Press release from ABC TV
ABC TV’s 6 x 30 minute Olympic documentary series has changed its name to London Calling.
Previously named Olympic Dreams, the series will reveal the personal sacrifice and endurance of seven athletes as they prepare for the selection for the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.
South Australian production company, Dream TV, has been granted unique access over 12 months to an impressive line-up of athletes from around the country whose number one ambition is to be selected for the Australian team.
The athletes are: swimmers Libby Trickett and Michael Klim; rower Drew Ginn (former ‘Oarsome Foursome’ gold medal winner); sprinter John Steffensen as well as Paralympian swimmer Ahmed Kelly; wheelchair rugby team player Ryley Batt and equestrian Grace Bowman.
This series is the second to be commissioned from the ABC TV/South Australian Film Corporation FACTory Initiative which is aimed at developing new factual programs for ABC1 prime time.
Jennifer Collins, ABC TV’s Head of Factual said: “London Calling will dig beneath the surface of what it really takes to be an Olympic or Paralympic hero. The series will reveal the personal stories behind the gruelling training and the hopes and aspirations of each athlete.”
Richard Harris, CEO of SAFC said: “Newly established production company Dream TV sees the teaming up of Producer Mark Patterson and Director Kay Pavlou, resulting in a combined wealth of diverse film and television experience. The SAFC is excited by the level of new programming being generated by South Australian companies, taking Australian stories to the world.”
London Calling will air on ABC1 this year.