Brighton, UK – The BBC Showcase 2008 saw BBC Worldwide launch its new regional co-production A History of Beijing, a documentary series which offers an in-depth tour of the Chinese capital and its people. Co-produced with Beijing TV and the Media Development Authority of Singapore, A History of Beijing marks the first collaboration for BBC Worldwide’s Global Channels business since its launch in 2006. Originally shot by Beijing TV as a 12-part series, A History of Beijing features reconstructions of the Beijing’s historical moments and showcases the its history, focusing on its growth from nomadic beginnings through dynasties to the metropolis of today. The series’ launch coincides with the buildup of interest in China, and in particular, Beijing, in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics to be held in August 2008. A special three-part version of the series will premiere first and exclusively on BBC Knowledge across Asia in August 2008. It will also air on BBC Knowledge in Poland and in some European territories on BBC Prime. Christine Leo-McKerrow, senior vice president and general manager of Global Channels Asia-Pacific said, “Producing with Asian partners content that has relevance for regional and global audiences has been our intent since introducing the BBC-branded channels to this part of the world.” BBC Knowledge launched globally in Singapore on July 29, 2007 and has since debuted in Hong Kong and Poland.