Transparent TV, part of Argonon Group, has been commissioned by Channel 5 to produce two series with Michael Portillo, it was announced today (WEDS).
The two new heritage series, Abandoned Britain, are for transmission in 2017 and 2018 and were commissioned by Guy Davies, underlining the channel’s commitment to attracting the UK’s finest talent.
Abandoned Britain (4 x 60) sees passionate historian and architecture-loving presenter Michael Portillo roll up his sleeves to become a guerrilla urban explorer as he investigates Britain’s most fascinating abandoned buildings. Frozen in time, many are now on the danger list too with demolition on the cards and could soon be lost forever.
Michael Portillo said: “The abandoned buildings of Britain document our nation’s history. In this new series, I will root around derelict sites, peeling back the layers and blowing the dust from fascinating stories, to bring back to life the country’s heroes and villains.”
Creative Director of Transparent TV, Jazz Gowans, said: “Every now and again the stars align and something special happens – this is one of those times! It doesn’t happen often – but when it does it’s an exhilarating creative joy ride, and we’re thrilled to be making this for Channel 5.
“Michael is captivated by abandoned buildings, to him they hold the key to unlock the untold stories of our shared social history. We’re so delighted to be working with him in a fresh, bold way from using six types of cutting-edge cameras to capture stunning Imagery of the decay to immersive CGI to restore each building to its original splendour.”
Guy Davies, Channel 5 Commissioning Editor – Factual said: “Michael Portillo is a great addition to our growing team of passionate and knowledgeable talent in factual. We’re thrilled to be working with him.”
Michael has also signed up for a second (8 x 60) as yet unannounced, documentary series for 2018. Both series are executive produced by Jazz Gowans and Mark Powell for Transparent TV.