Natalie Lawley, the managing director of Escapade Media, tells TV Real about how the company has seen a rise in content that appeals to family audiences, the type that provides entertainment but is also informative. “The travel and lifestyle genres have also risen in demand, allowing audiences to travel vicariously within the Covid-19 world we are currently living in,” says Lawley. “This genre also inspires future planning, invites viewers to cook new recipes and try other activities within this restricted world.”

DEVO, which formed in Akron back in 1973, is one of 16 nominees up for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.

“We are, and will continue to be, immensely proud to be the home of Devo and will be rallying this great community to help them achieve the recognition they deserve,” Akron, Ohio, Mayor Dan Horrigan said

Australia-based distributor Escapade Media has hired Stephen White, the former VP and MD for Asia Pacific at CBS Paramount International Television. Working as a consultant, White will take over the management of Escapade’s completed content across Australia, New Zealand and Canada from MD Natalie Lawley. In addition, he will oversee the development of the firm’s premium drama series and consult on scripted projects in development across multiple territories. Escapade director Anthony Mrsnik said: “We are so pleased to be working with Stephen to take our premium content to the market and audiences. Stephen’s passion and knowledge will be an excellent addition to the company.” White added: “It is an exciting time for television production across all genres and Escapade’s growing slate is compelling for both local and overseas markets.” Among the dramas in development is Undocumented (10×30’), which follows Bonnie, a law-abiding Australian who finds out she is undocumented while living in New York. She must build a new life from scratch with no bank account or social security number. The script is by Melbourne-born, NY-based Laura Bray. Alex Alexander of Sydney-based prodco 412 Entertainment will produce. The finished slate includes Devolution: A Devo Theory, lifestyle series Back to Nature and surfing doc Big vs Small.   White formed Stadium Consultancy after leaving ViacomCBS last June after 12 years with the studio. As well as overseeing sales across the Asia Pacific, he was involved in the acquisition of Australia’s Network 10 and the launch of digital channel Eleven, a joint venture.

Escapade Media has signed a consultancy cope with Stephen White, previously managing director and senior VP of shopper relations for the Asia Pacific for CBS.

Escapade Media has secured a slew of deals for the new factual film Devolution: A DEVO Theory, from Side B Films and Dead Heart Films.

Devolution: A Devo Theory follows the band since its creation in 1973. Broadcasters in Italy, Australia and New Zealand have acquired a documentary from Aussie prodcos Side B Films and Dead Heart Films inspired by the music of US rock band Devo. Devolution: A Devo Theory has been picked up by Rai TV in Italy, Australian pubcaster ABC TV Plus and New Zealand satcaster Sky Arts Channel. Perth-based Side B and Dead Heart produced the hour-long doc, which traces the formation of the band by five university students from Akron, Ohio in 1973. Distributor Natalie Lawley’s Escapade Media handles worldwide sales of the film, which follows the launch of Beautiful World 2, described as the band’s music video “memorial” to 40 years of human decay. Through their music they expressed concerns that the world was dominated by greed and consumerism and that the planet would ultimately be destroyed by mankind. They are best remembered for 1980 hits such as Whip It and Freedom of Choice.

After years busting myths, Kari Byron is digging into what exactly makes our world tick. The MythBusters alum heads off on an international exploration into the things that bind us together and make us unique in Science Channel’s new show, Crash Test World, premiering with back-to-back episodes on Friday, Jan 8.

Escapade Media, secures US premier on Discovery Science Channel on January 8 at 12 and 12:30 p.m. eastern standard time for its newest 6 X 30’HD family-friendly TV series, Crash Test World, to Discovery for the US and Canada. Crash Test World was produced by Andrew Zimmern’s  Intuitive Content and created, and executive produced by Jenny Buccos, the founder of ProjectExplorer ProjectExplorer, the pioneer of online, global educational video programs.