DISHING
DIPLOMACY
AN INTERNATIONAL CULINARY ADVENTURE IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL
CREATED BY
DISHING DIPLOMACY
A NEW PBS TRAVEL + CULINARY SERIES
+ TRAVEL WEBSITE/APP
The Washington DC area’s top chefs and culinary figures take viewers on a world tour to explore the culture, food, music, history, and personalities of the numerous nations whose presence in Washington DC is uniquely defined by cultural diplomacy.
Part travel, part culinary adventure, we dive into the cultural treasures that are unique to the nation’s Capital. Each half hour is dedicated to exploring the world’s food and culture from right here in Washington DC.
COMING TO PBS STATIONS NATIONWIDE
AN INTERNATIONAL CULINARY ADVENTURE
In lively, enlightening interactions we meet the personalities and delve into the culture that defines each of the 186 Embassies represented in Washington DC.
From the Embassy to the local culinary and arts scene, we meet a cast of characters who are defining each nation’s history, mission and presence around the nation’s Capital.
Our chefs bring their own stories of food and culture to the screen, recounting their own upbringing and food discoveries. It is an opportunity to get an in-depth look at the region’s many cultural influences through the lens of food and diplomacy.
EMBASSY EXCLUSIVE
Each episode offers a rare visit to an embassy where we experience their cuisine, raise a toast with the Ambassador and get a look into the unique cultural treasures of each country.
It is exclusive access that sheds light on the rich culture of each nation. We toast with their national drink, jump into their kitchens, get a tour of their art and culture, hear their music and get a special taste of each nation.
From the embassy we spill out into the communities that have established themselves in the region, immersing viewers in the food, hospitality, arts, culture, history and stories of a country’s settlement here.
There is a sense of discovery in being an insider with exclusive access.
Each episode will highlight the stories of one nation or region. It is lively, informative and a feast for the eyes.
UNIQUELY DC
We meet fascinating expatriates and explore the hidden restaurants diplomats and the local community call their own. We dance and eat at the local watering holes, attend vibrant festivals, share a holiday meal, and even step into the kitchen of Michelin starred chefs — each episode is a unique display of sharing and culture that is uniquely DC.
MEET OUR HOSTS
Each episode will be hosted by a local restauranteur or chef, eager to share their culture and food influences with the audience. They offer deep insight and a fresh sense of the convergence of food and cultures that is ever present in the DC Region. Their knowledgeable and curious conversations transport viewers and offer a new way of looking at the world’s cultures, emphasizing the unique characteristics that bring us together.
Each chef interjects their own family story and shares their love of their home country. At their restaurants, we see how they are interpreting their culture on the plate and learn how their pride and culinary direction has been shaped by their home country.
We meet the communities that are supporting their cuisine and experience the food, culture, music, art and personalities of each nation’s representation in the region.
A GLOBAL PLATFORM
DISHING DIPLOMACY is part lifestyle, part culinary, a dash of history, a mingling of the arts and culture - all brought together through our subjects telling their authentic and compelling stories.
The series primary distribution will be nationwide release on PBS, with international streaming platforms release to follow.
A dedicated and robust website, social media and app will provide curious viewers and travelers with content aimed at encouraging tourism and diplomacy.
Online guides will offer travel tips and itineraries. Information on restaurants and communities will offer visitors current information on activities in the DC region. Working in cooperation with the Embassy’s the platform will provide a long lasting and interactive travel/restaurant site that will further encourage diplomacy.
NATIONAL + INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Primary distribution of the series will be a PBS national release. The series will be marketed to a vast national audience and is expected to air in more than 95% of US markets.
PBS release will be followed by International and streaming networks. WHTV has well established ties with Amazon, Hulu, DirecTV, Roku, and others. WHTV’s culinary series have been distributed to more than 50-nations via international distribution.
TRAVEL GUIDES AND RESOURCES
A robust website and app will accompany release of the series. Offering travel itinerary’s and tips, recipes, cultural information, lodging, embassy guides and other relevant information, the Travel Guides will offer each nation the opportunity to influence viewers and encourage viewers to travel to their home nation.
Working with Embassies and tourism organizations, the Travel Guides will offer a unique opportunity to connect with viewers in a means that elicits further understanding of each host nation, while conveying a sense of of cultural diplomacy that encourages travel and tourism.
TAKE A GLIPSE…
LEADERS IN CULINARY PRODUCTION
WARNER HANSON TELEVISION - CULINARY EXPERTISE
Warner Hanson Television (WHTV) has filmed with many of the top culinary personalities, chefs, restauranteurs and food figures of our time. Their work has been ground-breaking in the genre and has earned them the respect (worldwide) of key culinary luminaries.
WHTV’s original films and series have earned them 4 coveted James Beard Awards, 5 TASTE Awards, multiple Emmys and national recognition as a leader in production of food, cooking and culinary films. Producer Heidi Hanson was named a FOOD & WINE Tastemaker in recent years. WHTV’s culinary work has been praised by the likes of Julia Child and Michael Pollan. Their work has been featured on CNN, in The Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, DC Luxury, New York Times, Seattle Times, Food & Wine, Saveur, and others.
