DCD wins multiple US TV commissions

DCD Media-owned September Films has been commissioned by US Cable TV Network TLC to produce four exclusive one-off human interest documentaries.

650 lb Virgin (1x60’) follows the incredible transformation of thirty-one year old David Smith from Phoenix Arizona as he goes from a morbidly obese loner to a healthy, happy fitness instructor, losing more than 400 pounds in weight. To do this without the use of gastric bypass surgery is almost unheard of and, having achieved the seemingly impossible, David is now hoping to make up for lost time by finding himself a girlfriend for the first time ever in his life. Directed by Mark Henderson.

Child Frozen In Time (1x60’) explores the unique case of Brooke Greenberg who, at sixteen, resembles a 7 month old infant. She has not grown or aged for eleven years. Brooke’s condition is so rare that doctors simply call it ‘Syndrome X’, and believe that if they can find the cause they may discover the secret of ageing. This documentary, sixteen years in the making, through an exclusive family archive, tells the extraordinary story of the child that time forgot. Directed by Jackie Osei-Tutu.

Conjoined Twins: Sister Bond (1x60’) tells the remarkable story of American twins Kendra and Maliyah who, born joined at the abdomen and pelvis, were successfully separated in a surgical procedure of almost unimaginable complexity. This uplifting film follows the medical journey and the family before, during and after this life-changing and groundbreaking operation, in fact the first medical intervention of its kind. Directed by Jon Clements.

Marlie’s New Face: Four Years On (1x60’) – follows Marlie Casseus, the little girl from Haiti, whose heart-rending story went around the world. A hideous 16-pound growth was closing her throat and slowly killing her. Four years later Marlie is now a teenager with a new face. The revolutionary operations, which continue today, have given her back her life, and throughout this time, a courageous and inspirational Marlie has never forgotten how to laugh, and how to dance. Directed by Nick Gray.

Executive Producer for September Films is Sheldon Lazarus, whose reputation as the producer of choice for hugely popular human interest documentaries was confirmed by the success of recent films such as China’s Elephant Man - the highest rated documentary of 2009 on National Geographic and the second highest rated documentary on C4 in 2008 (UK title: I Am The Elephant Man)*, as well as The Pregnant Man - the highest rated documentary on Discovery Health US in 2008**.

The four films were commissioned by Rita Mullin, VP Development, TLC.

650 lb Virgin and Child Frozen In Time are being distributed by international sales company DCD Rights.

David Green, Chief Creative Officer and Acting CEO, DCD Media, said: “We are delighted with Sheldon’s ongoing success on both sides of the Atlantic. The American market is currently favourable to UK producers, and growing our output Stateside is a key element of our diversification strategy. September Films’ strength in factual and reality coupled with our long term involvement in the US market is again proving a profitable route”.

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* I Am The Elephant Man (UK title) was the second highest rated documentary on C4 in 2008. It drew 3.5 million viewers and a 15% share over the 9pm hour on April 7, 2008.

* China’s Elephant Man (US title) aired on Sunday June 7, 2009 at 9pm on National Geographic and was the highest rated documentary of the year.

** The Pregnant Man premiered in the US on Discovery Health on 18 November 2008 and was the highest rated show on the network in 2008.