KCET, Eyetronics Set Original Programming

KCET, Los Angeles’ independent public television station, and Eyetronics Media and Studios have unveiled the initial lineup of new original series resulting from their partnership to produce and acquire programming thematically distinctive to Southern California for domestic and international distribution.

The first programs scheduled for production include (working titles): Ocean Alive, Department of State, Classic Cool Theatre, California Game Changers and Retrostory.

“We are pleased to move forward with this exciting initial line-up featuring an eclectic array of educational and entertaining shows covering Southern California ecology, public affairs, lifestyle, innovation and history,” said Al Jerome, KCET president-CEO.

The new programs:

Ocean Alive — Emmy award-winning filmmaker, educator, environmentalist and ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau will host a show that combines the beauty of Southern California and the glamour of Hollywood with the message of conservation. As one of the world’s leading marine preservationists, Cousteau invites celebrities and public figures to breathtaking locations to explore the area’s dynamic marine life and discuss ways to protect it. The series will also have a new media presence to further engage audiences with fun, interactive features and additional information.

Department of State — Viewers will experience and understand world events in a new and different way; a more immediate way. A rotating group of global media correspondents will lead weekly half-hour conversations and analysis with former public figures and decision makers about world news of the day.

California Game Changers — Recognized worldwide as a land of sunshine and opportunity, California represents a lifestyle defined by surfing, yoga and Hollywood red carpets. This rich imagery has attracted scores of pioneers for decades looking to take advantage of all California has to offer and make the next mark on the state’s iconic landscape. Merging the science and the style; the technology, innovation and entertainment of California, California Game Changers is a half-hour weekly program exploring those only-in-California industries, innovators and inventions.

Classic Cool Theatre — Viewers will embark on a cinematic journey into classic Hollywood through a new film series that highlights the nostalgia, drama and style of vintage Hollywood. In addition, the series will be enriched with the best of classic international films of the 20th century. Each week, the series spotlights a different classic movie, beginning with a visit to the dark, visually distinctive period of Film Noir with the 1945 classic Detour.

Retrostory — Remember the Twist? How did Humphrey Bogart get his start? What sparked the Great Depression? A new bi-weekly documentary series inspires and educates viewers with the remarkable stories of the 20th century through a Southern California lens. Covering the era’s greatest struggles and accomplishments, viewers will learn about social phenomena, influential political and entertainment figures and other revolutionary advancements that transformed The Southland and the world throughout the 1900s.

Classic Cool Theatre and Retrostory will incorporate assets from Eyetronics’ expansive digital library of films, rare footage, newsreels, cartoons, serials, documentaries, TV movies and series.