7 Wonder to produce new Billy Connolly series for ITV

Seven’s joint venture television production company 7Wonder has been commissioned by ITV to produce Billy Connolly’s Tracks Across America.

The announcement:

The Seven Network – Australia’s most-watched broadcast television platform – today announced a major commission for its new joint venture television production company: 7Wonder.

The commission from ITV in the United Kingdom confirms Seven’s strengthening presence in the production of programming for international markets.

In a major new ITV Factual commission, Billy Connolly will travel all the way across mainland USA by train.

Billy Connolly’s Tracks Across America is a three part series in which the iconic comedian and actor aims to circumnavigate all four corners of the United States on the magic carpet made of steel that is America’s rail network.

In 2011 Billy Connolly covered the two and half thousand miles that make up the famous Route 66 for the hit ITV series Billy Connolly’s Route 66. Now he has set his sights on 28 states and 8,000 miles of cities, coast, mountains, desert and swamp. Rich in the romance of the American dream, this is a travelogue in the tracks of the pioneers who built a nation.

Starting and finishing in New York this three part series will see Billy head into the vast and astonishing landscapes that make up America’s backyard. Here BIlly will meet a truly remarkable cast of people who capture the irresistible spirit of America and he will regale us with tales of his favourite kinds of people: outlaws, singers, fighters, and dreamers. From the Bad Lands of North Dakota, into the arid beauty of the Arizona desert, past the peaks of the Smokey Mountains, skirting the lazy swamplands of Louisiana – this is a big sky country full of places and people we rarely see but Billy can’t wait to visit.

The series is commissioned for ITV by Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual and Richard Klein, Director of Factual.

Jo Clinton-Davis said: Billy’s infectious joy at discovering new experiences and meeting new people makes every journey he does with us an exceptional ride. And his passion for seeking out the spirit of the US in all its richly varied forms makes him the perfect guide to take us on this iconic trip.”

The series will team Billy once again with Series Director Mike Reilly who worked with Billy on ITV series Billy Connolly’s Route 66 and the RTS winning Billy Connolly’s Big Send Off. Series Producer is Michelle Crowther who recently made the Sky One hit Micky Flanagan’s Detour De France.

Mike Reilly said: “I can’t think of anyone better qualified to undertake this journey than Billy, his love of America, its people and music combined with his one of a kind wit and skewered powers of observation will make this show a joy to be part of and more importantly watch.”

Executive Producer for 7 Wonder Steve Condie said: “The comic brilliance and infectious curiosity of Billy Connolly plus the drama and glory of heartland America – what’s not to love? 7 Wonder are thrilled to be making this series for ITV.”

Source: 7 media release