Travel Channel Announces Three Greenlit Pilots And The Development Of Two Original Series

Travel Channel has greenlit three pilots and announces the development of two original travel series to augment the Network's programming slate for 2012. New pilots include "Barn Finds" (wt), featuring antique car expert Corky Coker, who travels the back roads and small towns of the Deep South searching for priceless, rare American cars and automotive memorabilia; "Kevin Michael Connolly Project" (wt), which follows the author, photographer and self-proclaimed thrill-seeker - who was born without legs - as he travels the globe exploring new adventures; and "Power Trip with Jason Harper" (wt), featuring a travel, car and lifestyle writer who travels the world writing about his adventures from the driver's seat. The announcement was made today by Andy Singer, General Manager, Travel Channel.

Travel Channel's two new series in development explore new destinations and take viewers on a journey, whether it's around the world or around the block. The first series, "Coffee Hunter" (wt), spotlights businessman and adventurer Todd Carmichael as he travels the globe, often in dangerous locations, hunting for the highest-grade coffee in the world. "City Swappers" (wt), follows the adventures of two couples who have swapped homes, cars, friends, favorite restaurants, and culinary tastes in order to experience an alternative to the typical vacation.

"Our programming mission is to continue to provide a myriad of travel perspectives that not only entertain and inspire, but will take viewers beyond the guidebook," said Singer. "We're excited about our new shows in development which feature a group of new talent who each weave their own personal experiences and stories through each show's unique travel lens."


NEW GREENLIT PILOTS:

"Barn Finds" (wt) (two half-hour episodes) Produced by BCII with Travel Channel's Sean McKnight as Executive Producer
This half-hour series follows antique car expert Corky Coker, and his team, on a freewheeling road trip through the back roads and small towns of the Deep South. A man on a mission, Coker is on the hunt for barn finds - automotive diamonds-in-the-rough that have been hidden away or just forgotten for years. When he's on target, Coker is wheeling, dealing, shucking and jiving, all to get the best price on the right car to restore and resell at his shop, Honest Charley Garage. When he's distracted, Coker hits the scenic routes, roadside attractions and down-home restaurants - all the things that make for the kind of journey most of us no longer have time to take.

"Kevin Michael Connolly Project" (wt) (one hour pilot) Produced by Crazy Legs Production with Travel Channel's David Gerber as Executive Producer
Kevin Michael Connolly is an author, photographer and self-proclaimed thrill seeker who was born without legs - but he's never let that get in his way. Connolly is on a mission to discover all this world has to offer - new cultures, meeting remarkable people and tackling difficult physical challenges. Getting around with only his hands and his skateboard, viewers will experience what makes Connolly an inspiration to us all.

"Power Trip with Jason Harper" (wt) (one hour pilot) Produced by Departure Films with Travel Channel's Patrick McManamee as Executive Producer
Jason Harper - travel, automobile and lifestyle journalist, has the best job in the world! He travels the world writing about his adventures from the driver's seat of the world's most interesting vehicles. From burning up Italy's autostrada in a $300,000 Lamborghini, to a midnight Vespa cruise through a medieval Tuscan village with 80 of his newest friends, "Power Trip with Jason Harper" o