Current‘s first Pledge Pipeline previews 36 shows heading to public TV on-air membership drives in December 2011, March 2012 and beyond.

December ’11

’60s Pop Rock: My Music
Producing organization: TJL Productions. Distributor: PBS. Length: 75 minutes in four acts (SD 4:3). Status: postproduction. Executive producer: T.J. Lubinsky. Contact: Jim Pierson, piersonjb @ aol.com, 310-936-3616. ♦ Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits and Davy Jones of the Monkees host an all-star 1960s pop rock concert reunion of more than a dozen hit acts. Premiums include DVD, CD.

Alone in the Wilderness, Part 2
Producing organization: Bob Swerer Produc-tions. Distributor: NETA. Length: 60 minutes in three acts plus credits segment (SD 4:3). Status: postproduction. Contact: Bob Petts, bob @ netaonline.org, 803-799-5517×108. ♦ Uses Alaska naturalist Dick Proenneke’s ongoing journal entries, previously unseen movie footage shot by Proenneke and guest interviews to recreate his second year alone in the wilderness. Premiums include DVD and companion book.

Christmas with The Celts
Producing organizations: Celtic Isle Records, Insync Music LLC, Bruce Garfield Entertainment. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: complete. Executive producer: Jim Hudart. Producer: Ric Blair. Production management: Bruce Garfield. Contact: Bruce Garfield, brucegarfield @ mac.com. ♦ The Celts, a renowned Irish music group, perform a spirited holiday show in Nashville, featuring special guests Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh, Riverdance piper Ivan Goff, the Gael String Orchestra and Nashville Irish Stepdancers. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, related merchandise. Web: www.TheCeltsmusic.com.

Circle — Scala & The Kolacny Brothers
Producing organization: International Media. Distributor: NETA. Length: 60-minute core; 90-minute pledge event (HD). Status: complete. Executive producer: Gustavo Sagastume. Contact: International Media, info @ intl-media.com, 954-923-7215. ♦ Features guest singers and the Belgian girls’ choir Scala with Steven and Stijn Kolacny in performances of hits by artists such as Roberta Flack, Paul Simon and Dusty Springfield plus original compositions. Premiums include DVD, event tickets. Web: www.intl-media.com/main/programs/scala.html.

Diet Free with Zonya Foco, R.D.
Producing organization: Zonya Health Interna-tional. Presenting station: WCMU, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Distributor: APT. Lengths: 80-minute base and pledge; 120-minute pledge event (HD). Status: complete. Budget: $90,000. Host: Zonya Foco. Executive producer: Scott Foco. Producer: Deb Wise: Contact: Scott Foco, scott @ zonya.com, 517-467-6995. ♦ Registered dietician Zonya Foco, billed as “America’s Nutrition Leader,” presents eight healthy core habits in an entertaining, inspiring and educational pledge program. Premiums include DVD, related merchandise. Web: www.zonya.com.

The Doctor in the Mirror
Producing organization and distributor: Detroit Public TV. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: production. Executive producers: Jamie Westrick, Diane Bliss. Producer: Lauren Smith. Contact: Lauren Smith, lsmith @ dptv.org, 248-305-3791. ♦ America is aging and not particularly well. Dr. Reed Tuckson advises viewers to take charge of their health, taking five steps to get healthy and five more to get the most out of their health care. Premiums include DVD and New Health Advocate Diary.

The Fairytale
Producing organization: International Media. Distributor: NETA. Length: 60-minute core; 90-minute pledge event (HD). Status: R&D, preproduction. Executive producer: Gustavo Sagastume. Contact: International Media, info @ intl-media.com, 954-923-7215. ♦ Weaves folklore and music from around the world into an epic saga: Two lovers lose each other and are finally reunited in an altogether different world. Premiums include DVD, event tickets. Web: www.intl-media.com/main/programs/ fairytale.html.

Healthy Hormones: Brain/Body Fitness
Producing organization: International Media. Distributor: NETA. Length: 40-minute core; 60-minute pledge event (HD). Status: post-production. Executive producer: Gustavo Sagastume. Contact: International Media, info @ intl-media.com, 954-923-7215. ♦ A panel of experts, including fitness trainer and author Teresa Tapp and New York Times bestselling author Mary Shomon, discuss the effects of hormones on health and offer natural ways to balance hormones, lose weight and reduce inflammation. Premiums include DVD, companion book. Web: intl-media.com/main/programs/t-tapp.html.

How to Shop for Free
Producing organization: Santa Fe Productions. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: production. Executive producer: Anthony Tiano. Producer: Lennlee Keep. Director: Eli Brown. Production designer: Jim Hoppin. Contact: Anthony Tiano, tony @ santafeproductions.com, 505-899-9655. ♦ In a time of tight household budgets, Kathy Spencer explains her approach to buying what you need at surprisingly good prices. Premiums include DVD, companion book. Web: www.howtoshopforfree.net.

