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August 14th 2008

Bill Nye The Science Guy Returns September 2nd To Complete You

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 1:46 pm

It’s been almost 10 years since Bill Nye the Science Guy had his own show on PBS — and we completely agree that life has basically sucked in his absense. Thankfully, Bill has returned from whatever planet he was bringing joy to in the meantime to rock out with a new show called Stuff Happens on Discovery’s Planet Green.

The premise, as we yammered about back in April, is quite similar to David De Rothchild’s new show for Sundance’s THE GREEN. Basically, Nye will point out the “stuff” in our lives and take us on a journey as each item’s life cycle is investigated and uncovered. Along the way, he will also illustrate how simple and easy changes can reduce the environmental cost of things we love.

Take a look at Rothschild’s show — and you’ve got the exact same concept. Problem is, competing with Bill Nye for production value is like putting Michael Phelps up against a dolphin. Sure, it’ll be entertaining, but the dolphin is going to kick some serious ass. Plus, it can do aerial flips. Can Michael Phelps do aerial flips?

For the first episode, Nye will take us into the bathroom. Here’s a bit from the release,

“Some of the stuff that happens there may be unmentionable, but it all has an environmental impact – an impact we can reduce in painless ways that could make a big difference. Nye tackles everything from toothpaste (does it endanger orangutans in Borneo?), to cosmetics (how many pounds of chemicals does your skin absorb over a lifetime of using cosmetics?), to toilets (what kinds of “super bugs” are growing in our municipal water systems due to flushing old prescription drugs down the toilet?) Can Nye save the planet from the peril of sludge?”

If anyone can save us from destruction, it’s Bill Nye. Grab your favorite bow tie and get ready to geek out this September on Planet Green!

August 10th 2008

Sundance Gives The Green Light To New Series With David De Rothschild

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 12:14 pm

Our favorite eco-playboy/adventurer is going to be receiving a bit more exposure with the announcement of his own green series, courtesy of The Sundance Channel’s THE GREEN.

Titled Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living, the show will trace the origins and environmental impact of common everyday products such as a cotton t-shirt or a gold ring. The eight-part series will feature David De Rothschild as the host explaining the creation of these items - as well as educating viewers on the decisions they can make to live a greener lifestyle.

Back in February, David teamed up with Nickelodeon UK to help present a multi-media project called Nicks Big Thing — which illustrated small things kids can do to make a big difference. He’s also written several eco-books for kids and provides educational materials on his green site, Adventure Ecology. Most recently, his Global Warming Survival Guide accompanied the Live Earth celebration back in July ‘07.

In March of 2009, De Rothschild will cross the Pacific from San Francisco to Sydney in a boat built from plastic bottles and recycled materials called “The Plastiki”.

Look for Eco-Trip to premiere sometime in 2009.

February 12th 2008

David de Rothschild Working On Two New Green TV Projects

Filed under: film-tv, television — michael @ 5:26 pm

David de Rothschild keeps busy. Not only is the 29-year-old the heir to one of the largest banking fortunes in Europe, but he’s also a committed environmentalist, adventurer, and author of several books; the latest of which is the Global Warming Survival Guide — that accompanied the Live Earth celebration back in July. Now, Rothschild is placing the final touches on two new green-themed shows for both the Sundance Channel and Nickelodeon. From the release,

“NBC’s Peacock Productions is working with David on a series pilot looking at the environmental impact of a range of consumer products on day to day life. A date for the series, being shown on the Sundance Channel, has yet to be announced. Sharon Scott, the senior VP of Peacock Productions said: ‘David is a fresh voice championing the environmental issues of our day. His passion for the environment and endless sense of adventure make him an ideal messenger for our informative and entertaining programming geared towards a younger audience.’

David is also teaming up with Nickelodeon UK to help present a multi-media project called Nicks Big Thing, which is a week of environmental programming on the net screening from Monday February 25th to Friday 29th. Programmes illustrate small things that can make a big difference. For example, young people are challenged to look at their daily lives to find evidence of global warming. They then have to consider what can be done about it, before presenting their findings to Hilary Benn, secretary of state for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.”

Rothschild is definitely on to something by engaging children in the environmental movement. He’s written several eco-books for kids and provides educational materials on his green site, Adventure Ecology. As part of that organization, this summer he’ll also set off across the Pacific Ocean in a boat made from waste water bottles highlighting the impact of such consumer dependencies. No doubt, we’ll see this adventure highlighted on one of the two new cool shows above. We’ll keep you posted as more details flow in…