Mediacorp and PTS to jointly commission new railway-themed infotainment series Rail Life Story
Rail Life Story will take viewers on eight train journeys across various parts of the world, with each episode featuring a different celebrity guest who will traverse a railway from start to finish, stopping at train stations of special interest to explore people and places with extraordinary stories.
Singapore, 8 December 2023 – Singapore’s largest content creator Mediacorp and Taiwanese public broadcaster Public Television Service (PTS) have co-commissioned an engaging eight-episode infotainment series titled Rail Life Story (列车人生). Announced today at a contract signing ceremony held at the Asia TV Forum & Market 2023, this co-commissioning initiative between the two media companies underscores their joint commitment to collaborating with like-minded partners to produce fresh, original content that resonates with diverse audiences.
Set to be produced by Singapore-based production house, August Pictures, Rail Life Story will take viewers on eight train journeys across various parts of the world, with each episode featuring a different celebrity guest who will traverse a railway from start to finish, stopping at train stations of special interest to explore people and places with extraordinary stories.
The series will take viewers through the Death Railway from Thailand to Burma and the Trans-Siberian Railway, both of which carried the ambitions of two empires, as well as the magnificent salt fields of Bolivia to understand how precious minerals lying underneath have been key to the country’s revitalisation. In addition, viewers will also be invited to join the Aurora Borealis Express, which takes travellers in search of happiness to Santa Claus’ hometown in Finland for a unique holiday experience bathed in the mesmerising glow of Nature’s Christmas lights.
Angeline Poh, Chief Customer and Corporate Development Officer, Mediacorp, said, “This collaboration marks the start of an exciting journey between Mediacorp and PTS, two partners dedicated to telling engaging stories. Mediacorp’s commitment to quality content and strategic partnerships finds expression in this co-commissioned series. With Rail Life Story, we look forward to bringing audiences on an enthralling exploration of diverse cultures, landscapes, and the human spirit through the lens of iconic railway journeys.”
Pei-Hua Yu, Director of Program Department, PTS, said, “Taiwan Public Television Service, Mediacorp, and our production crews hustled for a year to get this international project ready. Now, we're finally hitting the road. We're all about making top-notch shows that vibe with the global audience, and this joint project got us pumped up. In every meeting, it feels like our team's cameras are itching to catch the most awesome moments and stories. It's our first time rolling through countries on trains, exploring cultures and real-life situations. Eight countries, eight railways, and eight hosts ditching the celebrity glam for a script-free, wild adventure. Let the journey begin!”
Filming for Rail Life Story will commence in 2024, with the series tentatively set for release in Singapore and Taiwan in February 2025.
