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A+E Networks UK travels to Sicily with Ray Winstone
Ray Winstone, host of Ray Winstone’s Sicily
LONDON 3rd AUGUST: Banijay Rights sells travelogue, Ray Winstone’s Sicily, to media network for UK broadcast on free-to-air channel, BLAZE®
LONDON, xx July 2020: Banijay Rights, the leading distribution arm of Banijay, and A+E Networks® UK, today announces the 6x60’ travelogue series, Ray Winstone’s Sicily, will premiere this Autumn in the UK on free-to-air channel BLAZE®, Freeview channel 63.
In his first foray into factual programming, the internationally renowned and multi award-winning British actor, Ray Winstone, sets out on a journey to discover more about the island he now calls his second home.
From its culture and way-of-life to its ancient and classical history, Sicily and the Sicilians have had a profound impact on Winstone and in this intimate, upbeat series, he sets out to find out why. He travels the island with restauranteur Bruno Zoccola, and TV broadcaster Matt Lorenzo, on a gastronomic and cultural tour of Sicily’s famous kitchens, historical sites, churches, temples and vineyards, as well as looking at the Mafia’s impact on the country and visiting the house from The Godfather films. The trio film from the summit of the active volcano, Mount Etna, in addition to visiting the Aeolian island of Lipari and the historic yet frantic city of Palermo.
Ray Winstone, said about the series: “I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with my work, but Sicily has really got under my skin and I wanted to find out why - it’s something to do with the people you meet and finding a place that hasn’t been spoiled. I hope this helps people see Sicily and say - I want to go there”.
The deal was brokered by Chris Stewart, Commercial Director, Banijay Rights, and Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks UK, who ordered the series for free-to-air channel BLAZE in the UK.
Dan Korn said: “…who better to enjoy the sites, scenes and history of one of the world’s most famous and celebrated islands than with the Sexy Beast himself, Mr Ray Winstone. We’re delighted to welcome Ray to Blaze and to give British viewers the chance to enjoy his wonderfully entertaining tour of Sicily.”
Ray Winstone’s Sicily is produced by SWR Media in association with Dash Pictures. The series is executive produced by Daniel Sharp (Disasters Engineered, Top Gear America). International distribution is handled by Banijay Rights.
Chris Stewart comments: “We’re excited to be partnering with A+E Networks UK to give the BLAZE audience an opportunity to see Ray shed his infamous hard-man image in this unique and highly-entertaining series, as he lifts the lid on his much-loved Sicily in his own inimitable style. What better way to emerge fro;m lockdown than with an onscreen holiday with Ray Winstone?!”
Daniel Sharp adds: “The Sicilian people are truly unique and having the opportunity to explore their island with Ray and the team was an honour. We hope this series gives the audience a true insight into everything the island has to offer, the incredible people and their history.”
Ray Winstone’s Sicily will premiere on BLAZE in September 2020. BLAZE is available on Freeview 63, Freesat 162, Sky 164, Virgin Media 216, online on the BLAZE website and on the free app.
For further information, please contact:
Will Taylor at tpf
07539 080231
David Clifton at A+E Networks UK
Samira Sorzano at Banijay Rights
T: +44 (0) 7966 587230
E: samira.sorzano@banijayrights.com
About Banijay Rights
Leading independent global distributor, Banijay Rights, represents a world-class, multi-genre portfolio of over 88,000 hours of standout programming. Leading distribution for the largest international creator and producer, Banijay, the division handles the exploitation of some of the planet’s best scripted and non-scripted brands.
Representing quality, excellence and experience in the business of linear and non-linear television and ancillary activity across all platforms, Banijay Rights’ catalogue encompasses a host of top titles from Banijay’s 120+ in-house labels, and a number of third-party producers, spanning drama, comedy, entertainment, factual, reality, family, formats and theatrical. www.banijayrights.com
About A+E Networks UK
A+E Networks® UK, a joint venture between Hearst and Sky, is a leading media network reaching 58 million homes across 100 countries. With our global portfolio of popular, high-performing and creative brands - HISTORY®, Crime+Investigation®, Lifetime®, HISTORY2® and UK free to air BLAZE® - we have entertained and inspired audiences for over 20 years; telling the stories that need to be told. Our award-winning factual and entertainment content includes global hit franchises like Forged in Fire and Born this Way, must see dramas Knightfall and Vikings as well as original local commissions including: Al Murray’s Why Does Everyone Hate the English and Murdertown with Katherine Kelly (UK), Married at First Sight (Africa) and The Hunt for Baltic Gold (Poland). We complement our programming with innovative talent-led exclusive digital content and top rated podcasts. We currently partner with over 360 operators broadcasting throughout the Nordics, Benelux, Central Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We have offices in London, Warsaw, and Johannesburg. www.aenetworks.tv
