Following the highly successful premiere of series one, National Geographic Channels International has commissioned Engineering Connections season two with UK-based Darlow Smithson Productions, an IMG Media Company. Starring acclaimed British presenter Richard Hammond, the six new episodes will explore the incredible ideas and unconventional technologies hidden deep within the DNA of some of the world’s most impressive structures. The new season will have its world premiere on National Geographic Channel this autumn in the UK and in early 2010 in other territories.
Engineering Connections has been a powerhouse series for NGCI; its UK debut was the highest-rated programme premiere ever for the channel. The franchise experienced similar success in NGCI territories around the world, as did its recent second run on the BBC. Capitalising on the widespread audience appeal of series one, this new season will examine modern-day marvels including Wembley Stadium, the Sydney Opera House and France’s Millau Bridge, whose unique designs and elaborate construction have made them iconic to viewers.
“NGCI is thrilled to have Richard Hammond back for a second series of Engineering Connections”, said Sydney Suissa, Executive Vice President of Content for NGCI. “Richard’s enthusiasm and curiosity coupled with a novel approach to understanding how these remarkable structures were made possible will ensure that Engineering Connections remains at the top of our science and technology programming“.
Tom Brisley, Creative Director, Darlow Smithson Productions, says: “Darlow Smithson is dedicated to creating bold and daring television, which appeals to audiences across the globe. Series one of Engineering Connections amazed a generation of viewers as it unravelled the science behind today’s greatest inventions. Series two will continue to thrill NGCI audiences powered by Richard’s enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge.”
Richard Hammond, Presenter and Director of Hamster’s Wheel Productions, says: “It’s a joy to work with the team on such well-produced, attractive programmes that really are just dripping with content. Throughout the first series, it was the facts that spoke for themselves. And I had the absolute pleasure of roaming the globe finding them out and presenting them to an audience that, it turns out, is as hungry for knowledge as me. I’m thrilled that we’re making a second series and promise that the scientific demos and experiments – a signature of series one – will be bigger, bolder and even more fun.”
Engineering Connections is produced for National Geographic Channels International by Darlow Smithson Productions in association with Hamster’s Wheel. Tom Brisley and David Gilbert are the Executive Producers for Darlow Smithson. For NGCI, Executive Vice President of Content is Sydney Suissa.
