Current’s annual survey of national programs in preparation for public television

Originally published in Current, Nov. 6, 2006
with online update, Dec. 13, 2006
Compiled by Theodore Fischer and colleagues

Current's annual Pipeline survey turned up these and almost 200 other projects coming to public TV in 2007 or beyond:
Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century, which aired in January 2007, reported on the ongoing propagation of ancient ethnic libels.
PBS expands March airtime for the CPB-funded 9/11 followup series America at a Crossroads.
Stories of the frontlines and the home front combine for Ken Burns' mosaic of World War II, The War.
There's a Nebraska connection, but at first glance Nebraska's pubTV network is going far afield to produce Antarctica's Icy Secrets for Nova in 2009.
What makes the families of the Druze sect so resilient? Ruth Westheimer (yes, Dr. Ruth) reports in her latest doc on families, The Olive and the Tree.
The new TV version of the pubradio's popular From the Top, features super-talented teenaged classical musicians in their Carnegie Hall debuts.
In Stanley Nelson's American Experience film, survivors tell the story of Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple.
Thomas Lennon builds a four-part history of The Supreme Court around the court's people.
Frederick Wiseman examines the Idaho legislature in State Legislature.

The projects listed below aren’t all certain to be completed as described, but they are the plans of dozens of producers aiming for broadcast in 2007 and later. We include only new, noninstructional projects one hour or longer.

Winter/Spring 2007

Albert Paley: In Search of the Sentinel
Producing organization: Machi & Machi Communications. Presenting station: WXXI, Rochester, N.Y. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $107,000. Major funders: Howard and Roberta Ahmanson, Ann Mowris Mulligan, Springborn Family Foundation, Ann Whitman, Elaine P. and Richard U. Wilson Foundation, Klein Steel Service, Stewart and Donna Kohl Fund of the Cleveland Foundation, Nancy A.K. Perkins Charitable Foundation. Executive producer, writer, producer, director: Tony Machi. Narrator: Jane Alexander. Contact: Tony Machi, amachirochester.rr.com. ¶Portrait of a singular artist and a beautifully photographed album of his sculpture—a story rich in creative process and entertainment value.

Alexander Hamilton: A Battle for America’s Soul (w.t.)
Producing organization: Twin Cities Public Television and Middlemarch Films for American Experience. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: production. Major funders: NEH, CPB/PBS Challenge Fund, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Coast Asset Management. American Experience executive producer: Mark Samels. TPT executive producer: Catherine Allan. Producer/director: Muffie Meyer. Writer: Ron Blumer. Contact: Jim Dunford, jim_dunfordwgbh.org, 617-300-5959. ¶Story of the underappreciated genius who laid the groundwork for America’s modern economy—including the U.S. banking system, Wall Street and an “opportunity society” in which talent and hard work, not birth, determined success.

America at a Crossroads
Producing organization: WETA and independent producers. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6-8 x 60-120. Status: production, postproduction. Major funder: CPB. Executive producers: Jeff Bieber, Dalton Delan. Series producer: Leo Eaton. Contact: Joe DePlasco, joe_deplasco dkcnews.com, 212-981-5125. ¶Explores the world post-9/11—the impact of the war on terror and the Iraq war; U.S. military strategy and the experience of American troops; the emergence of Islamic terrorism; and cultural and religious tensions within the Muslim world. Online interactive map will combine topics and create overlays of explanatory content to show intertwining issues that shape the “global war on terror.” Online Different Voices (video diaries) will allow individuals to express opinions. See Current article, November 2006.

Anti-Semitism in the 21st Century: The Resurgence
Producing organization: Two Cats Productions. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $600,000. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Executive producer/producer: Andrew Goldberg. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Explores the reasons behind the recent resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe and the Middle East.

Anywhere, Alaska
Producing organization: KUAC-TV, Fairbanks, Alaska. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 4 x 30. Status: finished. Budget: $120,000. Major funders: Alaska Travel Industry Association, University of Alaska, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, University of Alaska Geography Program. Executive producer: Claudia Clark. Producer: Aaron Elterman. Associate producer: Deb Lawton. Hosts: Chip Brookes, Heather Taggard. Contact: Tammy Tragis, tammyt kuac.org, 907-474-1890. ¶Travel-adventure series offers a fresh take on travel TV, combining historical facts and whimsical commentary from America’s largest state. Web: www.anywherealaska.org.

Art to Heart /Early Childhood Creativity
Producing organization: KET, The Kentucky Network.  Distributor: NETA. Episodes:  8 x 30. Status: completed. Major funders: NEA, W. Paul and Lucille Caudill Little Arts Endowment. Executive producer: Nancy Carpenter. Series producer: Guy Mendes. Host: Ana Ortiz. Contact: Amanda Stroud, astroud ket.org, 859-258-7243. ¶Visits model programs and educators to show parents, teachers and caregivers how to nurture creativity in children from birth through age 8 and make the case that art is children’s first language and an essential ingredient in their development.

Barenboim on Beethoven
Producing organizations: WNET, NHK, Bel Air Media, BBC and NPS Netherlands (Netherlands Program Foundation). Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 8 x 90 concerts plus 7 x 60 master-class programs plus 1 x 120 Great Performances special. Status: postproduction. Director, Culture & Arts Programs, WNET: Barry Schulman. Executive producer for WNET: Margaret Smilow. Executive producer for Bel Air Media: Francois Duplat. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Daniel Barenboim, one of the greatest living pianists, performs the complete Beethoven Sonata cycle at Berlin’s Deutsche Staatsoper and conducts master classes on these great piano works.

Best Recipes in the World with
Mark Bittman of the New York Times
Producing organization: Frappe Inc. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: postproduction. Host: Mark Bittman. Executive producer: Charlie Pinsky. Guest chefs: Mario Bitali, Jose Andres, Gary Danko, David Chang and others. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_Davison
APTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Bittman leapfrogs from U.S. to European kitchens in a cooking show that blends equal parts of food and travel—a “gastrologue.” Featuring Google Earth animated maps, 3D graphics and HD footage.

Beyond Theology
Producing organization: KTWU, Topeka, Kan. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60, 10 x 30. Status: postproduction. Budget: $250,000. Major funder: Shumaker Family Foundation. Executive producer: Eugene Williams. Series producer: Dave Kendall. Host: Charles Atkins Jr. Contact: Kevin Goodman, kevin.goodmanwashburn.edu. ¶Explores the notion that the guiding myths of modern cultures are undergoing a metamorphosis of historic significance. Noted theologians and scholars reflect upon the challenges of our time, addressing the roots of contemporary culture wars.

Big Ideas: Caltech (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WNET and the California Institute of Technology. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: production. Major funder: TIAA-CREF. Executive in charge: Bill Grant. Executive producer: Jared Lipworth. Contact: Lisa Braun, braun thirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶An artistic and creative exploration into the cutting-edge research being performed at the California Institute of Technology.

Black Grace: From Cannon’s Creek to Jacob’s Pillow
Producing organizations: Seannachie and Tawera co-production, presented by Pacific Islanders in Communications. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $145,960. Major funders: TV New Zealand. Executive producer: Philippa Mossman. Producer/director: Aileen O’Sullivan. Director: Toby Mills. Contact: Annie Moriyasu, amoriyasu piccom.org, 808-591-0059, ext. 15. ¶The story of Black Grace, a dance troupe of Maori and Pacific Islander men that rose from a small New Zealand town to the pinnacle of the international dance world. Web: www.piccom.org/blackgrace.

The Boomer Century, 1946–2046
Producing organizations: Alexandria Productions Inc. and Generation Entertainment Inc. Presenting station: KQED, San Francisco. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: production. Budget: $2 million. Major funder: Vanguard Group. Executive producer/host: Ken Dychtwald. Producer/directors: Neil Steinberg, Joel Westbrook. Contact: Regina Eisenberg, reisenbergkqed.org. ¶An inside look, with best-selling author Ken Dychtwald as guide, at how America’s most influential and innovative generation transforms itself and world culture at every stage in life. Web: www.agewave.com.

Buying the War (w.t.)
Producing organization: Public Affairs Television Inc., New York. Presenting: station: WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: production. Major funders: Mutual of America Life Insurance Co., Park Foundation. Producer: Kathleen Hughes. Executive producers: Felice Firestone, Judy Doctoroff. Executive editors: Bill Moyers, Judith Davidson Moyers. Contact: Rick Byrne, byrnerthirteen.org. ¶ How the government sold the war in Iraq has been much examined. Moyers probes a big remaining question: How and why did the media buy it?

Chef Paul Prudhomme’s Always Cooking!
Producing organization: WYES, New Orleans. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: offline, editing. Budget: $400,000. Executive producers: Beth Arroyo Utterback, Jim Moriarty. Producer: Terri Landry. Contact: Aislinn Hinyup, ahinyupwyes.org, 504-838-0364. ¶Prudhomme invites viewers to make a fresh start in the kitchen by going back to the basics, an apt sentiment from a region that is rebuilding and redefining itself.

Chef’s Story
Producing organizations: Full Plate Media, Lemnos Development and Soho Culinary Productions. Presenting station: KQED, San Francisco. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: postproduction. Budget: $1.5 million. Major funder: All-Clad. Executive producers: Harry Bernstein, Susi Heller, John Servidio, Doug Hamilton. Contact: Regina Eisenberg, reisenbergkqed.org. ¶Before a live audience at the French Culinary Institute, host Dorothy Hamilton interviews such master chefs as Lidia Bastianich and Jacques Pépin about their lives and inspirations, followed by an entertaining cooking demo.

China from the Inside
Producing organization: KQED, San Francisco. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $4.5 million. Major funders: Granada International, PBS, CPB, BBC, KQED Program Venture Fund. Executive in charge: John Boland. Executive producer/director: Jonathan Lewis. Executive producer: Louise Lo. Contact: Andy Lynch, 415-553-2391. ¶Examines China’s history, tracing the fault lines of current problems and examining the roots of current successes in governance, women’s issues, environment and individual freedom. In HD.

City at War
Producing organizations: WNET and Colonial Pictures. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Stephen Segaller. Producer/director: Alastair Layzell. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Focuses on what London endured during World War II, as seen through the eyes of American journalists who lived there and covered these stories. Featuring Walter Cronkite.

Compass: China (w.t.)
Producing organization: Tellus Works AS. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: preproduction. Budget: Executive producer: Anders Saether. Contact: Thomas Davison, TomDavison APTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶A hip, hosted travel series exploring Chinese people, places and culinary delights from the past, present and future. In HD.

Dance Party: The Teenarama Story
Producing organization: Kendall Productions. Presenting station: WHUT, Washington, D.C. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: completed. Budget: $500,000. Major funders: D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, Humanities Council of Washington, D.C., Anacostia Museum and Center for African-American History and Culture, Dudley Foundation. Executive producer/producer: Beverly Lindsay-Johnson. Co-producer/director: Herb Grimes. Co-director: Curt Simmons. Writer: Mary Lawrence. Narrator: Martha Reeves. Contact: Beverly Lindsay-Johnson, teenaramadocaol.com, 301-839-2233. ¶Narrated by recording artist Martha Reeves (Martha and the Vandellas), program examines teen dance television shows popular in the 1950s and 1960s and draws contrasts between the young people of today and of yesteryear.