WHTV’s original PBS series Chefs A’ Field was ground breaking in its approach in taking the world’s best chefs out of the kitchen and onto the land & sea to meet the farmers they relied on. It was the first cooking series produced in HDTV (and later in 4K) and the first of the genre to upend the formula of what a cooking series looked like. The 60-part series aired nationally and reached hundreds of millions of viewers with top ratings. Additionally, the series has aired in more than 70-international markets and continues to be broadcast across the world.
Chefs A’ Field featured such luminaries as Jacques Pepin, Tom Colicchio. Patrick O’Connell, Michel Nishan, Dan Barber Jon Besh, Traci Des Jardins, Robert Wiedmaier, Tom Douglas, Suzanne Goin, Todd Gray, Charles Phan, Peter Hoffman, Sam Hayward, Michael Mina, Rick Moonen, Odessa Piper, Nora Pouillon, David Guas, Cathal Armstrong, Richard Sandoval, Craig Stoll, Frank Stitt, Jeremiah Langhorne and others.
WHTV filmed the Bocuse D’Or Team USA for special mini-series that aired on A&E Networks. Our Cameras followed along as Team USA trained under the guidance of Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, Gavin Kaysen, Timothy Hollingsworth and Jerome Bocuse. The filming included an extended period at the Cafe Bouley Test Kitchen, The French Laundry and Restaurant Paul Bocuse. The special followed esteemed chef James Kent as he trained and ultimately represented Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or contest in Lyon, France. The special earned critical acclaim and awards bringing international attention to Team USA.
Working with EVENTS DC, WHTV has created a series of award-winning culinary films that include Back At The Table and Dishing It!. These original series were designed to promote the DC restaurant and event scene to a broad international audience. Additionally, our event coverage for EVENTS DC includes the Embassy Chef Challenge (multiple years), Clipper Round The World, and other major events.
WHY PUBLIC TELEVISION?
Public Television (PBS) is the most trusted media institution in the nation, delivering a uniquely loyal and active audience that is extremely supportive of program sponsors. PBS delivers a valuable audience with 63% of viewers stating that PBS sponsors have a greater commitment to quality and excellence. PBS viewers have higher education and income. Sixty-seven percent of Americans tune in to PBS regularly, with more than 65 million viewers per month.
Note: National streaming distribution will follow public television release.
BECOME A SPONSOR:
PBS, comprised of free and independent noncommercial broadcasters, is committed to providing programming that is produced in accordance with the very highest ethical, journalistic and professional standards. To make this programming possible, public television is supported by corporate sponsorship, non-profit donations and individuals who receive on-air credit for their support.
Sponsor benefits include:
— Prominent On-Air Credit
— Prominent Credit on the Series Website
— Content Integration
— Exclusive Content for your Marketing uses
— Social Media Content + Recognition
— Special Events + Screenings
ON AIR SPONSOR SPOTS:
All sponsors receive prominent on-air credit in each episode of the series broadcast. Sponsors receive two on-air messages in each episode that may include video sponsor spots, graphic or image and includes voiceover stating that “Major funding for the series is provided by…”.
Sponsor messages appear in the opening and closing underwriter pods embedded in the series in perpetuity in all public television broadcasts. Sponsors are prominently recognized twice in every episode of the series. A maximum of two minutes is allotted for each sponsor pod, creating an uncluttered environment. Category exclusivity may by possible for major sponsors.
DIGITAL PROMOTION + ACCESS:
All sponsors will receive digital promotion and access to assets related to the series.
Sponsors will be prominently recognized and integrated on the series website as well as on public television affiliated sites. Sponsors will also be promoted through social media posts related to the programs and will be recognized at events and screenings of the program.
Sponsors will also receive exclusive access to the series assets, including outtakes, content appropriate for social media integration and sponsor marketing and promotional needs.
Note: Non-profit status may apply to sponsor donations.
SPONSORSHIP TIERS
6 EPISODE SERIES
MAJOR SPONSOR:
Two :30-Second On-Air Sponsor Video Messages in Each Episode ~ from $125K
GOLD SPONSOR:
Two :15-Second On-Air Sponsor Video Messages in Each Episode ~ from $100K
SILVER SPONSOR:
Two :10-Second On-Air Sponsor Video Messages in Each Episode ~ from $80K
BRONZE SPONSOR:
Two :05-Second On-Air Sponsor Video Messages in Each Episode ~ from $65k
SUPPORTER:
Two Text/Logo On-Air Sponsor Messages in Each Episode ~ from $50k
SPONSOR PACKAGES WILL BE CREATED TO MEET PARTNER NEEDS & BUDGET.
FOR SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION, CONTACT:
HEIDI HANSON - Executive Producer
