A new 3 x 60' series for Channel 5
Channel 5 has commissioned a brand new 3 x 60’ documentary series Into The Congo with Ben Fogle (w/t), which follows the intrepid explorer as he faces his most thrilling adventure yet. The series was ordered by Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor, Channel 5 & Paramount + and will be produced by Mentorn Media.
The Congo is the beating heart of Africa - and one of the most treacherous and magnificent places on this planet. Home to the second biggest rainforest after the Amazon, and 10,000 species of animals and birds, but beneath the diverse and wonderous natural beauty, lies an undercurrent of intense darkness and danger. The Congo Basin has become one of the most alluring destinations in the world for fearless explorers.
In this epic three-part series for Channel 5, renowned adventurer Ben Fogle embarks on his most extreme journey to date - exploring the length and breadth of the Republic of the Congo to better understand the wildlife, the people, and the land that are still steeped in great myth and misconception. Ben will fully immerse in jungle life - he will encounter incredible, yet elusive animals, while living, and sleeping, with ancient tribespeople, as well as taking on challenging journeys through the jungle terrain.
Ben Fogle commented: “The Congo was one of the most memorable expeditions I have ever been on. It surprised me, it moved me, and it inspired me. I have wanted to explore the Congo since I was a child, when I first read about the mighty Congo river, so the trip was a lifelong ambition that was more than I could have imagined.”
Federico Ruiz, Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 & Paramount+ added: “It was tough finding somewhere new and exciting for Ben to visit with an adventurer CV like his. In the Congo you’ve got danger and natural wonder in equal measure and the result is extraordinary. He gives Indiana Jones a run for his money.”
Chris Brogden & Tayte Simpson, Executive Producers at Mentorn Media said: “Producing this series was an extraordinary experience, showing the breadth of the Congo’s culture and natural beauty. Ben spent time with one the world’s most extreme tribes, one that has never let cameras in before. The filming proved to be profound and magical.”
Into The Congo with Ben Fogle (w/t) was commissioned by Federico Ruiz for Channel 5 and produced by Mentorn Media. The Executive Producers for the series are Chris Brogden and Tayte Simpson for Mentorn, with Freddie Martin as the series director and Rebecca Henderson and Ruairi Dunne producing. The series was filmed this summer and expected to air in the coming months on Channel 5.