Viacom International Studios UK wins first ITV order

Viacom International Studios (VIS) UK has picked up its first ever third-party commission, a two-part series for ITV titled Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure.

Previously known as Elephant House Studios, VIS has until now produced content solely for Viacom’s UK channels, including Channel 5, MTV and Comedy Central.

The 2×60-minute documentary follows newsreader and presenter Sir Trevor McDonald as he travels from Mumbai to Delhi on board one of the world’s most luxurious trains, the Maharajas’ Express. En route, he disembarks to meet people from all walks of life to provide insight into rapidly changing modern India.

Viacom is looking to grow its studio business by producing for third party broadcasters and VOD platforms as well as its own network of international channels.

VIS’s content sales team will distribute Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure internationally.

Trevor McDonald’s Indian Train Adventure was commissioned for ITV by Jo Clinton-Davis, ITV controller of factual, and Sue Murphy, ITV head of factual entertainment.

It is executive produced by Ed Taylor, creative director and Jeff Anderson, director of factual for VIS UK, and directed by John Holdsworth.

Clinton-Davis commented: “Trevor’s infectious curiosity makes him the perfect travel guide for this journey that sweeps you along on board the elegance of the Maharajas’ Express and reveals the colours, contrasts and surprises that India offers.”

VIS UK produced more than 100 hours of content for Viacom in 2018. The studio is responsible for Channel 5 shows including the Inside…series, Jane McDonald and Friends, Make or Break?, Caught on Camera, The Kennedys: A Fatal Ambition and Britain by Bike.  Last year it won a BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald.