Smithsonian Channel(TM) Commissions 'THE TRUE STORY,' Five-Hour Popular History Series From Dan Chambers and Blink Films

Smithsonian Channel(TM) Commissions 'THE TRUE STORY,' Five-Hour Popular History Series From Dan Chambers and Blink Films

Co-Production with U.K.'s Five to reveal the true stories behind iconic movies and heroes

WASHINGTON and LONDON, March 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Smithsonian Channel has commissioned a new five-hour television series, THE TRUE STORY, to investigate the real people and events behind some of the most popular films and film characters of our time.

David Royle, head of programming and production for the new HD channel, said, "We're delighted that one of Britain's most respected producers, Dan Chambers, has brought us one of the first series from his new company Blink FILMS." THE TRUE STORY will be a co-production with the UK's Five and is expected to air in the U.S. later this year.

It is being distributed by BBC Worldwide.

The new series will explore the real-life history of Indiana Jones (The fourth movie in the series opens in May); Ian Fleming and his famous creation, James Bond; Eliot Ness and his band of FBI "Untouchables"; the infamous three-man escape from Alcatraz Prison in 1962; and the haunted house in Amityville, Long Island, New York. "Each situation or cast of characters is well-known from the movies but frequently the facts are even more fascinating than the fiction. In "THE TRUE STORY" we will reveal new information, startling interviews, and sometimes groundbreaking evidence behind these pop culture sensations" said Royle.

The series producer is Lucy van Beek, with executive producer, Dan Chambers. Producer directors are David Hickman, Russell England, Virginia Quinn, and Chris Mitchell.

Blink Films was formed in June 2007 by former Five executives Justine Kershaw and Dan Chambers.

ABOUT SMITHSONIAN NETWORKS

Smithsonian Networks (SN) is a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution. It was formed to create new channels to showcase scientific, cultural and historical programming based largely upon the assets of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. Smithsonian Channel features original documentaries, short-subject explorations and innovative and groundbreaking programs highlighting America's historical, cultural and scientific heritage. Visit Smithsonian Networks on the internet at www.smithsonianchannel.com

Source: Smithsonian Channel

CONTACT: Michael Shepley, +1-212-786-9064, shepleypr@aol.com, or Jackie
Ioachim, +1-212-708-1220, Jackie.Ioachim@showtime.net, both of Showtime
Networks Inc.; or Dan Chambers of Blink Films, +0207-749-3160,
Dan.Chambers@blinkfilmsuk.com

Web site:

http://www.smithsonianchannel.com/

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