Daniel O’Donnell—Can You Feel the Love?
Producing organizations: Brockwell Ltd. and Detroit Public Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 180 core pledge program and 1 x 120 pledge event. Status: production. Major funder: PBS. Executive producers: Diane Bliss, Sean Reilly. Director: Ian McGarry. Host: Daniel O’Donnell. Contact: Josette Marano, jmaranodptv.org, 313-876-8104. ¶In his seventh public television special, O’Donnell, along with Mary Duff and wife Majella O’Donnell, sing some of the world’s greatest love songs.

Design Squad
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS Plus. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: postproduction. Major funders: NSF, Intel Foundation. Executive producer: Marisa Wolsky. Senior executive producer: Kate Taylor. Content directors: Daniel D. Frey, David Wallace. Contact: Marisa Wolsky, 617-300-4338. ¶Borrowing from the reality competition format, the series aims to get viewers excited about engineering by having high-schoolers design and build innovative and whimsical engineering projects. Outreach campaign will deliver Design Squad activities to after-school programs, schools, the Internet and shopping malls and build collaborations among partners who will receive educator’s guide, event guide, training. Web: pbskidsgo.org/designsquad.

Do Not Go Gently
Producing organization: Northwest Wisconsin In-School Telecommunications/Cooperative Educational Service Area 7 (NEWIST/CESA 7), Green Bay. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $150,000. Major funders: Foley Family Foundation, Elizabeth B. & Philip J. Hendrickson Foundation, Irene D. Kress, Joseph & Sarah Van Drisse Charitable Trust, Northeastern Wisconsin Arts Council, City of Cincinnati. Executive producer: Eileen Littig. Director/producer/writer: Melissa Godoy. Narrator: Walter Cronkite. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Explores creativity in old age, focusing on three extraordinary artists over age 80 who continue to innovate: quilter Arlonzia Pettway, dancer Frederic Franklin and composer Leo Ornstein. Website (donotgogently.com) links to National Center for Creative Aging network. Prebroadcast public screenings at art museums with regional arts and aging leaders as guests. In HD.

Dr. Christiane Northrup’s Menopause and Beyond—New Wisdom for Women
Producing organization: Hay House. Distributor: PBS/SIP. Episodes: core program 1 x 70, pledge event 1 x 120. Status: production. Budget: $200,000. Major funders: PBS/SIP, Hay House Foundation. Host: Dr. Christiane Northrup. Executive producer: Niki Vettel. Co-executive producer: Dennis All. Contact: Niki Vettel, niki.vettelverizon.net. ¶Presents Northrup’s new perspective on menopause, refuting the stereotypical definition of frenzied hot flashes and hormonal mood swings. She describes an illuminating period of rebirth with the power to transform a woman’s life and health for the better.

Dogs That Changed the World
Producing organizations: WNET and Tigress Productions Ltd. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: Canon, Ford, CPB. Executive producer: Fred Kaufman. Contact: Lisa Braun, 212-560-2715, braunthirteen.org. ¶From the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest St. Bernard, all dogs claim the wolf as their ancestor—but how did the hundreds of breeds come to be so different? Using DNA analysis and other research, scientists have pieced together the puzzle of canine evolution. Former title: Ten Dogs That Changed the World.

Down in the Old Belt: Voices from the Tobacco South
Producing organizations: Jim Crawford and Swinging Gate Productions LLC. Presenting station: WHTJ, Charlottesville, Va. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 57. Status: completed, seeking underwriting for national distribution. Budget: $90,000. Major funders: Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Agricultural and Applied Economics Department at Virginia Tech University, Southern Tobacco Communities Project (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Dreaming Hand Foundation. Executive producer: Jim Crawford. Contact: Jim Crawford, swinginggatecox.net. ¶Charting the 400-year history and recent rapid decline of the tobacco culture in the Old Belt region of Virginia, as told through oral histories of farming families.

Dracula
Producing organizations: WGBH-Independent Television (U.K.) co-production. Presented by Masterpiece Theatre. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Major funders: PBS, CPB. Executive producer: Rebecca Eaton. Contact: Andrea Flores, Andrea_Floreswgbh.org; 617-300-2561. ¶In this new adaptation, Bram Stoker’s famously undead character emerges as a shadowy but powerful figure as we discover the horrifying truth about his true identity and bloodthirsty ways.

The Endless Feast
Producing organization: Film Garden Entertainment. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: production. Major funder: Lexus. Executive producers: Michelle Van Kempen, Nancy Miller. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Travels the country, bringing together local farmers and food artisans, food lovers and star chefs to explore connections between the earth and the food on our plates, one incredible feast at a time. In HD.

Equitrekking
Producing organization: DCN Creative LLC. Presenting station: KNME, Albuquerque, N.M. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 6 x 30. Status: postproduction. Producer/host: Darley Newman. Executive producer: Chip Ward. Contact: Chad Davis, cdavisknme.org, 505-277-3296. ¶In the first international travel series of its kind, travelers on horseback discover nature, culture and history. Web: www.equitrekking.com. In HD.

Fat: What No One Is Telling You
Producing organization: Twin Cities Public Television and WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: fundraising, production. Key personnel: Executive producer: Naomi Boak. Producer/director: Tom Spain. Contact: Naomi Boak, nboak tpt.org, 651-229-1125. ¶ Doc looks at the epidemic of obesity from the perspective of those battling it, plus solutions scientists and doctors see in the future. 

Finding Oprah’s Roots: An African American Lives Special
Producing organizations: Kunhardt Productions, WNET and Inkwell Films. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Major funder: Coca Cola Co. Executive producers: Peter W. Kunhardt, William R. Grant, Henry Louis Gates Jr. Producer/director: Graham Judd. Senior producer: Dyllan McGhee. Host/presenter: Henry Louis Gates Jr. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715.n The film’s spine is Oprah Winfrey interview material not aired in Gates’ February 2006 series African American Lives. (Current's article , October 2005.) It covers the talk show host’s formative years in Kosciusko (Miss.), Milwaukee and Nashville and ends with the dramatic results of the genetic investigation into her African ancestry.

Forgotten Genius
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: completed. Major funders: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, NSF, NEH, Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, American Chemical Society, American Playhouse. Senior executive producer: Paula S, Apsell. Producer/director: Llew Smith. Producer/writer: Steve Lyons. Lead actor: Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶The little known story of 20th century African-American chemist Percy Julian, who overcame racial obstacles to become a millionaire and a world-renowned scientist. Resource kits to be sent to 15,000 public libraries. Guide for middle and high school educators will be posted on Nova website (pbs.org/Nova/julian). Events planned for New York, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston.

From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall
Producing organizations: WGBH and Don Mischer Productions in partnership with Carnegie Hall. Distributor: PBS Plus. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: production. Major funders: Liberty Mutual, Bernard Osher Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Executive producers for From the Top: Gerald Slavet, Jennifer Hurley-Wales. Executive producer for WGBH: Laurie Donnelly. Executive producer/director: Don Mischer. Host: Christopher O’Riley. Contact: Laurie Donnelly, laurie_donnellywgbh.org, 617-300-2688. ¶PBS version of the popular NPR radio show celebrates “regular” kids who happen to be exceptionally talented, passionate young classical musicians. Taped at Carnegie Hall before a live audience. See Current article, September 2006. Web: www.fromthetop.org.

Good to Great
Producing organization: Scott/Tyler Productions Inc. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: Verizon Communications, Verizon Wireless. Executive producers: Sam Tyler, Jim Collins. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Journeys through six business and social-sector organizations to discover “what makes a good organization great.” Based on Jim Collins’ best-selling book. In HD.

The Hidden Epidemic: Heart Disease in America
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90 followed by 1 x 30 panel discussion. Status: postproduction. Major funders: PBS/CPB Challenge Fund, PBS viewers. Writer/director/producer: Elizabeth Arledge. Contact: Ellen Dockser, ellen_dockserwgbh.org. ¶Part of the PBS Health Campaign, documentary features patients, doctors and researchers fighting battles on the frontiers of medical science. Studio Q&A session hosted by Larry King.  Nationwide “Take One Step” outreach campaign in conjunction with national partner organizations and local public TV stations.

Hold Your Breath
Producer: Maren Grainger-Monsen, M.D., filmmaker in residence, Stanford University Center for Biomedical Ethics. Presenting station: KQED, San Francisco. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $550,999. Major funders: California Endowment, Commonwealth Fund, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Greenwall Foundation. Contact: Regina Eisenberg, reisenbergkqed.org. ¶Illuminates cross-cultural communication in the case of an Afghan refugee who refuses cancer treatment.

India (w.t.)
Producing organizations: BBC and PBS. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: production, postproduction. Budget: $3.3 million. Major funders: CPB, BBC, BBC Worldwide. Host: Michael Wood. Producer: Rebecca Dobbs. Contact: Rebecca Dobbs, Rebeccamayavision.com. ¶Wood’s latest epic journey uncovers the fabulous sights and sounds, dazzling achievements and dramatic history of one of the world’s oldest, richest and most influential civilizations.

Jane Eyre
Producing organizations: WGBH and BBC. Presented by Masterpiece Theatre. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 120. Status: postproduction. Major funders: PBS, CPB. Executive producer: Rebecca Eaton. Contact: Andrea Flores, Andrea_Floreswgbh.org, 617-300-2561. ¶A new adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel tells of one woman’s fight to claim her independence and self-respect in a society that has no place for her.

Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple
Producing organizations: A Firelight Media Film for American Experience in association with the BBC. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: completed. Major funders: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Scotts Co., Ford Foundation, CPB, PBS. Executive producer: Mark Samels. Series producer: Sharon Grimberg. Producer/director: Stanley Nelson. Contact: Meredith Nierman, Meredith_niermanwgbh.org. ¶The story behind the mass murder-suicide of the Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones and his followers in Guyana in 1978, told through interviews with surviving members of the Peoples Temple. See Current article, June 2006.

Journey to the Planet Earth: The State
of the Ocean’s Animals
Producing organizations: Screenscope Inc. in association with South Carolina ETV. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $500,000. Major funders: NSF, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Producer: Marilyn Weiner. Director/writer: Hal Weiner. Host/narrator: Matt Damon. Contact: Marilyn Weiner, mweinerscreenscope.com, 202-364-0055. n A science doc and educational outreach initiative answers one of the most critical questions of the 21st century: Why will nearly half the world’s marine animals face extinction in a few decades? Outreach events planned at major science centers and aquariums. Web: PBS.org/journeytoplanetearth.

Lassie’s Pet Vet
Producing organization: Classic Media Inc. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: pilot completed, development, fundraising. Budget: $700,000-$1 million. Executive producers: Doug Shwalbe, Evan Baily, Eric Ellenbogen. Hosts: Jeff Werber, Lassie. Contact: Judy Barlow, Judy-BarlowAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 138. ¶Pet care show hosted by veterinarian Jeff Werber and Lassie focuses on pet health, pet parenting and lifestyle. Producers are identifying potential partner organizations to raise awareness on animal/pet issues. Lesson plans for teachers and community organizations about animal training, successful pet parenting to be available on website (www.lassiespetvet.com).

