Sundance Channel Greenlights Environmental Series Hosted by Eco-Adventurer David de Rothschild

Sundance Channel Greenlights Environmental Series Hosted by Eco-Adventurer David de Rothschild

Eight-Part Series Produced by NBC's Peacock Productions to Premiere In 2009

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Channel EVP and GM, Laura Michalchyshyn today announced that the network will move forward with production on the eight-part series, titled "Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living." Hosted by environmentalist David de Rothschild, founder of Adventure Ecology, the series, slated to premiere in 2009, will trace the origins and environmental impact of common everyday products such as a cotton t-shirt or a gold ring. "Eco-Trip" is produced by NBC's Peacock Productions ("The Education of Ms. Groves," "In His Own Words: Brian Williams on Hurricane Katrina," "Global Warming: What You Need to Know"), Sharon Scott is the executive in charge, Colleen Halpin is the executive producer, and Remy Weber is the director. "Eco-Trip" is sponsored by Subaru.

Each of the one-half hour episodes will trace the eco-life of an everyday item such as a cotton t-shirt, salmon, a cell phone or a bottle of water from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. With host David de Rothschild, founder of Adventure Ecology -- an organization that uses adventure and storytelling to captivate the imagination, raise global mass media awareness and inspire individuals, communities and industry to take positive action for our planet -- the series will include a pro-active component, educating viewers on the decisions they can make to live a greener lifestyle.

Michalchyshyn commented, "David has a wonderfully engaging and inquisitive personality that will charm Sundance Channel viewers as they travel with him to learn about the impact that the production of everyday objects has on our health and on our planet. And once again we are delighted to be working with the team at Peacock Productions." She continued, "This series reflects Sundance Channel's ongoing commitment to creating entertaining and enlightening eco-programming further building on the success of THE GREEN."

David de Rothschild's commitment to the environment has sent him to some of the world's most remote and fragile regions. In 2006 he spent over 100 days attempting to cross the Arctic from Russia to Canada, which saw him become one of only 42 people, and the youngest British person ever to reach both geographical poles. Prior to his 2006 'Top of the World Arctic Expedition', he had already become one of only 14 people ever to traverse the continent of Antarctica. 2009 will see David cross the Pacific from San Francisco to Sydney in a boat built from plastic bottles and recycled materials. This expedition has the working title of "The Plastiki" in homage to Thor Heyerdal's Kontiki Expedition. The aim of the expedition is to draw attention to rethinking our everyday human fingerprints on the natural world and to capture the world's imagination by telling the story of the pioneering, smart and sustainable design process of creating and building The Plastiki, to our oceans and the many challenges it and its inhabitants face.

The Executive Producers of "Eco-trip" for Sundance Channel are Laura Michalchyshyn and Lynne Kirby; Ann Rose is the Supervising Producer. Benjamin Ringe and Knute Walker are co-executive producers for NBC's Peacock Productions.

About Sundance Channel:

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, Lifeskool, sportskool, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.

About Peacock Productions

Peacock Productions is NBC's award-winning, nonfiction production company that combines the editorial expertise, technical resources and seasoned production talent of NBC News to offer a wide-range of programming to broadcast, cable and digital entities with worldwide reach. For more information, please visit: www.peacockproductions.tv.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States. Subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sundance Channel

CONTACT: Sarah Eaton, +1-212-708-8043, sarah.eaton@sundancechannel.com,
or Katie Lanegran, +1-212-708-8044, katie.lanegran@sundancechannel.com, both
of Sundance Channel

Web site: http://www.sundancechannel.com/
http://www.peacockproductions.tv/
http://www.subaru.com/

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