FACT SHEET
TITLE:
THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV
LENGTH:
13/30
NOLA CODE:
CELP
CATEGORY:
Documentary
OFFERED:
September 2002 Teleconference
EXPECTED RELEASE:
February 2, 2003
CONTRACT TERMS:
Unlimited releases to be completed by
February 1, 2006.
PROGRAM SUPPLIER:
Powersports Millennium International via APT
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE unveils the
mystique behind China — the people, art,
culture and heritage of this 5,000-year-old
country. In a fascinating exploration of what has
made China the world’s only surviving empire,
the series brings both the past and contemporary
times into focus over the course of 13 thematic
episodes — each half-hour targeting a unique
facet of Chinese life. Through extensive
research and extraordinary imagery, the series
presents a revealing portrait of this intriguing
nation.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS:
Use above for listing. A press release, episode
listing and color slide are included.
SUGGESTED RATING:
TV-G
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THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV/2
FACT SHEET
PRODUCTION DATE:
© 2002 Powersports Millennium International
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Executive producer: William McAbian.
Producers: Jim Watt, Ed Foster and Ted
Williams.
Associate
producers:
Micky
McAbian, Tal McAbian and Adi McAbian.
Original music: Matt Lands.
UNDERWRITER:
TBD
BROADCAST HISTORY:
U.S. television premiere
RELATED MERCHANDISE:
This program is NOT available on home video.
Pledge: If you are interested in pledging this
program and need further assistance, please
contact APT Station Services at 617-338-4455,
ext. 127.
VIEWER INQUIRIES:
Powersports Millennium International
18226 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 102
Tarzana, CA 91356
COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
Dawn Anderson
(617) 338-4455, ext. 149
dawn_anderson@aptonline.org
11/25/02
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Anderson
(617) 338-4455, ext. 149
dawn_anderson@aptonline.org
THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV
With more than 20% of the world's population — nearly 1.3 billion people — living in
China today, understanding China’s unique history and place in the world has never been
more vital. How has the Chinese culture survived and flourished while maintaining its
identity? THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV, airing on public television stations
nationwide starting February 2, 2003 (check local listings), unveils the mystique behind
this intriguing nation — its people, art, culture and heritage.
Understanding this ancient country’s unique history and present day leadership is of
paramount importance not only due to the country’s huge population, but also because of
its tremendous growth and increasing role in global commerce and politics. This series
reveals the strategic ways in which China has negotiated the cultural, societal and
political changes that have caused the downfall of other nations.
Through extensive research and extraordinary imagery, THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE
brings both the past and contemporary times into focus over the course of 13 thematic
episodes — each half-hour targeting a unique facet of Chinese life. The new season
continues its exploration of this fascinating country, closely examining both traditional
and contemporary Chinese culture from large metropolitan areas to remote mountain
villages.
The series explores the rituals and time-honored traditions of Chinese culture including
its exotic cuisine, fine art, music, literature and performing arts.
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THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV /2
PRESS RELEASE
This season examines the principles of the Chinese spirit, the practices of everyday life in
remote regions of southwest China, the success of cross-cultural marriages, the influence
of the World Trade Organization on the country’s economy, the lifestyles of Chinese
models, modern nightlife in Shanghai and the preparations for the upcoming 2008
Olympic Games in a new Beijing.
Executive producer: William McAbian. Produced by Jim Watt, Ed Foster and Ted
Williams. Associate producers are Micky McAbian, Tal McAbian and Adi McAbian.
Original music by Matt Lands. Produced in 2002, THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV is
supplied by Powersports Millennium International and presented by American Public
Television through the Exchange service at no cost to public television stations
nationwide.
Founded in 1983, Powersports Millennium International was established as a video
distributor in three key markets; the United States, Canada and Japan, for the
predominantly niche video markets of motorsports videos. Over the past few years,
Powersports Millennium International has grown to become a prominent player in
international distribution — the client base consists of 7,000 clients and spans 140
territories, offering the flexibility of an independent producer and distributor, while
keeping the standards and servicing of a major.
