New York, NY /London, UK – BBC Worldwide and Snap Inc have partnered to launch an exclusive series of Planet Earth II ‘Shows’ on Snapchat’s Discover Platform in the U.S. and Canada. In a first for mobile audiences, never-before-seen footage filmed for the landmark series will launch on Snapchat a day before the show’s February 18^th debut on BBC AMERICA in the U.S., and the recently launched BBC Earth in Canada.

The content produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit will include six exclusive episodes, each telling a new Planet Earth II story featuring new scenes that have been specifically crafted for Snapchat’s vertical mobile viewing experience. The episodes will each complement the theme of the TV episode premiere on BBC AMERICA and BBC Earth channel, but will feature storylines that are unique to Snapchat.

Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide said: “This collaboration is all about taking a mobile-first approach to our amazing natural history landmarks. And reaching untapped audiences to showcase jaw-dropping content on Snapchat is the perfect way to pay testament to the film-makers who produce these world-class shows.”

Nick Bell, Vice President of Content for Snap Inc. said: “For millions of Snapchatters, our app is their first screen – and this will be their first introduction to the unbelievable cinematic quality, storylines and stunning visuals of the Planet Earth franchise. We saw a unique opportunity to work with BBC Worldwide to reimagine Planet Earth II for our platform. We can’t wait for our community to get to experience it.”

Sarah Barnett, President BBC AMERICA, commented: “This initiative with Snapchat is the perfect partnership: a celebration of our amazing planet through an exclusive offering to Snapchat users, including many BBCA fans, who are some of the most plugged in and digitally aware people on earth.”

Raja Khanna, CEO, Television & Digital, Blue Ant Media (for BBC Earth in Canada), stated: “Snapchat has offered us an incredible opportunity to reach out to a highly engaged Millennial audience of animal and nature fans across Canada with the content they crave and on the platform they love.”

In conjunction with the Planet Earth II premiere on Snapchat, Snap is rolling out several exciting new features for Snapcodes:

• Starting today Snapchatters can use the Planet Earth II Snapcode to subscribe in advance of Planet Earth II‘s premiere on Snapchat, which will help ensure they don’t miss an episode. Snapchatters will also be able to use the Snapcode to get a “first look” preview of the series, ahead of the debut of the first episode on February 17.
• Once Planet Earth II begins airing on Snapchat, Snapchatters can also use the Planet Earth II Snapcode to view the most current episode, even if that episode is not currently live on the app.

This partnership adds to a growing number of collaborations between Snapchat and television networks to offer TV series in its content lineup.

Planet Earth II brings audiences a vivid and unexpected exploration of the joy, wonder, and drama of the natural world – a welcome breath as we begin a new year. Over three years in the making and encompassing a total of 2,089 filming days across 117 production trips in 40 different countries, the BBC series has already captivated viewers internationally. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough for the TV series and Academy Award nominated actress Sophie Okonedo for the Snapchat series, Planet Earth II is a heart-pounding landmark event that captures the natural world in ways that would have been impossible a decade ago.

In the U.S. the premiere episode of Planet Earth II will simulcast across BBC AMERICA, AMC and Sundance TV on Saturday, February 18^th at 9/8c, with the following episodes premiering exclusively on BBC AMERICA. In Canada the series will premiere on the newly launched commercial-free channel BBC Earth on Saturday, February 18^th at 9pm ET/PT, simulcast with BBC AMERICA in the U.S.

About BBC Worldwide
BBC Worldwide is the main commercial arm and a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Its vision is to build the BBC’s brands, audiences, commercial returns and reputation across the world. This is achieved through investing in, commercialising and showcasing content from the BBC around the world, in a way that is consistent with BBC standards and values. The business also champions British creativity globally.

In 2015/16 BBC Worldwide generated headline profits of £133.8m and headline sales of £1,029.4m and returned £222.2m to the BBC.

For more detailed performance information please see our Annual Review webpage: bbcworldwide.com/annual-review/.

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About BBC AMERICA
Created in 1998, BBC AMERICA is a hub of innovative, culturally contagious programming like the ground-breaking un-scripted series Top Gear, the top-rated science-fiction phenomenon Doctor Who, and the fan-favorite Orphan Black. The influential network has been the launch pad for talent including Ricky Gervais, Gordon Ramsay, and Graham Norton — all adopted as American pop culture icons. A joint venture between BBC Worldwide (the commercial arm of the BBC) and AMC Networks, BBCA has attracted both critical acclaim and major awards including five Emmy® Awards, five Golden Globes® and 12 Peabody Awards. The irrepressible network has garnered one of cable’s most curious, educated and affluent audiences, with many properties boasting super-fan levels of engagement. Available on cable and satellite TV, BBC AMERICA broadcasts in both standard and high-definition, is available On Demand across all major digital platforms and offers full episodes online at bbcamerica.com. Find out more by visiting press.bbcamerica.com or follow us on twitter.com/bbcamerica.

About Blue Ant Media
Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international media company that creates and distributes content worldwide across multiple platforms, including streaming video, linear television, digital, magazines and live events. Global brands include Love Nature, an international linear and SVOD offering, with the world’s largest library of 4K wildlife and nature content; and Omnia Media, a leading digital video network focused on gaming and maker lifestyles. The company’s broadcast portfolio includes a robust offering of Canadian and New Zealand-based media brands. Blue Ant Media’s distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a catalogue of 2,200+ hours of premium, unscripted content worldwide, which includes the largest 4K natural history library on the market. Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto (Canada), with offices located in Los Angeles (US), London (UK) and Auckland (NZ). blueantmedia.ca

About BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the BBC’s main TV production arm, producing bold, British, creative content for audiences in the UK and around the world, across drama, comedy, entertainment, music, events and factual, as well as radio and digital output. From Strictly Come Dancing, Planet Earth II and Doctor Who, to War and Peace, Top Gear and David Bowie: The Last Five Years, their programmes are renowned for their quality and loved by viewers. With bases across the nations and regions of the UK, BBC Studios reflects and represents diverse voices and creative talent from all around the country. BBC Studios is set to launch as a wholly-owned subsidiary in 2017.

Press Contact:
Philip Fleming
Head of Communications Global Brands and Content
+44 (0) 7824 622 077