

26.02.02
 Michael
Palin extends his travels to Brighton
Michael
Palin has journeyed to Brighton to unveil his latest adventure series,
Sahara, to the world's television programme buyers at ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Showcase.
Palin's
much-anticipated new series sees him facing one of the world's greatest
challenges - crossing the world's largest desert from the rock of
Gibraltar to Morocco, Mauritania, Mali and beyond. Palin's previous
adventures - Full Circle with Michael Palin, Pole to Pole and Around
the World in 80 Days have all been licensed around the globe to
more than 50 countries.
ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½
Worldwide's US-based sales team has concluded a major pre-sale agreement
for Sahara with US cable network Bravo. The channel has also acquired
other Palin series as part of the agreement.
Hosted
by ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide, the main commercial arm of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, and now in
its 26th year, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Showcase continues to be the world's largest
television programme market hosted by a single broadcaster, and
this year has attracted a record 460 buyers from around the globe
- an increase of 20% on last year. Deals initiated at the market
generate an estimated £40 million annually for ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide.
"The
year-on-year success of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Showcase clearly demonstrates the strength
of the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ in the international market - no other broadcaster in
the world has the range of programming, in terms of quality and
diversity, to attract so many international buyers for such an event,
" says ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Worldwide Chief Executive Rupert Gavin. "It
is a great bonus having Michael at the event this year - his presence
and enthusiasm will greatly encourage buyers to sign up for his
stunning new series."

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