91Èȱ¬

91Èȱ¬ Worldwide France has concluded a co-production deal with France 5 for a five part series Human Journey.

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The new series marks the second time in recent years that the public service broadcaster has teamed up with 91Èȱ¬ Worldwide on a major science project.

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They were also a co-producer on Surviving Disaster which was aired in 2006 and sold to over 25 broadcasters worldwide.

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Human Journey undertakes five epic journeys across the globe, tracing the ancient routes of our early ancestors to reveal the extraordinary and brutal challenges they faced.Ìý

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Using the latest genetic and archaeological evidence, it shows how humans gradually adapted, culturally and physiologically, in response to their environment.

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This landmark series (5 x 50) is being filmed in HD and will be shown in the UK on 91Èȱ¬ TWO in 2009.

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Tim Muff, General Manager, 91Èȱ¬ Worldwide France said: "We're delighted to have France 5 on board as co-producer of this major series.Ìý It's a good fit all round as France 5 is well placed to feed their expertise and judgement into the production process, whilst the finished programmes will sit perfectly within their schedule."

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Ann Julienne, Head of Acquisitions and International Co-productions, France 5, added:Ìý"France 5 was very keen to co-produce Human Journey as soon as 91Èȱ¬ Worldwide first came to us with the idea.

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"It is a strong series that relates the fabulous journey the human species has taken over the last 160,000 years!

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"We are convinced that this series will be very popular with our viewers. Everyone, after all, is directly concerned."

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Paul Bradshaw, whose credits include Egypt and Medieval Lives, is Series Producer of Human Journey and executive producer is Kim Shillinglaw (Trouble at the Top, Dangerous Passions).

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The series has been commissioned by Roly Keating, Emma Swain and Martin Davidson.

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91Èȱ¬ Worldwide at MIP TV 2008, Stand G3.40.

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Note to editors:

91Èȱ¬ Worldwide Ltd

91Èȱ¬ Worldwide Limited is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (91Èȱ¬). The company exists to maximise the value of the 91Èȱ¬'s assets for the benefit of the licence payer and invest in public service programming in return for rights.

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The company has seven core businesses: Global Channels, Global TV Sales, Magazines, Content & Production, 91Èȱ¬ Entertainment, Global Brands and Digital Media.

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In 2006/07 91Èȱ¬ Worldwide generated profits of £111 million on sales of £810 million.

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France 5

France 5 is in a category of its own, both in French broadcasting and in the first free digital television bouquet put together by France Télévisions.

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Its remit to broadcast and disseminate knowledge means that it is a genuine content channel dedicated to providing people with the keys they need to decode the world around them.

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France 5 also sees itself as a forum for debate, providing opportunities to reflect on important issues and attempting to answer viewers' questions about the world around them.

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Lee Leschasin

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