BBC NI Explores Harsh Reality

Two separate aspects of 'extreme' modern lifestyles are to hit the small screen in NI later this year.

Independent production company Tern Television has landed two new commissions for BBC Northern Ireland.

'The Last Resort' focuses on extreme modern lifestyle addictions, while 'Rape... Crisis' investigates the realities and hardships of Ireland's only rape crisis centre.

'The Last Resort', an eight-part series of half-hour long shows, provides a unique insight into addiction and the trouble endured by those attempting to overcome it. At a retreat in rural Co Down, six individuals confront their demons and battle extreme addictions brought about by their modern lifestyles.

With the help of three world-class experts, the addicts have nine days to transform their lives through a unique three-pronged approach that combines psychoanalysis with alternative therapies, and the opportunity to look ahead to the future with the help of a life coach.

'Rape... Crisis', an hour-long show, examines sexual abuse and rape in Northern Ireland through the eyes of the women who work in the only Rape Crisis Centre in Northern Ireland.

Annually, it counsels over 3,600 survivors and listens to over 40 new calls a week; this film follows the desperate struggle to keep the centre running as the government axes their funding.

Alison Millar, Head of Tern Northern Ireland, said: "Following the success of 'At Home With The Clearys', these new documentaries explore the harsh realities of modern life in Northern Ireland today.

"This is a further testament to the appeal of in-depth quality programming with direct relevance to its audience, an area in which Tern is renowned."

Alisa Orr, Head of Programmes, BBC NI, said: "These two commissions meet BBC Northern Ireland's desire to bring dynamic and distinctive home-grown programmes to local audiences.

"I'm hoping both will strike a powerful chord in their individual ways and I'm looking forward to them hitting our screens in the months ahead."

'The Last Resort' is series produced by Nicki Young, directed by Morag Tinto and executive produced by Colin Cameron for Tern Television. 'Rape... Crisis' is directed by Alison Millar for Tern Television. Both were commissioned by Fergus Keeling at BBC NI and are due to be transmitted in the Autumn 2008.

Further information is available at: www.terntv.com.

(KMcA)(BMcC)