Silver Spring, Maryland – Discovery Channel U.S. and Discovery Networks International (DNI) have announced the launch of a new Global Landmark Development Fund in the amount of $500,000 to fuel the next generation of epic series and landmark events. Discovery Channel and DNI are working in partnership to kickstart the next big programmes in science, adventure, history, engineering, natural history and more. 

“Discovery Channel is as committed as ever to pushing the boundaries of traditional genres and breaking new grounds in the non-fiction space,” said Eileen O’Neill, Group President, Discovery Channel and TLC Networks, U.S.  “With a strong focus on our roots in natural history to new explorations of the unknown — like live events including Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda and Space Jump Live – we will continue to provide the unprecedented access to extraordinary people and places that sets us apart from our competition.”

“This is an exciting challenge for producers to bring us ideas as ambitious and innovative as Planet Earth and North America,” said Luis Silberwasser, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, DNI. “By working on a global scale, we have a unique opportunity to enlist the world’s best production companies to make their most ambitious ideas a reality. Discovery programming is renowned worldwide for its excellence and this fund will ensure we continue to reinvent in the masterpieces of which we are so proud.” 

Recent Discovery highlights include North America – Discovery’s first independently-produced natural history landmark series. Earlier in 2013, Discovery captured Nik Wallenda’s historic tightrope crossing over the Grand Canyon with Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda which aired live in nearly 180 countries. 

Production companies should submit their best and most innovative ideas to Andrew Jackson, Executive Vice President, Production and Development, Landmark Series and Specials, Discovery Channel, and Julian Bellamy, Creative Director and Head of Production and Development, DNI.