Sky 1 HD to go behind the scenes at RAF super base Brize Norton in new observational documentary series from Dai4films

Sky 1 HD announces today (Thursday 21 June, 2012) the commission of BRIZE NORTON (8 x 60’), an observational documentary series from Dai4films. The series will embed viewers in the intense, engaging world of one of the biggest and busiest Air Force bases on the planet, which supports all UK military operations around the globe. The series was commissioned by Siobhan Mulholland, Commissioning Editor, Factual and will be executive produced by Neil Davies for Dai4films and Siobhan Mulholland for Sky.

BRIZE NORTON will mark the first time a documentary film crew have been granted round the clock access to the RAF base. It will follow a brilliant cast of men and women, military and civilian, who serve the nation and cope with a massive responsibility each day, yet manage to retain their humour. An engaging human drama, the series will be set against the background of UK military activity and international emergency disasters. 

Siobhan Mulholland said: “BRIZE NORTON will take an all access look at one of the most organisationally complex military bases in the world while giving an insight into the lives of the men and women who run this huge machine. It will make for a fascinating Sky 1 HD series.” 

Neil Davies added: “I’m very excited about this project. During my Army career I was stationed at Brize on many occasions and flew all my missions from the base. I was always impressed by the dynamic can-do attitude and humour of the RAF. The MoD and RAF are inviting Sky’s customers in for a real behind the scenes treat.” 

Brize Norton is the beating heart of the Royal Air Force, bigger than most UK airports. It is the country’s sole military airbridge for vital supplies and personnel to all British Armed Forces around the world. 250,000 passengers flowed through this military Heathrow in 2011, including troops and freight heading out to combat zones; and even hosting high profile visiting heads of state, politicians and celebrities. 

Brize Norton is a small city with its own hotel, fire station, sports clubs, medical centre, postal delivery service and even a nightclub – but run on military lines, populated by a rich choice of characters whose day-to-day schedules provide a rare and fascinating insight into military life. 

Group Captain Dom Stamp, Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton, added: “We are delighted to invite Sky into film the roles and activities of the extraordinary people who provide so much support to operations across the world as well as defence of the UK. RAF Brize Norton is the busiest station, commanding 17% of the RAF and providing the only airbridge to Afghanistan.” 

BRIZE NORTON is part of Sky's commitment to increase its investment in original British content by 50% over the next three years. By 2014, Sky expects to invest £600 million a year in British programmes across its portfolio of channels.  This commitment follows the success of home-grown content such as entertainment hits GOT TO DANCE, AN IDIOT ABROAD and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, dramas such as STRIKE BACK and MAD DOGS, comedies such as TROLLIED, SPY and THIS IS JINSY, and factual shows such as ROSS KEMP EXTREME WORLD and the BAFTA-winning documentary FLYING MONSTERS 3D. 

BRIZE NORTON will be produced by Dai4films for Sky 1 HD. It was commissioned by Siobhan Mulholland for Sky 1 HD and will be Executive Produced by Neil Davies for Dai4films and Siobhan Mulholland for Sky.

BRIZE NORTON will air exclusively on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 in early 2013. Following the addition of Sky 1 HD to Sky Go, customers will also be able to watch BRIZE NORTON on the move on iPad, selected smartphones and laptops at no extra cost.