The Last Ridge
Producing organization: Applied Creativity. Presenting stations: WXXI, Rochester, N.Y., and WPBS, Watertown, N.Y. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $300,000. Producer: Abbie Kealy. Executive producer: Leo Eaton. Contact: Elissa Orlando, eorlandowxxi.org, 585-258-0349. ¶Looks back at World War II’s uphill battles of 10th Mountain Division soldiers trained to fight on skis in extreme winter mountain conditions. The producers provide context: Mountain Division troops now serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Marines
Producing organizations: WNED, Buffalo, N.Y., and Driftwood Productions Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Budget: $350,000. Major funders: Alfiero Family Charitable Foundation, PBS. Producer: John Grant. Contact: John Grant, jajgrantaol.com, 814-234-5210. ¶Examines the rich history and unique warrior culture of the U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on the training and what it means to be a Marine.

The Mormons (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH. A Frontline-American Experience special presentation. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 90. Status: preproduction. Budget: Producer/director: Helen Whitney. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_niermanwgbh.org. 617-300-3845. ¶A searching portrait of one of America’s fastest-growing religions, the fascinating and often misunderstood Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Movin’ Out (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Live Nation and WNET. Presented by Great Performances. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: postproduction. Major funders: CPB/PBS, NEA, UBS investment banking and securities. Executive Producer, Great Performances: Barry Schulman. Producer, Great Performances: David Horn. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Broadway blockbuster pairs 24 classic songs by Billy Joel with Tony-winning choreography by Twyla Tharp to tell the story of the tumultuous ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.

News War (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH. A Frontline special presentation. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120 and 2 x 60. Status: preproduction. Major funders: Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund. Producers: Raney Aronson, Steve Talbot. Correspondent: Lowell Bergman. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_niermanwgbh.org, 617-300-3845. ¶Examines the political, cultural, legal and economic forces challenging the news media today and how they respond.

The Olive and the Tree: The Secret Strength of the Druze
Producing organization: Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Presenting station: WNET. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: completed. Host: Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Contact: Pierre Lehu, pierre pierrelehu.com. ¶The Druze are one of Israel’s most fascinating non-Jewish religious minorities. Their approach to childhood education aids in maintaining their unique cultural and social identity, despite assimilation pressures and military service.

The Pain of Depression:
A Journey Through the Darkness
Producing organizations: Freedom from Fear and State of the Art. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: Eli Lilly. Executive producer: Mary Guardino. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶The story of real people and the emotional and physical challenges of their journey through the darkness of depression will increase understanding of this illness and available treatments. Web: www.freedomfromfear.org.

Painting the West with Fred Oldfield
Producing organization: KWSU Media, Pullman, Wash. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: completed. Executive producer: Warren Wright. Host: Fred Oldfield. Contact: Maya Lessov, 509-335-6568. ¶Painter Fred Oldfield puts his days of traveling in a covered wagon to work, letting his paintings tell the rugged history of a disappearing Western frontier.

Painting with Anne-Marie
Producing organization: South Carolina ETV. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: postproduction. Budget: $120,000. Director: Renee Layson. Contact: Polly Kosko, koskoscetv.org, 803-737-3372. ¶Viewers watch Anne-Marie create oil paintings from start to finish and learn how to express themselves artistically. Web: www.paintingwithannemarie.org.

Parklands of the Midwest (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Iowa Public Television in cooperation with Meredith Corp./Midwest Living Magazine. Distributor: NETA. Episodes: 1 x 60 for pledge, subsequent series 6 x 30. Status: scripting pledge. Executive producer: Duane Huey. Producer/director: Deb Herbold. Host: Dan Kaercher. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Kaercher, editor of Midwest Living Magazine, returns for a third special to share his favorite parks in the region.

The Pen and the Sword: The Rise and Fall
of Muslim Spain (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Unity Productions Foundation in association with Gardner Films. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: postproduction. Major funders: CPB, PBS. Executive producers: Alex Kronemer, Michael Wolfe. Producer: Rob Gardner. Contact: Alex Kronemer Alexupf.tv. ¶The rise and fall of a unique culture in which Jews, Christians, and Muslims together inhabited one land in Western Europe for eight centuries.

The People’s Palace
Producing organizations: Kunhardt Productions and WNET. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: Sidney E. Frank Foundation, Julian Robertson Foundation, Rosalind P. Walter, Arlyn and Edward L. Gardner, John L. and Sue Ann Weinberg, Andrea Hope Smith. Producer/director: Graham Judd. Senior producer: Dyllan McGhee. Executive producers: Peter W. Kunhardt, William R. Grant. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Behind the scenes of the New York Public Library, one of the world’s great research centers as well as a regional resource for New York City’s diverse neighborhoods.

The Power of Choice: The Life and Ideas
of Milton Friedman
Producing organization: Free to Choose Media. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: completed. Major funders: John Templeton Foundation, Jean I. and Charles H. Brunie Foundation, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Susquehanna Foundation; Dorothy D. and Joseph A. Moller Foundation. Executive producers: Thomas Skinner, Bob Chitester, Larry Arbeiter. Producer/co-writer: Katherine Anderson. Co-writer: Thomas Skinner. Narrator: David Ogden Stiers. Contact: Carrie Johnson, cjohnsonpbs.org, 703-739-5129. ¶Milton Friedman was a teacher, scientist, winner of the 1976 Nobel Prize in economics, revolutionary intellectual and champion of free-market capitalism. Film covers his journey through life and of the power of his ideas. Web: www.freetochoosemedia.org.

The Pursuit of Excellence (w.t.)
Producing organization: Radio Pictures. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: production, postproduction. Producer/director: Mark Lewis. Contact: Carrie Johnson, cjohnsonpbs.org, 703-739-5129. ¶Reveals the ambition, determination and passion of those who pursue excellence in the unconventional fields of synchronized swimming, Hair World Championships, giant vegetable competitions and ferret shows.

Quartetto Gelato: A Concert in Wine Country
Producing organization: Linus Entertainment. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60, designed for pledge. Status: postproduction. Budget: $175,000. Major funders: Linus Entertainment. Quartetto Gelato: Peter De Sotto, Cynthia Steljes, Alexander Sevastian, Kristina Reiko Cooper. Director: Keith Holding. Producer: Millan Curry-Sharp. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶The critically acclaimed classical ensemble performs its most popular selections by the world’s greatest composers at an amphitheater nestled among vineyards of Ontario’s Niagara region. Available in HD and SD Letterbox format.

Rape of Europa
Producing organization: Actual Films. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: completed. Budget: $1.2 million. Major funders: NEH, NEA. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Executive producer: Bonni Cohen. Co-producers: Richard Berge, Nicole Newnham, Bonni Cohen. Narrator: Joan Allen. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Covers Nazi Germany’s looting of the European art world during World War II and the efforts to find and restore artworks to their rightful owners. Shot in HD.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival (w.t.)
Producing organization: WXXI, Rochester, N.Y. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 5 x 30 and 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Executive producer of broadcast productions/producer/director: John Overlan. Executive producer/assistant v.p.: Todd McCammon. Contact: John Overlan, joverlanwxxi.org. ¶Features performances by Karrin Allyson, Cedar Walton, Mose Allison, the Charlie Hunter Trio and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, plus a program that looks at additional international artists.

The Sally Lockhart Mysteries:
“The Ruby in the Smoke”
Producing organizations: WGBH and BBC. Presented by Masterpiece Theatre. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Executive producer: Rebecca Eaton. Contact: Andrea Flores, Andrea_Floreswgbh.org, 617-300-2561. ¶Adaptations based on the first in a quartet of novels by Phillip Pullman, featuring a scrappy, clever teen with a mind for numbers and sleuthing. Starring Billie Piper.

Secret Files of the Inquisition
Producing organization: Inquisition Productions Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: completed. Major funders: PBS, CPB, Vision TV, France 5. Executive producer/director: David Rabinovitch. Contact: Carrie Johnson, cjohnsonpbs.org, 703-739-5129. ¶Spans medieval France, 15th-century Spain, Renaissance Italy and mid-19th-century Europe to reveal how the Roman Catholic Church’s Inquisition attacked church enemies and preserve the Pope’s unquestioned authority. Web: www.pbs.org/inquisition. Shot in HD.

Simon Schama’s The Power of Art
Producing organizations: WNET and BBC. Presenting station: WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 8 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: CPB/PBS Challenge Fund, Dorothy and Lewis Cullman, Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, Judith B. Resnick, Rosalind P. Walter, Ralph W. Voorhees. Director, Culture and Arts Programs, WNET: Barry Schulman. Executive producer, WNET: Margaret Smilow. Series producer, BBC: Claire Beavan. Executive producer, BBC: Basil Comely. Writer/presenter: Simon Schama. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶The acclaimed art historian recounts dramatic stories behind eight groundbreaking works of art by Caravaggio, Bernini, Rembrandt, David, Turner, Van Gogh, Rothko and Picasso.

Sketching the Silk Road
Producing organization: D3 Productions Inc. Presenting station: KCSM, San Mateo, Calif. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: complete. Budget: $30,000. Executive producer: Duffy Wang. Cinematographer/editor: Alex Chiang. Producer: Alison Gibson. Contact: Nicole Marsh, nikkiinsidechina.org, 510-635-8603, ext. 104. ¶Two American painters, armed with only sketchbooks and creativity, trace an ancient trade route to China’s most famous Buddhist artwork grottoes.

Spiral Fitness with David Carradine
Producing organization: David Nakahara Enterprises Inc. Presenting station: Detroit Public Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60 core pledge program and 1 x 90 pledge event. Status: production. Major funders: PBS. Executive producer: Diane Bliss. Producer: David Nakahara. Host: David Carradine. Trainer: Rob Moses. Contact: Josette Marano, jmaranodptv.org, 313-876-8104. ¶Carradine and Moses teach students of different ages and sizes how to execise with the “Sphere Knot,” conceived by Moses, to gain flexibility and stamina.

The Supreme Court
Producing organization: HiddenHill Productions for WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: New York Life Insurance Co., John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Executive producer: Jody Sheff. Series producer, HiddenHill Productions: Mark Zwonitzer. Series director, Thomas Lennon Films: Thomas Lennon. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Four-part series chronicles the dramatic stories of the people and decisions that have shaped the Supreme Court and our nation. Companion book by columnist/law professor Jeffrey Rosen. Outreach to include professional development workshops, educational material developed by Street Law Inc. and WNET, and comprehensive website at pbs.org/supremecourt. See Current article, November 2006.

Tango Seduction: Bringing the World Together (w.t.)
Producing organization: Tatge/Lasseur Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: fundraising, preproduction. Budget: $1.3 million. Major funders: PBS, NEA (pending). Producer/director: Catherine Tatge. Producer: Dominique Lasseur. Composer/music supervisor: Tom Montgomery. Writer: Glenn Berenbeim. Coordinating producer: Bunny Tavares. Contact: Bunny Tavares, bunny tavaresmedia. com, 831-462-6004. ¶Explores why tango is more than a dance — it’s a refuge, a way of life, a philosophy. Follows acclaimed tango artist Pablo Veron teaching workshops in Paris, Berlin, New York and Tokyo to prepare dancers for a pilgrimage to Argentina.

The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz
Producing organization: WETA. Presented by In Performance at the White House. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Executive producers: Dalton Delan, David S. Thompson. Senior producer: Jack Frost. Director: Joe Camp. Host: Barbara Walters. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶Celebrates music from the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, featuring such artists as Anita Baker, Nnenna Freelon, Bobby Watson and Clark Terry.

Thomas H. Kean: An American Life
Producing organizations: Docere Palace Studios and CN Communications. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $200,000. Major funders: Verizon, Prudential. Executive producers: Anthony Cicatiello, John Neiswanger, Timothy Smith. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Profile of Tom Kean, co-chair of the 9/11 Commission and former governor of New Jersey, and his life of public service.

