ID.”
Science Channel, which is also available as Science Channel HD, immerses viewers in the incredible spectrum of science, from string theory and futuristic cities to accidental discoveries and outrageous inventions. Celebrating the trials, errors and eureka moments generated by our curiosity of the world, Science Channel provides engaging content on-air and online at ScienceChannel.com.
Investigation Discovery is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. Providing the highest-quality investigative programming from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery draws on absorbing storytelling techniques that take audiences through the twist and turns of mysteries and stories of justice shaping our culture and defining our world.
About Whoop Inc.
Created by Whoopi Goldberg and Tom Leonardis, Whoop Inc. is active in virtually every entertainment medium, including television, film, radio and theatrical productions. In addition to producing the NBC sitcom, “Whoopi”, Goldberg and Leonardis produced the hit Lifetime drama series “Strong Medicine”, which ran for six seasons. The duo has produced three movies for television: Lifetime’s “What Makes a Family” (produced with Barbra Streisand, Cis Corman, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron), Showtime’s “Ruby’s Bucket of Blood” and the TNT Original movie “Call Me Claus,” as well as a feature film ”The Piano Man’s Daughter”, written and directed by Kevin Sullivan and starring Stockard Channing and Christian Campbell. Goldberg holds an Oscar (”Ghost”), a Grammy (“Fontaine, Why Am I Straight?”), a Tony (Producer/”Thoroughly Modern Millie”) and an Emmy (Host/”Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel”). Leonardis is a Tony Award nominee for “Whoopi…The 20th Anniversary.”
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.