The 13 segment series studies festivals and cultures around the world, focusing on what makes each festival unique, as well as the regions where they take place. Pingry and Bujman will provide an in-depth look at U.S. Virgin Islands culture, taking viewers behind the scenes through interviews and up-close experiences.

The producers and their crew will explore all three islands � St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas � during their 11-day visit. In addition to filming on all three islands, Pingry and Bujman will interview several key island personalities, including Bill Cissell of the National Park Service, chefs Roselyn & Willow Titley, the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, St. John�s Maho Bay founder Stanley Selengut and Stanley Leonard of �Stanley�s Candyland.� The producers also will film many of the 2004 Virgin Islands Carnival events, including the Quelbe and Teen Tramp and the Calypso Competition. While on St. Croix, the pair will experience the warm waters of the Caribbean with a kayaking excursion hosted by Virgin Kayaks and a combination fishing-snorkeling outing with Milemark Sports.

The variety of activities scheduled during their visit will provide Pingry and Bujman a glimpse into the culture, beauty, business and people of the United States Virgin Islands. Their goal is to capture the feeling of individual events and the surrounding culture, presenting it in a manner that can be enjoyed worldwide. Once filming is complete, the program will be released for broadcast to ensure the timeliness of the events covered. The production team will create thirteen 60-minute HDTV programs also available through Discovery HD Theater, NTSC and PAL worldwide, as well as broadband web casts.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, call 800-372-USVI (8784), visit www.usvitourism.vi or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. or Toronto.

United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization

Media Contact:
Martin Public Relations
Luana Wheatley, Sr. Account Supervisor
(804) 698-8813 or
Kelly Clarke, Account Executive II
Phone: (804) 698-8826