The Mayo Clinic Diet (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Santa Fe Productions in association with the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Distributor: PBS. Length: 90 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Anthony Tiano. Producer: Lennlee Keep. Director: Eli Brown. Production designer: Jim Hoppin. Contact: Anthony Tiano, tony @ santafeproductions.com, 505-899-9655. ♦ Introduction to a new no-nonsense Mayo Clinic diet, describing what the dieter needs to do, which old habits must be broken and new habits learned, and how to keep at it. Premiums include DVD, companion book.

Music of Your Life
Producing organization and distributor: Detroit Public TV. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producers: Les Brown Jr., Jamie Westrick. Producer: Josette Marano. Contact: Josette Marano, jmarano @ dptv.org, 248-305-3782. ♦ Les Brown Jr. and His Band of Renown meets country music superstar Neal McCoy, together with country music legends Charley Pride and Janie Fricke in the their first public television special. Premiums include DVD, event tickets.

Orbit: Journey Beyond The Moon
Producing organization: International Media. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60-minute core; 90-minute pledge event. Status: R&D, preproduction. Producer: Craig Leon. Director: Andrew Ellis. Executive producer: Gustavo Sagastume. Contact: International Media, info @ intl-media.com, 954-923-7215. ♦ Intertwines never-before-seen NASA footage with computer animations of space set to soundtrack performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Premiums include DVD, event tickets.

Paul Simon Live at Webster Hall, New York City (w.t.)
Producing organization: StarCon LLC. Presenting station: Connecticut Public Television. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producers: Robert Smith, Jeff Kramer. Director: Martyn Atkins. Producer: James Pluta. Contact: Niki Vettel, niki.vettel @ verizon.net, 617-846-9788 or 617-828-0842. ♦ Simon and his eight-piece band perform songs from the expanse of his career, from “Graceland” and “Rhythm of the Saints” to 2011’s “So Beautiful or So What.” The intimate concert performance is captured by the producers of last year’s James Taylor–Carole King Live at the Troubadour. Premiums include DVD, CD.

Rhythm of the Dance
Producing organization: Terrel Cass Productions. Distributor: NETA. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Producer: Terrel Cass. Contact: Susan Hellman, 631-421-1141, susan @ hellmancommunications.com. ♦ Celebration of Irish dance and the beauty of Ireland. Vistas of Ireland captured by creator of Visions of Ireland. Premiums include DVD, companion book, event tickets, related merchandise. Web: www.rhythmofthedance.com.

Smokey Robinson Presents Human Nature
Producing organizations: HN Entertainment USA & AEG Ehrlich Ventures. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producers: Ken Ehrlich, Steve Sterling. Contact: Steve Sterling, steve @ imSterling.com, 212-431-7390. ♦ Smokey Robinson presents the ultimate celebration of the Motown sound, with Human Nature singing, dancing and telling the stories of the Motown classics. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, CD and digital downloads.

Straight No Chaser: Songs of the Decades … And More
Producing organization: Atlantic Records. Presenting station: WTTW National Productions, Chicago. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: production. Executive producer: David Britz. Contact: Nicolette Ferri, nferri @ wttw.com, 773-509-5592. ♦ In an act created for their summer residency at Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., the male a cappella group Straight No Chaser performs hits of the past 60 years, including Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel,” The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” and Michael Buble’s “Haven’t Met You Yet.” Premiums include DVD, event tickets.

Trial and Heirs with Danielle and Andy Mayoras
Producing organization and distributor: Detroit Public TV. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Jamie Westrick. Producer: Josette Marano. Contact: Josette Marano, jmarano @ dptv.org, 248-305-3782. ♦ Citing examples of rich people who failed to adequately prepare their estates, estate planning attorney Danielle Mayoras and probate attorney Andy Mayoras provide tips, tools and processes individuals can use to protect family assets. Premiums include DVD, estate planning workbook.

Under the Streetlamp
Producing organization: Star Productions. Presenting station: WTTW. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduction. Executive producer: Charles L. Blum. Producer: Scott Silberstein. Director: Matt Hoffman. Contact: Nicolette Ferri, nferri @ wttw.com, 773-509-5592. ♦ Reunites recent leading cast members of Jersey Boys for a concert of doo-wop ditties, Motown melodies and American Songbook tunes. Premiums include DVD, CD.