For 40 years, American Public Television (APT), located in Boston has been a major
source of programming for the nation’s public television stations. APT has more than
10,000 hours of available programming including Discovering the Real World of Harry
Potter, Globe Trekker, Muhammad Ali: Through the Eyes of the World, Nightly
Business Report, Rick Steves' Europe, Julia and Jacques Cooking at Home,
Ballykissangel, Brian Jacques’ Redwall and The Three Tenors Christmas. APT is
known for identifying innovative programs and developing creative distribution
techniques for producers. In four decades, it has established a tradition of providing
public television stations nationwide with program choices that enable them to strengthen
and customize their schedules. Press should contact Donna Hardwick at 617-338-4455
ext. 129 or via email to donna_hardwick@aptonline.org. For more information about
APT's programs and services, log on to www.aptonline.org.
EPISODE LISTINGS
THE CELESTIAL EMPIRE IV
#401 Xi’An — Ancient Gateway to the West
As a former capital of China, Xi’an played an important role in what has become
one of the most powerful nations in the world. The starting place of the ancient
Silk Road, Xi’an boasts more archeological finds than any other place in the
world.
#402 The Summer Palace
Situated on the outskirts of Beijing, the Summer Palace is one of the city’s most
popular sightseeing attractions. Originally built by Emperor Qin as a summer
retreat, this historical garden is a living reminder of centuries passed.
#403 Hong Kong’s Islands of Paradise
A fusion between East and West, Hong Kong is Asia’s largest business hub.
Known as the “City of Life,” Hong Kong offers countless historical and modern
attractions, great food and spectacular scenery. Within its boundaries are more
than 200 outlying islands, each with its own unique personality and past.
#404 Life Beyond the Clouds
Deep within the mountains of southwest China, residents live each day with hard
work and ancient rituals. The Hani culture that has survived there for over a
millennium sculpted the mountains into food-bearing rice ponds, creating
breathtaking terraced fields unlike any other place in the world.
#405 The Traveling Cinema
Throughout the vast regions of China, many communities are remote villages
accessible only by dirt paths and rocky trails. There is one man and his small
crew who travel the harsh countryside carrying an entire cinema on their backs,
to bring a touch of modern Chinese films to the most unlikely places.
#406 New Beijing-Great Olympics
Unsuccessful in their first Olympic bid in 1995, China continued to build a new
Beijing. The spirit throughout this ancient civilization now readies itself as host
of the 2008 Olympic Games.
#407 World Trade Organization
As the doors to world trade and investment open wider, China has taken Asia’s
lead in finance and trade to become one of the world’s largest importers and
exporters of goods and services. China also has established a market structure that
embraces the World Trade Organization.
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#408 Weaving Hope
In a world that sometimes overlooks the talents of the disabled, one art teacher in
southwest China undertakes the largest challenge of all: creating hope in his
handicapped students. After months of labor-intensive weaving, his students
created a spectacular woven mural they call, “The Root of China.” These 28
deaf-mute weavers get a taste of fame as their creation is exhibited in China’s
National Museum of Fine Arts.
#409 Love Travels
All around the globe, marriage is the ultimate symbol of love. As the world grows
smaller, China has embraced the changing times, while maintaining its traditions.
Cross-cultural marriage in China is seen through the eyes of three happily married
couples.
#410 China and the World of Fashion
Draped in Pierre Cardin, Calvin Klein and other famous designer clothing,
stunning Chinese models give new meaning to the Old Silk Road.
#411 Villages of Long Life
Possessing a remarkable lifespan — sharing in a lifetime of hard labor, strong
family ties and a climate that generates the vitality of these lush green mountains
— it is no wonder that the people inhabiting this remote region of China have
become known as “The Long Life People.”
#412 Shanghai After Dark
From jazz clubs to dance halls and from hard rock to karaoke, Shanghai
supports a kaleidoscope of intercommunication and harmony between cultures.
Once called “The Oriental Paris,” the nightlife of Shanghai is a thoroughly
modern city
#413 Behind the Camera
This episode offers an up-close look into the making of the Celestial Empire
series. East meets west as an American production crew merges with its Chinese
counterparts, traveling throughout China and combining their talents for each
documentary.
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11/25/02