Through Deaf Eyes
Producing organizations: WETA and Florentine Films/Hott Productions in association with Gallaudet University. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: postproduction. Executive producers: Dalton Delan, Karen Kenton. Producer: Larry Hott. Writer: Ken Chowder. Contact: Dewey Blanton, dblantonalhadv.com. ¶Chronicles the experience of deaf life in America over the past 200 years as it embraced the everyday facets of society, including family, education, work, sports and technology. Website will include specially commissioned short films by deaf artists and filmmakers.

Travels to the Edge with Art Wolfe
Producing organization: Travels to the Edge Inc. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: production. Major funders: Canon, Microsoft. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producer/directors: Valerie and Simon Griffiths. Host: Art Wolfe. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Adventure/travel series with the photographer traveling to the planet’s farthest corners.

Travelscope with Joseph Rosendo
Producing organization: Travelscope LLC, Marina Del Rey, Calif. Presenting station: KLRN, San Antonio. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: completed. Budget: $200,000. Major funders: D.K. Eyewitness Travel Guides. Producer/writer/host: Joseph Rosendo. Contact: Julie Feuerbacher, julietravelscope.net, 310-482-1052. ¶Practical travel information from Rosendo, an award-winning travel journalist. Other media include website (www.travelscope.net) and a syndicated radio show.

Uncorked: Wine Made Simple
Producing organization: Doc City Productions. Presenting station: South Carolina ETV. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 6 x 30. Status: postproduction. Budget: $510,000. Producer: Kevin Whelan. Contact: Polly Kosko, koskoscetv.org, 803-737-3372. ¶Demystifies wine by blending humor, information, interviews with engaging personalities and exquisite photography in wine-producing regions around the world.

Why Smart People Do Stupid Things with Money
Producing organization: Detroit Public Television. Episodes: 1 x 60 and 1 x 90 pledge event. Status: production. Executive producer: Diane Bliss. Producer: Jamie Jendrzejewski. Host: Bert Whitehead. Contact: Jamie Jendrzejewski, jamiejdptv.org,
313-876-9506. ¶Whitehead offers financial advice that will save viewers thousands of dollars on mortgages, tax returns, charitable giving, retirement funds. Program’s surprising “don’ts” include: Don’t pay off your mortgage and Don’t save for college.

Wild Florida
Producing organization: WPBT, Miami. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 10 x 30. Status: completed. Budget: $775,000. Major funders: George E. Batchelor Foundation; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks; Visit Florida; Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry. Executive producer: Jack Kelly. Series host: Hunter Reno. Producers: Emily Richardson-Lorente, Mark Baker, Joyce Belloise, Marilu Lozada. Contact: Ellen Soto, ellen_sotowpbt.org, 305-424-4040. ¶Tracking panthers, snorkeling with manatees and gamboling with gators, Reno explores Florida’s remarkable ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it. Web: www.wildflorida.tv.

You Are Not Alone
Producing organization: Special Needs Documentary Film Project. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funders: United Cerebral Palsy. Executive producer: Julie Peterson. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Three inspiring families discover that, despite the relentless challenges that come with special needs children, a productive meaningful life is achievable. Outreach and educational activities in development with the United Cerebral Palsy’s Early Intervention Program.

You: On a Diet—Making Your Real Age Younger and Your Waist Thinner (w.t.)
Producing organization: Detroit Public Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60 core pledge program and 1 x 90 pledge event. Status: production. Major funders: PBS. Executive producers: Diane Bliss, Michael F. Roizen. Producer: Josette Marano. Host: Dr. Michael F. Roizen. Contact: Josette Marano, jmaranodptv.org, 313-876-8104. ¶Roizen provides an easy plan to re-program the body, fight fat and control weight gain, losing up to 10 pounds in two weeks. Other media include DVD and Roizen’s book, You: On A Diet: The Owner’s Manual for Waist Management.

Summer 2007

Absolute Zero and the Conquest of Cold (w.t.)
 Producing organizations: Twin Cities Public Television, Windfall Films and Meridian Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $1.8 million. Major funders: National Science Foundation, Sloan Foundation. TPT executive producer: Richard Hudson. Meridian Productions executive producer: Meredith Burch. Windfall Films producer: David Dugan. Contact: Richard Hudson, rhudsontpt.org, 651-229-1317. ¶Program blends science, cultural history and adventure to reveal the human impact of mankind’s mastery of cold, including such technologies as air conditioning, refrigeration and gas liquefaction.

Animal Attractions Television
Producing organization: Pineridge Film and Television. Distributor: Executive Program Services. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: fundraising. Executive producer: Jerry Smith. Contact: Alan Foster, infoepstv.com. ¶Informative features about pets for the 80 million Americans who have pets as well as the many prospective owners and those who just love animals. Web: www.animalattractionstv.com.

Man Made Marvels
Producing organization and distributor: Executive Program Services. Episodes: 7 x 60. Status: completed. Major funders: station acquisition. Contact: Alan Foster, infoepstv.com. ¶Cutting-edge architecture, design, engineering and construction. For instance: the tallest building, the toughest tunnel, the fastest train.

Monarchy II
Producing organizations: Granada/Bristol, Channel Four Television and WNET. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 5 x 60 and 1 x 90 special. Status: production. Executive producer for WNET: Jody Sheff. Host/presenter: David Starkey. Contact: Lisa Braun; braunthirteen.org. ¶Beginning with the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, traces the history of the British Crown until the present day. Last, 90-minute episode explores how the current ruler, Elizabeth II, has influenced the monarchy.

Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells
Producing organization: Square Lake Productions. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: fundraising, production. Budget: $200,000. Major funder: Japan Foundation. Director/ primary researcher: Paul Creager. Researcher/translator: Kaoru Tanezawa. Contact: Paul Creager, resonancefilm gmail.com, 651-226-5046. ¶Follows centuries-old Japanese temple bells that survived the scrap metal drives of World War II only to be taken as war trophies by the American Navy and presented to cities across America.

Respect Yourself: The Story of Stax Records
Producing organizations: Robert Gordon and Mark Crosby in association with WNET. Presented by Great Performances. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: preproduction. Major funders: Great Performances series funding from CPB/PBS, NEA, UBS investment banking and securities. Executive producer: Barry Schulman. Producer: Mark Crosby. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Stax Records—its visionaries, its artists, and its music—featuring stars such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Booker T. and the MGs, and Wilson Pickett.

Fall 2007

American Getaways (w.t.)
Producing organization: CMPT Productions LLC. Presenting station: Pioneer Public Television, Appleton, Minn. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 13 x 30 and 2 x 60, designed for pledge. Status: preproduction. Budget: $2.75 million. Producer: Kathleen Thompson. Associate producer: Kathie Pate. Contact: Kathleen Thompson, Kathleen_cmptyahoo.com, 651-276-9187. ¶Travel series focuses on smaller American communities, including neighborhoods in towns and cities. Highlights unique lodgings, regional cuisines, local arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles and the spirit of the people.

American Prayer (w.t.)
Producing organization: Duncan Entertainment Inc. Presenting station: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: production, scripting. Major funder: Templeton Foundation. Executive producer: Chip Duncan. Producer: Alison Rostankowski. IPTV executive producer: Duane Huey. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Multifaith, inclusive special investigates the history of prayer in America and how it affects our past, present and future.

Animalia
Producing organizations: Animalia Productions in association with PorchLight Entertainment. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 40 x 30. Status: production. Executive producers: Graeme Base, Ewan Burnett, Bruce Johnson, Murray Pope, Tom Ruegger. Contact: Jamie Wong, 310-477-8400. ¶In the land of Animalia, animals who possess the powers of language and communication have created a society all their own. Two kids, Alex and Zoe, arrive to help restore this world to its natural balance. A computer-animated series for children ages 6 to 9.

Art: 21—Art in the Twenty-First Century
Producing organization: Art21 Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: postproduction, fundraising. Major funders: NEA, Nathan Cummings Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Bloomberg, Bagley Wright Fund. Executive producer/curator: Susan Sollins. Series producer: Eve Moros Ortega. Associate producer: Migs Wright. Consulting director: Catherine Tatge. Consulting director: Charles Atlas. Contact: Karen Salerno, karenkellysalerno.com, 914-239-7204. ¶Profiles 16 to 21 contemporary American artists. Outreach will include museum and library partnerships, youth engagement and screenings. Will also offer educators’ workshops, educators’ guide, lessons in online Lesson Library (www.pbs.org/art21).

The Complete Pépin
Producing organization: KQED, San Francisco. Episodes: 13 x 30 with 1 x 120 pledge special. Status: production. Budget: $200,000. Major funders: Cuisanart, OXO. Host: Jacques Pépin. Executive producer: Kurt Mendelsohn. Producer: Bud Gundy. Contact: Andy Lynch, 415-553-2391. ¶Watch the master chef at work in this enhanced version of the classic series Jacques Pépin’s Kitchen Techniques. Accompanied by enhanced DVD.

Cyprus Still Divided
Producing organization: Veras Communications Inc. Presenting station: Detroit Public Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: preproduction, production. Budget: $220,000. Major funders: American Hellenic Institute, Peter Angelos, George Beharakis. Executive producer: George Veras. Contact: George Veras, verastvaol.com. ¶How the Cyprus issue, unresolved after 32 years, still hurts the foreign policy objectives of the United States and allies and causes pain to families on both sides of the divided nation.

Exiles in Hollywood
Producing organizations: Film Odyssey and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: postproduction. Major funders: NEH, NEA. Director, Culture & Arts Programs, WNET: Barry Schulman. Executive producer for WNET: Margaret Smilow. Executive producer and producer/writer/director for Film Odyssey: Karen Thomas. Contact: Lisa Braun, braun thirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶One of Hitler’s earliest actions was to ban Jews from Germany’s film industry, forcing pioneering filmmakers to flee to Paris, London and, ultimately, to Hollywood, where they transformed American cinema.

Historic Pubs of Dublin (w.t.)
Producing organization: Iowa Public Television. Distributor: PBS Fundraising Programming (SIP). Episodes: 1 x 40, designed for pledge. Status: R&D. Executive producers: Mike Seymour, Bill Young. Producer/director: Duane Huey. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Visits a cross-section of pubs that have shaped and have been shaped by Ireland’s past—a mix of history, travel and fun.

Jane Austen Festival
Producing organizations: WGBH and various co-producers. Presented by Masterpiece Theatre. Distributor: WGBH. Episodes: 3 productions 1 x 90-120, 1 production 2 x 120. Status: production. Major funders: PBS, CPB. Executive producer: Rebecca Eaton. Contact: Andrea Flores, andrea_floreswgbh.org; 617-300-2561. ¶New adaptations of four Austen novels—Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion—will be scheduled over the course of the 2007-08 Masterpiece Theatre season to create a programming event.

Jerusalem: City of God
Producing organization: Two Cats Productions in association with Oregon Public Broadcasting. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $1,500,000. Major funders: Aimwell Foundation, Double H Foundation. Executive Producer: Andrew Goldberg. Production director: Joyeux Noel. Executive in charge of production: Dave Davis. Contact: Ddavisopb.org. ¶ A nonpolitical exploration and celebration of Jerusalem’s history, culture, archaeology and international impact. Description revised Jan. 15, 2007.