Water the Bamboo: Unleash Your Potential (w.t.)
Producing organization: Oregon Public Broadcasting. Distributor: NETA. Length: 90 minutes — three 20-minute segments with three 10-minute breaks (HD). Status: production. Budget: $48,000. Host: Greg Bell. Executive producer: David Davis. Producer: Colleen Casey. Contact: Pat Kruis, pkruis @ opb.org, 503-293-1933. ♦ Inspirational speaker Greg Bell, in his TV debut, tells viewers how to realize their visions following the example of a patient, persistent bamboo farmer. Premiums include DVD, companion book, inspirational videos, flip book.

March ’12

Big Band’s Greatest Singers: My Music
Producing organization: TJL Productions. Distrib-utor: PBS. Length: 75 minutes in four acts (SD 4:3). Status: preproduction, postproduction. Executive producer: T.J. Lubinsky. Contact: Jim Pierson, piersonjb @ aol.com, 310-936-3616. ♦ Rare vintage footage of Big Band era’s most popular vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Bing Crosby and Peggy Lee. Premiums include DVD, CD set.

The Distracted Mind with Dr. Adam Gazzaley
Producing organizations: Santa Fe Productions and KQED, San Francisco. Distributor: PBS. Length: 90 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Anthony Tiano. Producer: Lennlee Keep. Director: Eli Brown. Production designer: Jim Hoppin. Contact: Anthony Tiano, tony @ santafeproductions.com, 505-899-9655. ♦ Explores impact of “multitasking” on our safety, education, careers and personal lives, telling us how to improve our focus and our attentional abilities as we age. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, related merchandise.

Il Volo
Producing organization and distributor: Detroit Public TV. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: R&D, preproduction. Producer/director: Ken Ehrlich. Contact: Jamie Westrick, jwestrick @ dptv.org, 248-305-3784. ♦ The Coliseum in Rome is setting for first pubTV special starring Il Volo, three boisterous teenaged Italian tenors. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, CDs.

Oscar Hammerstein — A Lyrical Life (w.t.)
Producing organization: Creative Retrospec-tives, a New Jersey nonprofit. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: production. Executive producer/writer: JoAnn Young. Editor: Laura Young. Creative consultant: Oscar Andrew Hammerstein. Contact: JoAnn Young, youngprodinc @ aol.com, 201-262-7814. ♦ Profiles the innovative Broadway lyricist who made musical theater an art form, depicting a world as he dreamed it could be, and who pursued those dreams on stage and off. Premiums include companion book, 12-CD set.

Over Hawaii
Producing organization: KCTS, Seattle. Distribu-tor: APT. Length: 60- minute program; 90-minute event in three acts (HD). Status: postproduction. Producers: Heidi Hanson, Chris Warner. Contact: Erin Miller, emiller @ kcts9.org, 206-615-5444. ♦ Fourteenth program in KCTS’s Over series offers aerial tour of Hawaii’s six major islands, from the top of Kilauea to a dive in the waters that surround the Islands. Premiums include DVD, Blu-Ray disc.

Pa’s Fiddle: The Music of America
Producing organizations: Santa Fe Productions, Peak Moore Enterprises and Rick Okie Productions. Distributor: PBS. Length: 90 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduc-tion. Executive producers: Dean Butler, Rick Okie, Anthony Tiano. Producer: Tisha Fine. Music director: Ricky Skaggs. Contact: Anthony Tiano, tony @ santafeproductions.com, 505-899-9655. ♦ Highlights the music that defined the generations of Americans who settled and built the country. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, related merchandise.

Rick Steves’ Europe: A Symphonic Journey (w.t.)
Producing organization: Back Door Productions. Presenting station: KCTS, Seattle (tentative). Distributor: APT. Length: 60-minute special; 90-minute pledge event. Status: preproduction. Host/executive producer: Rick Steves. Producer: Simon Griffith. Contact: Ashley Sytsma, ashley @ ricksteves.com, 425-608-4293. ♦ Travel writer Rick Steves and the Cascade Symphony Orchestra take a musical journey through Europe, with Steves providing cultural context. Premiums include DVD, related merchandise.

Rose Jang in Concert (w.t.)
Producing organization: Terrel Cass Productions. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: R&D. Budget: $750,000. Producer: Terrel Cass. Contact: Susan Hellman, 631-421-1141, susan @ hellmancommunications.com. ♦ From Seoul to Broadway, world diva Rose Jang and special guests perform Broadway hits, pop opera and standards plus some special musical surprises from Korea. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, related merchandise.

Spend Well, Live Rich with Michele Singletary
Producing organizations: WNED-TV of Buffalo/Toronto, co-produced with Working Dog Productions Inc. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts. Status: preproduction. Host: Michelle Singletary. Producer: Tom Simon. Executive producer: John Grant. Contact: John Grant, jagrant @ aol.com, 814-880-7809. ♦ Personal finance columnist Michelle Singletary shows viewers how to gain control of their financial life following Seven Money Mantras she learned from her grandmother and from her own experience. Premiums include DVD, companion book.

