Planet Green Expands Its Programming Breadth and Storytelling Scope With a Robust Development Slate and Pilot Strategy

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 30 -- Planet Green unveiled a significant commitment to a broader and comprehensive network vision with a diverse slate of development projects and pilots. With an eclectic offering of shows and topics ranging from the colorful punk rock staff of an organic bakery to the gritty reality of environmental crime investigators, and a true life Green Acres, Planet Green will bring viewers provocative new stories and edgy characters that paint a vibrant picture for the future of our planet. Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager, Planet Green made the announcement:

"Planet Green's new development approach allows us to push the boundaries of our storytelling and offer our viewers an opportunity to sample exceptional programming centered on mavericks, renegades and personal stories with emotional impact," said Michalchyshyn. "Our air will reflect the state of our world, our impact on the planet, and our place in it. That requires casting a wide net to find the best the production community -- here in the United States and around the world -- has to offer."

Simulcast in HD, the following pilots and development specials come to Planet Green in 2009/2010 (in alphabetical order):

Pilots:

BUFFALO WARRIORS (wt) (1x60) - Premieres 4Q09

A battle is raging on the great American plains. At the center of this conflict is the last herd of free roaming buffalo in the United States, located in the Yellowstone National Park. When the herd wanders outside of park boundaries, following natural grazing instincts, they come into contact with local cattle ranches and the troubles begin. Accused of infecting local livestock with a devastating disease called brucellosis, the embattled animals have a lone advocate -- The Buffalo Field Campaign. This diverse group of volunteers led by founder Mike Mease, comes from all walks of life. From a candle maker to a survival skills instructor to a car salesman, they are ordinary people who make up for their lack of wilderness experience with passion and determination. Working day and night, they patrol the Yellowstone border by ski and snowshoe in extreme conditions, coming face to face with danger at every turn, from temperamental buffalo to angry ranchers and government officials to jail time. They will risk everything, including their lives, to protect these animals from certain destruction for doing what they are have done for hundreds of years: roaming freely. Buffalo Warriors is produced for Planet Green by Authentic Entertainment.

Series Development:

ECO CRIME INVESTIGATORS (wt)

The illegal wildlife trade is among the most lucrative black markets in the world. Taking in an estimated $10-20 billion a year, it is also one of the world's largest sources of criminal earnings after drugs trafficking and the arms trade. Go undercover with a team of professionals as they investigate eco crimes from around the globe. Their mission: to infiltrate and untangle an organized network trading in illegal animal by-products, collect evidence of criminal activities and identify the masterminds behind this highly profitable illegal business. With unprecedented access, the cameras will explore the underbelly of the operation and ultimately bring the perpetrators to justice. Eco Crime Investigators is produced for National Geographic Channels International and Planet Green by Red Earth Studio.

BAKE & DESTROY (wt)

Michelle & Vinny are the owners of the nation's first certified organic bakery, Bleeding Heart, committed to being totally organic, sustainable, and delicious. The customers keep everyone on their toes but the REAL action takes place in the kitchen. Unbleached flour and emotions fly high as the couple juggles an outspoken staff of pierced and tattooed bakers, surprise visits from eagle-eyed city inspectors and a home life including two small children. If the stress of launching and running a new business isn't enough, fourteen-hour days combined with the pressure to create killer confections could be enough to make anyone want to Bake & Destroy.

Bake & Destroy is produced for Planet Green by Film Garden Entertainment.

BEEKMAN FARM (wt)

Tired of the daily grind that comes with living in the Big Apple, cosmopolitan couple Josh and Brent decide to make a drastic change - launch their own organic lifestyle brand with the purchase of a farm in upstate New York. There is only one problem - the would-be farmers don't know a manure spreader from a cheese spreader. However, not to be discouraged, the two quickly learn it truly "takes a village" as they enlist the help of the local community, population 529, to help them with a full range of farmstead challenges, from wrangling feisty piglets, to navigating their first honey harvest, to the mysteries of soap making. It's a hilarious and touching journey as two city slickers plow, fork and muck their way to become ecopreneurs! Beekman Farm is produced for Planet Green by World of Wonder.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION (wt)

Florida has one of the country's last great natural reserves for wildlife and national parks: the Florida Everglades. Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FFWC) team as they attempt to track down poachers, organize dangerous animal relocation, and provide security for wildlife found within their borders. The FFWC has one directive and that is to secure a national treasure for generations to come. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is produced for Planet Green by Greif Company.

THE KAMEN CODE (wt)

Many individuals talk of changing the world. Inventor Dean Kamen is leading by example. Touted as one of the most celebrated inventors on the planet and a real-life "Bruce Wayne," Kamen is a self-made millionaire who is devoted to saving the world through tireless determination and the power of science. As the sole citizen and premier of the "Kingdom of North Dumpling Island," Kamen has blazed a trail of sustainable living by converting his island home to run on self-sustaining, environmentally-friendly power, creating a model for the rest of our nation and the world. With the ultimate "can do" attitude and the goal of inspiring others to follow his lead to a brighter future, Kamen takes viewers on an exciting personal journey that proves one person can help change the world. The Kamen Code is produced for Planet Green by Radical Media.

THE LAST BEEKEEPER (wt)

Falling prey to the startling phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder, the world's honeybees are disappearing at an alarming rate. The Last Beekeeper follows the human impact of this mysterious plague as five individuals try to remain in this timeless profession against seemingly insurmountable odds. From a marriage in the balance as a couple struggles over a failing business, to a mother and daughter desperately trying to carry on a family legacy, these human stories are intertwined with the fate of the bees. Beekeeping is an all-consuming passion that touches every aspect of beekeepers' and their families' lives who persevere through dying colonies, falling honey prices and threats from abroad, all for the love of the bees. The Last Beekeeper is produced for Planet Green by World of Wonder.

WINDCATCHERS (wt)

The wind industry is going through a metamorphosis as old "lattice" towers are all being torn down across the country to make room for new, state of the art, megawatt-producing turbines, a process that is producing an overwhelming need for wind technicians and workers. At community colleges across the country wind technology boot camps are popping up where people from all walks of life, risk their safety in the hope that this new technology will pave the way for their financial future. Dizzying heights, roaring winds and thousands of megawatts of electricity are just a few occupational hazards "Turbine Cowboys" face daily. However, with great risk comes lucrative pay, benefits and the potential for a fresh start. But there is only one way to start in an industry that wrestles electricity from the wind -- at the bottom -- of a 300 ft tower. Windcatchers is produced for Planet Green by Luminaria.

About Planet Green:

Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment. Launched on June 4, 2008, this brand with a mission is available in 57 million homes. Planet Green is the center for a new conversation, speaking to people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. It's for people who truly want to make a difference in meeting the critical challenge of protecting our environment.

Planet Green and its two robust websites planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, original, insightful, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green's unique programming, digital tools, and content will enlighten, empower and most certainly, entertain.

Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.