Kung Fu Journey to the East
Producing organization: D3 Productions Inc. Presenting station: KCSM, San Mateo, Calif. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $40,000. Executive producer: Duffy Wang. Cinematographer/editor: Alex Chiang. Producer: Jenny Keystone. Contact: Nicole Marsh, nikkiinsidechina.org, 510-635-8603, ext. 104. ¶Two American kung fu students learn from masters of China’s most renowned martial arts schools and visit key locations, including the Shaolin Temple.

The Last Speakers
Producing organization: Inbound Films Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $520,000. Major funders: NSF, Nonprofit Media Group. Producers/directors: Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller. Narrator: Q’orianka Kilcher. Contact: Daniel A. Miller, millerironboundfilms.com. ¶America’s first look at how languages become endangered and the awesome task of recording, archiving and returning them to use.

Marathon (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Presented by Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Senior executive producer: Paula S. Apsell. Producer/director: Dan McCabe. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶Can everyday people go from flabby to fit enough to run the Boston Marathon? Both human story and scientific exploration, Nova follows sedentary spectators attempting to become endurance athletes.

Maria Hinojosa: One on One
Producing organization: WGBH/La Plaza. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: production. Executive producer: Joseph Tovares. Producer: Patricia Alvarado. Contact: Joseph Tovares, joseph_tovareswgbh.org, 617-300-5965. ¶Studio-based series features America’s foremost Latino thinkers, artists, writers and opinion leaders and is hosted by award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, host of NPR’s Latino USA and senior correspondent for PBS’s Now.

Most Honorable Son
Producing organizations: KDN Films and NET Television, Lincoln, Neb. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $260,000. Major funders: ITVS LInCs, PBS, Center for Asian American Media, NET Foundation for Television. Producer/writer/director: Bill Kubota. NET executive producer: Christine Lesiak. Contact: Bill Kubota, bill.Kubotakdnfilms.com, 248-585-9696. ¶Biography of Ben Kuroki, the only Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. Air Corps in World War II. His heroism won him praise from many and derision from internment camp residents.

The Mysterious Human Heart
Producing organizations: David Grubin Productions, WNET and WETA. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: production. Major funders: AstraZeneca, Medtronic, Mars, Nash Family Foundation, Rippel Foundation. Executive in charge, WNET: Bill Grant. Executive producer, WNET: Jared Lipworth. Executive producer, David Grubin Productions: David Grubin. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Examines the heart in all its dimensions —the genius of its design, the intricacies of its workings, its myriad failings and the ways we can protect and treat it. Outreach will include screenings, family workshops, partnerships with local and national heart health organizations, printed materials.

Pioneers of Television
Producing organization: Boettcher Trinklein Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60, designed for pledge. Status: production. Major funders: PBS, CPB. Executive producer: Steve Boeettcher. Contact: Carrie Johnson, cjohnsonpbs.org, 703-739-5129. ¶Return to the beginnings of TV entertainment with interviews of pioneers and timeless clips of sitcom, late night, variety and game shows.

Still Life: The Pursuit of Parkinson’s
Producing organization: Kikim Media. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production, fundraising. Major funder: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Producers: Michael Schwarz, Dave Iverson. Contact: Michael Schwarz, mschwarz kikim.com, 650-617-0550. ¶Doc tracks the mystery behind Parkinson’s disease, a condition that may eventually be controlled by advances developed through embryonic stem cell research, providing breakthrough insights into other brain disorders. For outreach and education, project will create individual segments on specific topics that can be shared with various organizations and institutions on a variety of platforms early in the production process.

There Is a Bridge
Producing organization: TMK Productions. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Executive producer: Ted Kay. Host: Robert Pinsky, former U.S. poet laureate. Contact: Thomas Davison, Tom_DavisonAPTonline.org, 617-338-4455, ext. 160. ¶Looks into the world of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, reinforcing the idea that no matter how far gone a sufferer may seem, he or she can be reached by others who have patience and determination.

The War
Producing organizations: Florentine Films and WETA. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 5 episodes, 14.5 hours total. Status: postproduction. Producer/director: Ken Burns. Producer: Lynn Novick. For WETA: Dalton Delan, David S. Thompson. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶Tells the story of World War II, the pivotal event of the 20th century, calling on Frontline and home-front experiences to illuminate profound human tragedy and ultimate triumph. See Current article, June 2006.

The War on Cancer
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90 followed by 1 x 30 panel discussion. Status: fundraising. Major funders: PBS, CPB. Executive producer: Laurie Donnelly. Contact: Ellen Dockser, ellen_dockserwgbh.org. ¶Features patients, doctors and researchers fighting on the frontiers of medical science. Outreach campaign in conjunction with national partner organizations and local public TV stations will encourage public to “Take One Step” for health. Part of the PBS Health Campaign. Web: www.pbs.org/takeonestep/waroncancer.

Working Monarchy (w.t.)
Producing organizations: RDF Media Group, London, and OPB. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: production. Major funder: PBS. Co-executive producers for OPB: David Davis, Paula Mason. Co-executive producers for RDF: Stephen Lambert, Andy Goodsir. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶An exclusive-access behind-the-scenes look at Queen Elizabeth and her family in her 80th year.

Word World
Producing organizations: Word World LLC and WTTW National Productions, Chicago. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: production. Executive producer/series creator: Don Moody. Executive v.p. for production: Tina Peel. Director: Olexa Hewryk. Head writer: Andy Yerkes. Contact: Maggie Trujillo, Maggiewordworld.com, 212-219-7666. ¶For preschoolers, computer-animated, fun-loving WordFriends—who are characters first and words second—morph into life when letters are placed together to form a word and go on “word play” adventures. Accompanied by website (www.wordworld.com) and a full line of books, puzzles and other products.
 
Your Money with Jean Chatzky and Money Magazine
Producing organization: WETA. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: fundraising. Executive producers: Dalton Delan, Jeff Bieber. Host: Jean Chatzky. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraagh weta.com. ¶An engaging and engrossing look at personal and family financial issues, hosted by Chatzky, a Money magazine and Today Show contributor.

Sometime in 2007

The Blair Decade
Producing organizations: Brook Lapping for Channel Four and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: R&D. Executive in charge: Stephen Segaller. Executive producer: Anne Lapping. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Inside story of Tony Blair’s rise to No. 10 Downing Street as told through eyewitness and insider accounts—a new view of the Labor Party’s most successful leader.

Breaking the Maya Code
Producing organization: Night Fire Films. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120 or 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Budget: $850,000. Major funders: NEH, NSF. Executive producer: Nicolas Noxon. Director/producer: David Lebrun. Contact: David Lebrun, Lebrunnighfirefilms.org. ¶Tells the story of deciphering the complex and beautiful Mayan hieroglyphic since the 16th century. Accompanied by website (www.nightfirefilms.org) and outreach workshops in 10 cities. Based on the book by Michael Coe.

Cowboys, Indians and Lawyers
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: KUED, Salt Lake City. Distributor: PBS Plus. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: Julia Dengel. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Huge Western water project pits a radical, gay Native American activist against his tribal government — an intimate portrait of the clash between the old and new West through a rural community battle over money, power and water.

Defenders of the Mountains (w.t.)
Producing organization: Evening Star Productions. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: fundraising, production. Budget: $800,000. Major funders: Sierra Club. Executive producer: Mari-Lynn Evans. Writer/producer/director: Phylis Geller. Contact: Phylis Geller, pjgellercomcast.net, 202-338-4207. ¶Follow-up to The Appalachians shows the battle over mountaintop removal coal mining. Average people become committed activists to protect their land and water. How coal processing contributes to global warming.

Dinka Diaries
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: WYBE, Philadelphia. Distributor: PBS Plus. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: Filmon Mebrahtu. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridge itvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Five South Sudanese refugees resettle in the Philadelphia area and set out to embrace the new American culture. Armed with digital cameras, these young men share their experiences of everyday life.

49 Up
Producing organization: Granada Television, U.K. Presented by P.O.V. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 150. Status: completed. Producer/director: Michael Apted. Contact: Chris White, cwhitepov.org. ¶Seventh film in a series that began 42 years ago when the British broadcaster Granada interviewed a diverse group of 7-year-old English children. In this chapter, more life-changing decisions are revealed and more shocking announcements are made.

Front Wards, Back Wards
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: William C. Rogers. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Fernald State School in Massachusetts, America’s first institution for individuals with developmental disabilities, stands as a powerful case study of an endeavor in which the best of intentions go awry—as told by the people who lived and died there.

The Human Spark
Producing organization: A Graham Chedd Production for WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: funding. Major funders: NSF, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Executive in charge for WNET: Bill Grant. Executive producer for WNET: Jared Lipworth. Executive producer for Chedd Angier Productions: Graham Chedd. Host: Alan Alda. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Explores one central question—What does it mean to be human?—by delving into fields as diverse as evolution, genetics, cognitive neuroscience, anthropology and artificial intelligence. Outreach includes printed materials for museums, events with museums and stations.

Maria Tallchief: America’s First Prima Ballerina
Producing organization: ITVS. Co-presenter: Native American Public Telecommunications, Lincoln, Neb. Distributor: ITVS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: Sandy Osawa. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Untold story of Maria Tallchief, who rose from an Indian community in Oklahoma to become America’s first major ballerina, while her marriage and partnership with George Balanchine ignited the founding of the New York City Ballet.

Myth, Fantasy and Faith (w.t.)
Producing organization: Duncan Entertainment Inc., Milwaukee. Presenting station: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: to be determined. Status: early production, fundraising. Executive producer: Chip Duncan. IPTV executive producer: Duane Huey. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Doc explores imagination and faith in the search for spiritual truth, with extensive educational components.

The Newport to Bermuda Centennial Ocean Race
Producing organization: Jobson Sailing Inc., Annapolis, Md., in association with WNET. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Major funder: Coldwell Banker. Filmmaker: Gary Jobson. Production executive for WNET: David Horn. Contact: Lisa Braun, braun thirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Former America’s Cup winner and filmmaker Gary Jobson provides insight into the history of the 635-mile sailboat race from Newport, R.I., to Bermuda following this year’s landmark 100th competition.

Orozco: Man of Fire
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: KERA, Dallas; co-presenter Louisiana Public Broadcasting. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producers: Laurie Coyle, Rick Tejada-Flores. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Follows the life of Mexican muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, whose dramatic life, iconoclastic personality and dynamic paintings—from the Mexican Revolution through the Great Depression—changed the way we view art and politics.

Prince Among Slaves
Producing organization: Unity Productions Foundation. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Major funders: NEH, National Black Programming Consortium. Executive producers: Alex Kronemer, Michael Wolfe. Directors: Andrea Kalin, Bill Duke. Contact: Alex Kronemer, alexupf.tv. ¶In 1788, the ruler-to-be of a country larger than Colonial America is abducted and sold into slavery in Mississippi. He wins his freedom 40 years later and returns to Africa.

Seeing in the Dark
Producing organizations: Timothy Ferris and ClockDrive Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Major funder: NSF. Writer/narrator/executive producer: Timothy Ferris. Contact: Carrie Johnson, cjohnsonpbs.org, 703-739-5129. ¶All about stargazing—from kids learning the constellations to amateur astronomers doing professional-grade research, discovering planets. Online features (www.seeinginthedark.com) will include a web-accessible telescope, downloadable star charts, how-to video clips, plus free public “star parties” near airdate.

Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: Alabama Public Television. Distributor: PBS Plus. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: Jaysari Hart. Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶During the bloody marches of 1965 in Selma, Ala., a startling new group of leaders joined the battle for civil rights: African-American and white Catholic nuns. Nine nuns look back at Selma marches.

State Legislature
Producing organizations: Idaho Film Inc. and WNET in association with ITVS. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 217. Status: postproduction. Producer/director: Frederick Wiseman. Executive in charge for WNET: Stephen Segaller. Executive producer for ITVS: Sally Jo Fifer. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Wiseman examines inner workings of Idaho’s legislature, allowing a close look at the democratic decision-making process. Current's article, February 2004.

Tony Kushner: Wrestling with Angels
Producing organization: American Film Institute. Presented by P.O.V. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: completed. Director/writer/producer: Freida Lee Mock. Contact: Chris White, cwhitepov.org. ¶Captures the fierce moral responsibility that pervades Pulitzer-winning playwright Tony Kushner’s work. With interviews with leading theater artists, scenes from his plays. Features Marcia Gay Harden and Meryl Streep.

Word Is Bond
Producing organization: ITVS. Presenting station: WPBA, Atlanta; co-presenter National Black Programming Consortium. Distributor: NETA. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Producer: Nefretiti Makenta. Contact: Tim Etheridge, tim_etheridgeitvs.org, 415-356-8383, ext. 250. ¶Weaves poetry, music, dance and interviews in an engaging and critical look at a generation of young African-American poets struggling to define themselves, their mission and their place in the culture.

Winter/Spring 2008

African American Lives II (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Kunhardt Productions, WNET and Inkwell Films. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: fundraising, preproduction. Major funder: Coca Cola Co. Series producer: Graham Judd. Senior producer: Dyllan McGhee. Executive producers: Peter W. Kunhardt, William R. Grant, Henry Louis Gates Jr. Host/presenter: Henry Louis Gates Jr. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. n Gates returns to help a new group of prominent African-Americans rediscover their family history. Participants will include Maya Angelou, Beyoncé, Dave Chappelle, Peter Gomes, Tom Joyner, Linda Johnson Rice and Tina Turner. Current's article on African American Lives, October 2005.

Car Talk: The Animated TV Series (w.t.)
Producing organization: MMCtv. Presenting station: WETA. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 10 x 30. Status: preproduction, fundraising. Executive producer: Howard K. Grossman. Executive producers for WETA: Dalton Delan, John Potthast. Voices: Tom and Ray Magliozzi. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶In PBS’s first primetime animated series, Car Talk personalities Tom and Ray Magliozzi fielding radio call-ins and interacting with show’s staff and eccentric garage “visitors.” Current's article, May 2004.

Fighting for Democracy: People vs. Power (w.t.)
Producing organization: Public Affairs Television Inc. in association with Steward/Gazit Productions. Presenting station: WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D. Major funders: Mutual of America Life Insurance Co. Producers: Chana Gazit, Stephen Stept. Executive producers: Felice Firestone, Judy Doctoroff. Executive Editors: Bill Moyers, Judith Davidson Moyers. Contact: Rick Byrne, byrner thirteen.org. ¶As democracy was subverted by the scramble for wealth during the Gilded Age, an epic struggle for a government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” transformed it into the Progressive Era. Moyers documents the heroic fight to halt the subversion of the American dream and create a solid foundation for American democracy.

George Washington Carver (w.t.)
Producing organization: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: fundraising, early preproduction/interviews. Executive producer: Jack Shepard. Writer: John Hyde. Consultant: Peter Burchard. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Sorts out the myth from the man, assessing the real impact of Carver’s life and work, including his tireless efforts to help improve the life of “the man farthest down.”

Girls’ 6-on-6 Basketball (w.t.)
Producing organization: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: R&D. Producers: Andrea Coyle, Laurel Burgmaier. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Examines this now-historic game of girls’ six-on-six basketball and its role in rural America.

Great Giving: The Quest to Make a Difference
Producing organization: Great Giving Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: production, fundraising. Budget: $3.76 million for production, additional funds for website, curricula, educational outreach and promotion. Major funders: Altria, Carnegie Corp., Surdna Foundation, Sarah Klingenstein Foundation, Tomlinson Family Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation, Ms. Foundation. Executive producer/director/writer: Gail Freedman. Contact: Gail Freedman, gfreedmanhvc.rr.com, 845-255-3668. ¶Chronicles the history, mission and legacy of American philanthropy. Explores transformational and problematic dimensions of giving, illuminating larger truths about U.S. history—and the country’s future. Extensive education and outreach activities will include producing curricula for K-12 to postgraduate level plus a campaign to encourage viewers to examine their potential to be “great givers.”

Hubert Humphrey (w.t.)
Producing organizations: South Hill Media LLC and WETA. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: production. Producer/writer: Mick Caouette. Senior producer: Chris Haws. Executive producers: Dalton Delan, Karen Kenton. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶Chronicles the career of Humphrey, the five-term U.S. senator from Minnesota who also served as Lyndon Johnson’s v.p. and was the force behind passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill.

Iowa State Fair Documentary (w.t.)
Producing organization: Cabin 17 Productions. Presenting station: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: funding. Executive producer: Ken Winber
Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶For 150 years, people from across the country and around the world have come to Iowa in the summer for this event.

The Jewish Americans
Producing organizations: WETA, WNET, JTN Productions and David Grubin Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 120. Status: production. WETA executive producers: Dalton Delan, Jeff Bieber. Executive producer for WNET: Stephen Segaller. Executive producer: Jay Sanderson. Producer: David Grubin. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶Traces the history and monumental impact of Jews in America, from the colony of New Amsterdam to the present day.

Martin Yan’s China
Producing organization: A La Carte Communications. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: fundraising. Executive producers: Nat Katzman, Geof Drummond. Contact: Hope Reed, hreedalacartetv.com, 978-356-6294. ¶In time for the Beijing Olympics, Chef Martin Yan will visit China to explore the vast and fascinating nation’s culture, history and cuisine.

Nate the Great
Producing organization: Moe Greene Entertainment and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 40 x 30. Status: production. Key personnel: Executive producer for Moe Greene Entertainment: Kristin Laskas Martin. Executive producer, WNET: Sandra Sheppard. Contact:  Sandra Sheppard, sheppard thirteen.org, 212-560-2068. ¶ An animated daily strip for kids 5-8, based on a popular book series, Nate the Great uses critical thinking to solve science, math, social studies and language arts-related mysteries. Before airtime in the broadcast season, the series website will offer an original mystery and “Nate Notes” with detective tips, games and fun facts. Producers and publisher will establish Nate the Great Classroom Club to develop outreach materials.

Oswald’s Ghost
Producing organization: A Robert Stone Film for American Experience in association with the BBC. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: postproduction. Major funders. Alfred P Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Scotts Co., CPB, PBS. Executive producer: Mark Samels. Series producer: Sharon Grimberg. Producer/director/writer: Robert Stone. Contact: Meredith Nierman, Meredith_niermanwgbh.org. ¶Explores how the culture of the 1960s absorbed the shock and confusion of President Kennedy’s assassination.

Summer School on the Road
Producing organization: D3 Productions Inc. Presenting station: KCSM, San Mateo, Calif. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: postproduction. Budget: $30,000. Executive producer: Duffy Wang. Cinematographer/editor: Alex Chiang. Contact: Nicole Marsh, nikki insidechina.org, 510-635-8603, ext. 104. ¶Two U.C.- Berkeley students travel through China with 11 Shandong University students, teaching English classes, sharing meals with students’ families and visiting historic sights.

Walt Whitman
Producing organization: HiddenHill Productions, New York, for American Experience. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: preproduction. Major funders: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Scotts Co., CPB, PBS, NEH. Executive producer: Mark Samels. Series producer: Sharon Grimberg. Director/writer: Mark Zwonitzer. Producer: Patrick Long. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_niermanwgbh.org, 617-300-3845. ¶Explores the life and work of one of America’s most influential, innovative poets.

We Shall Remain
Producing organization: An American Experience production for WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 5 x 90. Status: fundraising, preproduction. Major funders: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Scotts Co., CPB, PBS, NEH, Ford Foundation, Native American Public Telecommunications. Executive producer: Mark Samels. Executive producer: Sharon Grimberg. Program producers/directors: Ric Burns, Chris Eyre, Stanley Nelson. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_niermanwgbh.org, 617-300-3845. ¶Multiplatform initiative upends stereotypes, knitting 300 years of Native American history into the fabric of American history. Innovative storytelling project will train Native Americans in the use of video-capable cell phones as a way to preserve and share their cultural heritage, with pieces streamed onto website (www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain).

What Females Want and Males Will Do
(former title, Sexy Beast)
Producing organizations: WNET and Pangolin Pictures Inc., New York. Presented by Nature. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: R&D. Major funder: CPB. Executive producer: Fred Kaufman. Contact: Lisa Braun, 212-560-2715, braunthirteen.org. ¶The most bizarre and interesting animal behavior is usually associated with attracting a mate; doc examines courtship in the natural world.

Summer 2008

More Great Lodges of the National Parks
Producing organization: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: development. Budget: $800,000. Executive producer: John Grant. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503 293 1959. david_davisopb.org. ¶Visits great lodges of America’s national parks and wilderness areas. In HD.

Fall 2008

Alzheimer’s: A Disease of the Mind ...
and the Heart (w.t.)
Producing organization: Terra Nova Films. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: fundraising. Budget: $1 million. Executive producer: Jim Vanden Bosch. Coordinating series producer: Ed Menaker. Contact: Ed Menaker, edterraNova.org, 773-881-6940. ¶Explores Alzheimer’s, a disease with no cure or effective treatment that is likely to touch most of us—either as patients or as caregivers— at some point in our lives. Outreach includes educational DVDs and print guides for health-care field and caregivers, possible online video streaming of educational material.

The Calling
Producing organizations: The Kindling Group, Chicago, and ITVS. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: preproduction, fundraising. Budget: $2.2 million. Major funders: ITVS, Hartley Film Foundation, Irving Harris Foundation. Executive producer/director: Daniel Alpert. Producers: Edward Rosenstein, Vincente Franco. Contacts: Daniel Alpert, danny kindlinggroup.org, 773-728-8489; Bunny Tavares, bunnytavaresmedia.com, 831-462-6004. ¶An exploration of faith in the United States from the perspectives of Muslims, Christians and Jews who have decided to enter the clergy. Outreach directed at religious institutions, schools and community groups will include discussion guides, community activities, video modules, website.

Digging The Bible (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: preproduction. Major funders: PBS/CPB Program Challenge Fund, Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Senior executive producer: Paula S. Apsell. Producer/director: Gary Glassman. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶Explores roots of ancient Judaism, Old Testament traditions and recent findings of Biblical archaeologists.

A Girl’s Life
Producing organizations: Powderhouse Productions, Somerville, Mass., and OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: development. Budget: $800,000. Major funder: PBS. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Co-executive producers: Tug Yourgrau, Joel Olicker for Powderhouse Productions. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.or, 503-293-1959. ¶Hosted by psychologist Michael Thompson, this sequel to this year’s critically acclaimed Raising Cain explores what it means to grow up female in America today.

The History & Future of Democracy
with Fareed Zakaria (w.t.).
Producing organization: Tatge/Lasseur Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: development, fundraising. Budget: $1.5 million. Major funder: PBS. Host: Fareed Zakaria. Producer/director:Catherine Tatge. Producer: Dominique Lasseur. Coordinating producer, Bunny Tavares. Contact: Bunny Tavares, bunnytavaresmedia.com, 831-462-6004. ¶How society evolved from feudal hierarchies to (in some places) constitutional democracies—and how this powerful impulse shaped our contemporary world.