The Story of the Costume Drama:
The Greatest Story Ever Told
Producing organization: ITV Studios Ltd. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes with virtual program breaks (SD 16:9). Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Mark Robinson. Series producer: Jason Beresford. Narrator: Keeley Hawes. Contact: Don Klees, dkless @ acornmedia.com, 301-608-2115×117. ♦ Celebrates 50 years of TV costume drama — The Forsyte Saga, Brideshead Revisited, Upstairs Downstairs and more — featuring appearances by Derek Jacobi, John Hurt, Susan Hampshire, Anthony Andrews, writers and producers. Premiums include DVD, merchandise.

Surviving Disaster with Amanda Ripley
Producing organization: Santa Fe Productions Inc. Distributor: PBS. Length: 90 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduction. Talent: Amanda Ripley. Executive producer: Anthony Tiano. Producer: Lennlee Keep. Director: Eli Brown. Assistant director: Jim Hoppin. Contact: Anthony Tiano, tony @ santafeproductions.com, 505-899-9655. ♦ A how-to guide for disaster survival helps viewers get themselves under control, prepare their families to survive and help less-well-prepared neighbors get through the first 72 hours. Premiums include DVD, companion book, related merchandise.

A Tribute to Freddy Fender (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Terrel Cass Produc-tions and Lickona Vision. Presenting station: KLRU, Austin. Distributor: PBS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduction. Budget: $600,000. Executive producers: Terrel Cass, Terry Lickona, Jeff Peterson. Contact: Terrel Cass, terrelcass @ yahoo.com, 830-693-5294. ♦ Friends of the late Mexican American rock musician perform his most famous songs in concert. With clips from his best TV performances. Premiums include DVD, event tickets, related merchandise.

Use Your Brain to Change Your Brain with Dr. Daniel Amen
Producing organization: Mindworks Produc-tions. Distributor: EPS. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduction. Executive producer: Dr. Daniel Amen. Produc-tion and pledge consultant: Alan Foster. Contact: Alan Foster, alan @ epstv.com, 540-483-4767. ♦ Because the quality of decisions you make in life are the No. 1 predictor of longevity, Dr. Daniel Amen presents the latest neuroscience research suggesting how to live longer, look younger and create positive personal momentum. Premiums include DVD, companion book, related merchandise.

Wishes Fulfilled with Dr. Wayne Dyer
Producing organization: RealityCheck Media Consulting. Distributor: PBS. Length: 100 minutes in approximately five acts. Status: preproduction. Executive producer: Niki Vettel. Producer: Dennis Allen. Director: Bob Comiskey. Contact: Niki Vettel, niki.vettel @ verizon.net. ♦ In his ninth PBS special, Dyer teaches viewers how to use their imaginations along with specific techniques for realizing their desires. The previous show in Dyer’s successful series of lecture/self-help pledge specials, “Excuses Begone,” gave stations a return on investment of 50:1 and has raised over $14 million for the system thus far. Premiums include DVD, companion book, related merchandise.

World Woman
Producing organization: International Media. Distributor: to be determined. Length: 60-minute core/90-minute pledge event (HD). Status: R&D, preproduction. Producer/director: Craig Leon. Executive producer: Gustavo Sagastume. Contact: International Media, info @ intl-media.com, 954-923-7215. ♦ Three international stars come together to perform a dazzling repertoire of world music, classical crossover favorites and newly arranged pop hits, recorded at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios. Premiums include DVD, event tickets.

August/September ’12

Americana Music (w.t)
Producing organization: Terrel Cass Productions and Craig Leon. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: R&D. Budget: $800,000. Executive producers: Terrel Cass, Craig Leon. Contact: Susan Hellman, 631-421-1141, susan @ hellmancommunications.com. ♦ Rousing music performance celebrates the creation and development of the United States. Hallmark hits of the last 200-plus years accompany aerial and panoramic scenery. Premiums include DVD, companion book, event tickets, related merchandise.

Broadway to Hollywood: The Incredible History (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Terrel Cass Productions and Charlie Boy Productions. Length: 60 minutes in three acts (HD). Status: preproduction. Budget: $700,000. Executive producers: Charles McCutheon, Terrel Cass, Chip Miller. Contact: Susan Hellman, 631-421-1141, susan @ hellmancommunications.com. ♦ Story of Jewish Americans who (with Irish help) wrote, performed, published and marketed the standards known collectively as the American Songbook — and created vaudeville, Broadway and Hollywood. Premiums include DVD, companion book, related merchandise.

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