BBC Studios lands first C4 commission to examine fatberg phenomenon
Category: News ReleaseBBC Studios Science Unit has been commissioned by Channel 4 to produce a programme that will take an in-depth look at a growing urban phenomenon: masses of congealed fat and waste clogging up our sewers, otherwise known as fatbergs.
The one-hour programme follows exclusive access to a recently detected giant London fatberg, believed to be one for the largest ever found in the capital – possibly dwarfing the infamous Whitechapel discovery. The BBC Studios Science Unit, in conjunction with Thames Water, will be performing the first ever fatberg autopsy on this modern monster from the sewers in order to find out what is clogging these vital pipes and tunnels.
Rick Edwards presents as the ambitious engineering project brings the almighty fatberg up to the surface before the extracted mass heads into the autopsy theatre. There a team of experts including pathology technician Carla Valentine will analyse the contents to reveal truths about how we all live today.
The programme is Channel 4’s first commission from BBC Studios, the BBC’s commercial production business and the first third party commission for BBC Studios from a UK broadcaster.
Paul Overton, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “It’s fantastic to be working with Channel 4 and exciting to be carrying out a world first. The project promises to be both shocking and fascinating and should be an unforgettable sight for viewers.”
Gilly Greenslade, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 says: “We’re delighted to have a first commission from the talented team at BBC Studios. We hope to present our inquisitive viewers with a unique and accessible exploration of an issue affecting Britain’s growing towns and cities.”
Fatberg Autopsy (w/t) is a 1 x 60’ programme commissioned for Channel 4 by Gilly Greenslade, Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment. Paul Overton is the Executive Producer and Rob Liddell is the Producer for BBC Studios Science Unit. The film will be directed by Nick Clarke Powell (Woolly Mammoth Autopsy).
Notes to Editors:
BBC Studios
BBC Studios is the BBC’s main TV production arm, producing bold, British, creative content across a range of genres and specialisms. From Blue Planet II, Strictly Come Dancing and Doctor Who to One Love Manchester, Good Omens, W1A, Horizon and Murdered by My Father, its programmes are renowned for their quality and loved by audiences in the UK and around the world. With bases all over the country, BBC Studios reflects and represents diverse voices and creative talent from across the UK. BBC Studios launched as a commercial business in April 2017, able to make programmes for other broadcasters as well as the BBC, supporting the BBC’s public service mission and generating financial returns for licence fee payer.