Latinos and Jews (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WGBH and JTN (Jewish Television Network) Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: development. Executive producer/producer for WGBH: Joseph Tovares. Executive producer for JTN: Jay Sanderson. Contact: Joseph Tovares, joseph_tovareswgbh.org, 617-300-5965. ¶Latinos and Jews are the authors of a 500-year story. This account of their rich but difficult shared history contemplates the future of two intertwined groups.

Make ’Em Laugh: The Funny Business
of America
Producing organizations: Ghost Light Films and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: fundraising. Major funders: CPB/PBS Challenge Fund, Dorothy and Lewis Cullman, NEA, Judith B. Resnick, Mary and Marvin Davidson, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation. Executive producers for WNET: Barry Schulman, David Horn. Writer/producer/ director for Ghost Light Films: Michael Kantor. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶The producers of Broadway: The American Musical examine what has made America laugh and why since the turn of the 20th century.

Martha Speaks
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 30 x 30. Status: R&D, fundraising. Executive producer: Carol Greenwald. Head writer: Ken Scarborough. Contact: Carol Greenwald, 617-300-3817. ¶Aims to develop vocabulary for preschoolers. Martha, a lovable family dog, acquires the ability to speak when she eats alphabet soup. Based on the book by Susan Meddaugh.

Standing Bear: Long Road Home
Producing organization: NET Television, Lincoln, Neb. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: scripting, fundraising. Budget: $600,000. Major funders: Native American Public Telecommunications, NEH, NET Foundation for Television. Writer/producer: Christine Lesiak. Executive in charge of production: Mike Farrell. Contact: David Feingold, dfeingoldnetNebraska.org, 402-472-9333, ext. 40. ¶The trial of Chief Standing Bear is an overlooked story in America’s history that illuminates a great debate. In 1879, the Ponca Indian leader proved in court of law that he was, indeed, a person. In HD.

Stuff: The Materials That Shape Our World (w.t.)
Producing organizations: A WGBH/Nova Production in association with the Materials Research Society. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D. Major funder: NSF. Senior executive producer: Paula S. Apsell. Host: David Macaulay. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org. 617-300-4418. ¶Macaulay explores how new materials led to giant advances in technology and civilization and are now the focus of the exploding field of nanotechnology.

Sometime in 2008

Adirondacks (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WNED-TV, Buffalo, N.Y., and Working Dog Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising, preproduction. Budget: $1 million. Major funders: PBS. Executive producer: John Grant. Producer: Tom Simon. Contact: John Grant, jajgrantaol.com, 814-234-5210. ¶The region’s history and natural beauty.

Adoption: An American Revolution (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Major funders: PBS/CPB Challenge Fund. Producer/director: Eric Stange. Executive producer: Judith Vecchione. Contact: Judith Vecchione, judith_vecchionewgbh.org. ¶Six million Americans are adopted; 100 million have someone adopted in their family. Film explores the transformations taking place in adoption today and their impact on American public and private life.

Adventure Capitalist
Producing organization: WNET and Beeland Interests. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive in charge: Stephen Segaller. Executive producer: Marion Lear Swaybill. Executive producer: Andy Halper. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Adventure travel meets real-world investment strategies. Series features Jim Rogers, a man Time dubbed “the Indiana Jones of finance,” as he travels through war zones, boomtowns and deserts to test his investment strategies.

Artopia (w.t.)
Producing organization: WNET. Episodes: 26 x 30. Status: pilot production. Major funders: CPB, NEA, PBS. Executive producers: Jill Peters, Sandra Sheppard. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶In an animated romp for kids ages 5 to 8, Nina and Danny learn about art as they zip around the world and travel back into history, rescuing friends and thwarting foes along the way. Website offers art-related activities and downloadable activity guides. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Girl Scouts and Association of Children’s Museums have expressed interest in integrating Artopia into programs.

Cash: The Documentary (w.t.)
Producing organization: Ambrica Productions. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: preproduction. Major funders: NEH, NEA. Director/writer: Sue Williams. Producer: Kathryn Dietz. Executive producer: Judith Vecchione. Contact: Kathryn Dietz, kathrynambrica.com. ¶Profiles the 50-year career of American cultural icon Johnny Cash—a furious tangle of talent, myth and resilience.

Earth Without People (w.t.)
Producing organization: WNET/Nature. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive producer: Fred Kaufman. Contact: Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Looks ahead 100 years, 1,000 years and 5,000 years to a planet that would look quite different from today. What would happen if humans were no longer on the planet? What direction would nature take? What would happen to cities, oceans and the landscape?

Global Aging
Producing organization: Becker Entertainment, Australia, for WNET and SBSi Australia. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive in charge: Stephen Segaller. Executive producers: Andy Halper, Charles Hannah. Series producer: Stefan Moore. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶The world has just hit an extraordinary turning point: For the first time in human history, old people outnumber the young on our planet. Series explores the dramatic challenges the world now faces.

Herbert Hoover (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Stamats Communications Inc. and The Duncan Group Inc. Presenting station: Iowa Public Television. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: preproduction. Executive producer: Chip Duncan. IPTV executive producers: Tom Hedges, Jack Shepard. Contact: Wayne Bruns, 515-242-3100. ¶Doc on President Herbert Hoover, often known as the president who presided over the country’s worst economic times, extends his story to include his engineering, diplomatic and charitable successes.
 
Louisa May Alcott: The Real Woman Who Wrote Little Women (w.t.)
Producing organization: WNET/American Masters and Nancy Porter Productions, Lexington, Mass. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: preproduction. Major funders: NEH, American Masters, CPB/PBS, Arthur Vining Davis Foundations. Executive producer: Susan Lacy. Producers: Nancy Porter, Harriet Reisen. Director: Nancy Porter. Contact: Nancy Porter, nancy npproductions.net, 781-652-8755. ¶The first film biography of Alcott discusses her secret literary identity, forceful personality, remarkable family and participation in transcendentalism, abolitionism, suffrage, the Civil War and the Gilded Age. Web: alcottfilm.com.

Making It (w.t.)
Producing organization: Ambrica Productions in association with WGBH. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: production. Director/writer/producer: Sue Williams. Co-producer: Kathryn Dietz. Editor: Howard Sharp. Executive producer: Judith Vecchione. Contact: Kathryn Dietz, kathrynambrica.com. ¶Follows workers from China’s Generation X struggling to succeed in a nation torn between communism and capitalism. Broadcast near the date of the Beijing Olympics is beginning of a projected 20-year series.

Money and Medicine
Producing organizations: WNET and Public Policy Productions Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: production. Executive producer: Stephen Segaller. Producer: Roger Weisberg. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Focusing on the current health insurance crisis, producers document two years in the lives of six uninsured patients coping with serious illness.

The Music Instinct: Science and Song
Producing organization: WNET and Mannes Productions, New York. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Major funders: NSF, NEA, International Foundation of Music, Rita Fritz, Markus Foundation. Director, Culture & Arts Programs, WNET: Barry Schulman. Executive producer for WNET: Margaret Smilow. Executive producer and producer/director/writer: Elena Mannes. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶An exploration of the impact of music on human physiology, psychology and the brain’s functioning that reveals startling connections between music and the natural world and even the cosmos.

Paris: The Luminous Years
Producing organizations: The Eloquent Image and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: R&D, fundraising. Major funders: NEH, NEA, ARTE France. Director, Culture & Arts Programs, WNET: Barry Schulman. Executive producer for WNET: Margaret Smilow. Writer/director/producer: Perry Miller Adato. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Explores how Paris became the ultimate destination for pioneering artists of all kinds, the West’s artistic hub from 1905 into the 1930s.

Winter/Spring 2009

Antarctica’s Icy Secrets. (w.t.)
Producing organizations: NET Television, Lincoln, Neb., and WGBH/Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $1.3 million. Major funder: NSF International Polar Year (IPY) Fund. Executive in charge for NET: Mike Farrell. Producer: Gary Hochman. Director: Kirk Wolfinger. Executive producer: Paula S. Apsell. Contact: David Feingold, dfeingoldnetNebraska.org, 402-472-9333, ext. 440. ¶Geological sleuths unearth rock and fossil records deep beneath the Antarctic ice to determine how cycles of icescapes may affect future global climate and coastlines. Outreach activities include inquiry-based middle school modules in collaboration with the University of Nebraska State Museum and National 4-H, and “flexibits” for science museums nationwide. In HD. Current story, October 2006.

Fall 2009

Fabric of the Cosmos
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D (planning grant from NSF). Senior executive producer, Nova: Paula S. Apsell. Host: Brian Greene. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶In Nova’s sequel to The Elegant Universe (Current's article, July 2003), Greene deepens his exploration of space and time. Based on his best-selling book, Fabric of the Cosmos.

Human Nature (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WGBH/Nova and Vulcan Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: R&D, funding. Senior executive producer, Nova: Paula S. Apsell. Executive producer, Vulcan Productions: Richard Hutton. Contact: Lisa Mirowitz, lisa_mirowitzwgbh.org, 617-300-4272. ¶Experts in neuroscience, psychology, anthropology, evolutionary biology and other disciplines examine the science of emotions and therapeutic breakthroughs that are helping people improve their lives today.

Sometime in 2009

America’s Best Idea: Our National Parks
Producing organizations: Florentine Films and WETA. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 5 x 120. Status: production. Producer/director: Ken Burns. Producer/writer: Dayton Duncan. For WETA: Dalton Delan, David S. Thompson. Contact: Cecily Van Praagh, cvanpraaghweta.com. ¶Burns illuminates not only the staggering beauty of America’s national parks but also the largely untold human story of their creation and history.

Disproving God
Producing organization: Ironbound Films Inc. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: R&D. Budget: $600,000. Executive producers: Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, Jeremy Newberger. Contact: Daniel A. Miller, millerironboundfilms.com. ¶In 1265, Thomas Aquinas offered five rationales for the existence of God. Five experimental vignettes determine whether they still make sense.

The History of The New York Times (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Steeplechase Films Inc. and WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 120. Status: R&D. Executive producer: Stephen Segaller. Producer: Ric Burns. Contact: Lisa Braun, braun thirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶A detailed look at the story behind one of the country’s most respected newspapers.

Latin Music U*S*A (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WGBH and BBC. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 3 x 90. Status: fundraising, preproduction. Major funder: BBC. Executive producer: Elizabeth Deane. Senior producer: Adriana Bosch. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_niermanwgbh.org. ¶Explores the history of Latin music—mambo, salsa, tejano, Latin pop and more— in the United States and its influence on mainstream U.S. music from rock to hip-hop.

Robert E. Lee
Producing organization: A HiddenHill Productions film for American Experience. Presenting station: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Major funders: Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Liberty Mutual, Scotts Co., CPB, PBS. Executive producer: Mark Samels. Series producer: Sharon Grimberg. Producer/director/ writer: Mark Zwonitzer. Contact: Meredith Nierman, meredith_nierman wgbh.org.  ¶ Bio of the iconic Confederate general during the American Civil War.

