More4 commissions Vet on the Hill

19 July 2016

More4 has commissioned WTFN Europe for a new series of Vet on the Hill, starring TV vet and passionate animal advocate Dr. Scott Miller.

The commission follows successful ratings for the first series, which was acquired from WTFN’s distribution arm, Fred Media. After 10 episodes the acquired series was up on More4’s slot average for volume by 32%.

The extended run of 20 episodes will air on the digital channel later this year.

The series has been commissioned by Channel 4 Head of Daytime David Sayer.

This second series will once again follow the highs and lows of day-to-day life in Dr. Scott’s Richmond Hill-based clinic. With a new clinic opening, new staff joining and lots of new furry friends to care for, Scott and his team are busier than ever.

Shaun Gilmartin, MD of WTFN Europe, commented: “Vet on the Hill has, at its heart, the winning combination of a dedicated, professional vet team led by the charismatic Scott Miller; heart warming, engaging story lines; delivered by a hugely experienced and committed production team. This 20-part commission from More4 is the perfect start for WTFN’s new UK business.”

Vet On The Hill is a genuine insight into the highs and lows of a small grassroots practice – from life saving surgery and highly emotional moments with doting owners to home visits full of surprises and trips to the local farm. With the addition of a few famous faces that drop in for help, there’s never a dull moment at the clinic.

UK audiences have been quick to warm to Dr. Scott’s endearing personality and big hearted approach to looking after animals – and their owners.

A philanthropist and passionate animal advocate, Dr. Scott grew up and studied in Brisbane, Australia, beginning his career at the RSPCA in Sydney. He soon set his sights abroad, moving to the UK more than 10 years ago. Whilst working in East London, he began working regularly in media, hosting Extinct for Meridian, a programme highlighting endangered species while regularly appearing on BBC Breakfast News, The Paul O'Grady Show, GMTV, Blue Peter and CBBC. He appeared as an expert vet on BBC's Crufts, and was the regular vet on This Morning for six years. Later he featured on Sky 1's Pet Nation presenting items and filming insert VT's and most recently Scott was one of the lead presenters on children's programme, Who Let the Dogs Out and About for CBBC, a UK based roadshow which celebrated all things dog.

 

About WTFN

Founded in 2001, WTFN has grown into one of Australia’s most successful independent content producers. The company has built a worldwide reputation for compelling story-telling that engages audiences, with programmes such as Bondi Vet, The Living Room, Tony Robinson’s Time Walks and the Logie-winning documentary “Trishna and Krishna: The Quest for Separate Lives”.

In Australia, the company is currently in production on Sydney Harbour Uncovered, a major new documentary series for Discovery Networks International, and the Australian version of Long Lost Family for Network 10. Its first feature film, Oddball, has grossed over $11 million at the Australian BO, putting it in the top 25 highest grossing Australian films of all time.