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Â鶹Éç Worldwide, the commercial arm of the Â鶹Éç, has completed deals which see Nine Network Australia and Discovery US become co producers of the major new natural history series Great Barrier Reef. The stunning three-part series, being produced by the Â鶹Éç's Natural History Unit, will reveal the natural history of Australia's iconic natural wonder and the world's largest single structure made by living organisms. The deals were completed by Â鶹Éç Worldwide's Sales & Distribution teams in Sydney and New York.

Neil Nightingale, Â鶹Éç Executive producer says, "This is the first ever definitive wildlife television series on the Great Barrier Reef. With the expertise of the joint production team from the Â鶹Éç Natural History Unit and Queensland-based Digital Dimensions, the latest in filming technology and the support of the Nine Network and Discovery Channel US, we'll capture the magic of the reef as it's never been seen before. We look forward to showing this iconic natural miracle to worldwide audiences in a new light."

"We are proud to be partnered with the Â鶹Éç on this landmark project. The Great Barrier Reef is a visual feast and the series will provide Australians with a wondrous journey through the area," added Michael Healy Director of Programming, Nine Network.

"The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural structures in the world," said Clark Bunting, President and General Manager, Discovery Channel and President, Science Channel. "Joining forces with the Â鶹Éç's Natural History Unit and Digital Dimensions guarantees that GREAT BARRIER REEF will deliver on the best in storytelling, filmmaking and innovative technology. Viewers will see this amazing living reef and the creatures that inhabit it."

Great Barrier Reef (3x50') will paint viewers a beautiful, revelatory and in-depth portrait of one of the world’s great biological miracles, from Fraser Island in the south to its northernmost limits in Torres Straits.

The first episode explores how the extraordinary structure of the Great Barrier Reef was created and continues to flourish, featuring cutting edge close-up technology to reveal the world of tiny animals which are the crucial foundation of the reef itself. The second episode moves to the giant lagoon inside the reef where the land meets the sea, with the third episode focusing on the remote outer reefs – vast, isolated and rarely visited.

Great Barrier Reef is currently filming on location and will launch internationally in 2012.

Cristina Dunn