The War of 1812 (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WNED-TV, Buffalo, N.Y., and WETA-TV and Florentine Films/Hott Productions. Presenting station: WNED. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Budget: $1.2 million. Executive producer: John Grant. Producer: Larry Hott. Writer: Ken Chowder. Contact: John Grant, jajgrantaol.com, 814-234-5210. ¶Explores the dramatic events and lasting legacy of a little-understood conflict that profoundly changed the continent’s social and political landscape.

World of Water
Producing organization: WNET. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive producer: Stephen Segaller. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Covers pollution, immigration, dams and other water issues worldwide. Like WNET’s earlier Extreme Oil, this series’ stories, journeys and characters will show how a fluid can be central to economic development and human survival.

2010

Freedom Tower
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 2 x 60. Status: R&D. Senior executive producer: Paula S. Apsell. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallacewgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶With exclusive access to the team of engineers and architects rebuilding Ground Zero, Nova captures the story of the Freedom Tower, a new symbol of American resilience.

The Planets
Producing organization: WGBH/Nova. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D, funding. Senior executive producer: Paula Apsell. Producers: David Axelrod, Peter Jones. Contact: Melanie Wallace, melanie_wallace wgbh.org, 617-300-4418. ¶How knowledge of the planets has influenced the course of art, science, and history. Based on Dava Sobel’s book.

Air date to be determined

The Buddha
Producing organization: David Grubin Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Budget: $1.3 million. PBS/CPB Challenge Fund. Writer/producer/director: David Grubin. Contact: Bruce Mundt, bmundtgrubin.com. ¶Weaves together history and myth to tell a story few Westerners know — the life of the man who founded the world’s fourth-largest religion.

Caring for Your Parents (w.t.)
Producing organization: WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90 with 1 x 30 Q&A followup. Status: fundraising. Budget: $1.6 million. Major funders: PBS/CPB Challenge Fund. Executive producer: Laurie Donnelly. Contact: Laurie Donnelly, 617-300-2688. ¶An unprecedented number of “boomer generation” Americans face the challenge of caring for their aging parents. Special tells their story and supports them going forward. Project will work with organizations such as AARP in community-based coalitions in 15 key markets, undertaking multiple outreach activities for families with aging parents.

Convergence: Small Matters
Producing organization: Ican Productions, Hyde Park, Vt. Presenting station: OPB. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $2 million. Major funder: NSF. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Executive producers for Ican Productions: Cynthia Needham, Ken McPherson. Producers: Fred Friendly Seminars. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Employs the familiar Fred Friendly Seminar format to explore social, legal and political implications of the emerging science of nanotechnology. Accompanied by radio docs and outreach activities, including town-hall discussions hosted by regional science centers in six cities.

Depression (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Twin Cities Public Television and WGBH. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: fundraising. Executive producers: Paula S. Apsell, Naomi Boak. Producer/director: Larkin McPhee. Contact: Naomi Boak, nboaktpt.org, 651-229-1125. ¶Aims to help viewers identify symptoms of depression in family and friends. Explores the latest in scientific understanding and treatment.

Discovering York
Producing organizations: OPB, Red Hill Productions, Filmworks Northwest. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: preproduction. Budget: $300,000. Major funders: National Park Service, ITVS. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producers: Carl Byker, Ron Craig, Mitch Wilson. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Profiles the slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their expedition in the American West, exploring what we know and don’t know about him, how historical accounts are created, and nontraditional ways of examining history.

A Dreary Night of November:
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Producing organization: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: development. Budget: $800,000. Major funders: NEH planning grant. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Writer/director/producer: Margaret Koval. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Examines the writing of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, an enduring story that probes the relationships among science, politics and the literary imagination.

Égalité for All: Human Rights and
the Haitian Revolution
Producing organization: Koval Films. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: development. Budget: $800,000. Major funders: PBS/CPB Challenge Fund, ITVS. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Director/writer: Margaret Koval. Producer: Pat Aste. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Looks back at the Haitian revolution of the late 18th century, history’s only successful slave revolution.

Ferus: L.A. Art Comes of Age
Producing organization: Morgan Neville. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Budget: $350,000. Major funders: ITVS and other foundations. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producer/director: Morgan Neville. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Examines the explosion of modern art in Los Angeles during the ’50s and ’60s and the famous artists who emerged to reshape the artistic landscape of postwar America.

Finky’s Kitchen (w.t.)
Producing organizations: KidsCOOK Productions in association with South Carolina ETV. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: pilot in production. Budget: $6.5 million. Major funder: U.S. Department of Education. Executive producer: Natasha Lance-Rogoff. Creative consultant: Arlene Sherman. Line producer: Mary Perillo. Contact: Polly Kosko, koskoscetv.org, 803-737-3372. ¶Fast-paced live-action and animated nutrition, science education and health series aimed at kids ages 6 to 8, their families and educators. Offers outreach and educational activities in partnership with NIH, including web-based games at www.
finkyskitchen.com, viral publicity campaigns and curricula for teachers and after-care providers.

For the Generations: A Native American Special
Producing organizations: Painted Sky and OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Budget: $800,000. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Features some of North America’s best Native American singers and dancers interpreting and celebrating their stories of struggle, triumph, honor and hope. In HD.

Ground War (w.t.)
Producing organization: WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive in charge: Bill Grant. Executive producer: Jared Lipworth. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Surveys key technological achievements of ground warfare, helping viewers better understand the innovations, strategies and events that continue to change the ways of war.

Hugh’s View (w.t.)
Producing organizations: WNET and National Geographic Kids. Episodes: TBD. Status: R&D, funding. WNET executive producers: Jill Peters, Sandra Sheppard. Nat Geo KIDS executive producers: Donna Friedman Meir, Tara Sorenson. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶In animated/mixed-media series for preschoolers, Hugh’s unique and unpredictable point of view makes everyday stories big, weird and surprising.

I.M. Pei: Building China Modern
Producing organization: PACEM Productions. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 3 x 60. Status: fundraising, preliminary shooting. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producer/directors: Eugene Shirley, Anne Shirley. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Follows the famed architect as he helps modernize and redesign the city of his birth, Suzhou, China.

Klondike House
Producing organizations: WNET and Wall to Wall Television. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4-6 x 60. Status: R&D. Executive producer, WNET: Jody Sheff. Executive producer, Wall to Wall Television: Leanne Klein. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶In the next incarnation of the “House” series, intrepid adventurers undergo trials and tribulations of the Klondike gold rush circa 1898.

Living the Wine Life with Jonathon Alsop
Producing organization: Jay Fedigan Video. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: fundraising. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producer/director: Jay Fedigan. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Down-to-earth, funny wine critic Jonathon Alsop shares hints and demystifies the realm of wine.

Manhood & Domestic Violence
Producing organization: Hudson River Film and Video, Garrison, N.Y. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 1 x 60. Status: production. Major funders: Kendryx Foundation, Jewels of Charity. Executive producers: Sonja and Mike Gilligan, Michelle and Chuck Clifton. Producer: Michelle Clifton. Director: Sonja Gilligan. Contact: Thomas Davidson, Tom_Davidson APTonline.org. ¶An intimate and moving look at domestic abuse. Examines the underlying psychological dynamics through a jail program in Nashville, Tenn., that teaches perpetrators to control behavior and prepares them to reenter the outside world.

The Mystery of Matter
Producing organization: Moreno/Lyons Productions. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: fundraising. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Explores science’s long quest to solve the riddle of matter: what is it exactly, why are some things liquid and others solid and what is the essence of things.

The New Heroes II
Producing organizations: OPB and Malone/Grove Productions. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 4 x 60. Status: development. Budget: $2.3 million. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Series producers: Robert Grove, Mike Malone. Host: Robert Redford. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Profiles people working on the cutting edge of sustainable social and economic change in the United States and around the world.

The Power of Forgiveness
Producing organization: Journey Films Inc. Presenting station: South Carolina ETV. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 90. Status: production. Budget: $750,000. Major funders: John Templeton Foundation, Fetzer Institute. Director: Martin Doblmeier. Contact: Dan Juday, DanJourneyFilms.com, 703-519-8200. ¶Explores recent psychological, therapeutic and medical findings about the nature of forgiveness and its benefits, with real-life stories and interviews about spiritual transformation. National outreach to be supported by Campaign for Love and Forgiveness and six coordinated station campaigns.

Salmon: Heroic Journey
Producing organization: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: preproduction, fundraising. Budget: $1 million. Executive producer for OPB: John Grant. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Examines the salmon’s heroic life cycle, birth to death in five years.

Shakespeare’s Wings: Backstage at
the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Producing organization: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: preproduction. Budget: $800,000. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶An observational documentary goes behind the scenes at the annual festival in Ashland.

Showstoppers (w.t.)
Producing organization: WNET. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 6 x 60. Status: R&D, fundraising. Major funder: CPB/PBS Challenge Fund. Producer: David Horn. Executive producer: Barry Schulman. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶Nationwide search for overlooked talent catapults a few hardworking artists into a primetime spotlight—and ultimately the cast of a hit Broadway show.

Simone Bolivar and the Liberation
of South America
Producing organization: Koval Films. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: PBS. Episodes: 1 x 120. Status: fundraising. Budget: $1 million. Major funder: NEH scripting grant. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Executive producers for Koval Films/series producers: Margaret Koval, Pat Aste. Director/writer: Margaret Koval. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Re-creates the life and times of Bolivar, credited with liberating Latin America from colonialism. With location footage, first-person accounts and dramatic re-enactments.

Treasure Hunting America
Producing organization: Compel Media. Presenting station: OPB. Distributor: APT. Episodes: 13 x 30. Status: fundraising. Budget: $500,000. Executive producer for OPB: David Davis. Producer/director: Kyle Justice. Contact: David Davis, david_davisopb.org, 503-293-1959. ¶Hosted series visits treasure hunters who use handheld metal detectors to search out long-lost artifacts and buried treasure.

Unnatural History (w.t.)
Producing organizations: Unnatural Productions and WNET. Episodes: 65 x 30. Status: R&D, funding. Executive producers: Jill Peters, Sandra Sheppard. Executive producers/co-creators: Jonas McCord, Seth Piezas. Co-producer: Kati Meister. Contact: Lisa Braun, braunthirteen.org, 212-560-2715. ¶In 3-D animated series, anti-technology misfits steal inventions from the past that affect the future—and it’s up to four kids to stop them.

Web page revised Jan. 25, 2007
Current
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E-mail: web current.org
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A service of Current Publishing Committee, Takoma Park, Md. Copyright 2006

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Is your show missing from this list?
Current circulates survey forms widely in the creative community but we don’t always hear from everyone. We won't be adding to this list but please remind us now to send you a questionnaire in summer 2007 for the Pipeline08 survey. Contact: pipeline current.org or leave a voicemail for Terry Fischer at 301-270-7240, ext. 31.

About the listings
All project listings below are based on producers’ responses to our survey this fall. Funders such as ITVS and the national minority consortia submitted information on behalf of some independent producers, as did some presenting stations. Thanks to all who responded to the survey.
Working titles are indicated by “w.t.” To save space, four of the largest producing stations — WGBH in Boston, WNET in New York, WETA in Washington, D.C., and Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland — are identified by call letters or initials. Please direct inquiries to the contact people listed with each title.

Abbreviations used in this list

APT: American Public Television, Boston;
ITVS: Independent Television Service, San Francisco;
NETA: National Educational Telecommunications Association, Columbia, S.C.;
NEA: National Endowment for the Arts;
NEH: National Endowment for the Humanities;
NSF: National Science Foundation.