SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Airing for the first time on U.S. television, the dramatic UK thriller, BURN UP will premiere on Planet Green on Sunday, December 6 at 9PM ET. The two-part mini series special is a high-stakes conspiracy thriller in which two friends - power players in the international oil industry - face a series of violent events and shocking revelations that could tear apart their friendship, their business, even civilization as we know it. Airing to success in 2008 on BBC2, this Rose d'Or winner has drawn accolades for Oscar® winning writer Simon Beaufoy's (Slumdog Millionaire, The Full Monty) contemporary approach to a real world issue.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091110/PH08608 )

"It's rare to have the pleasure to present a mini series special that tackles the tough subject of one of the biggest issues of our time- the international oil crisis - with such dramatic velocity," said Laura Michalchyshyn, President and General Manager, Planet Green. "The story is compelling and the acting superb, one comes away from the special with the sense that in this case fiction portrays the truth in a most powerful and provocative manner."

Featuring Bradley Whitford, Neve Campbell and Rupert Penry-Jones the mini-series represents the premiere of a rare dramatic special that focuses on issues related to the network's core brand. Part one will encore on Monday, December 7 at 7PM ET on Planet Green leading into the premiere of part two on Monday, December 7 at 9PM ET.

Rupert Penry-Jones plays Tom O'Connell, an up-and-coming oilman whose best friend Mack (played by Whitford) calls the shots as Washington's top oil lobbyist. When environmental activist Holly, portrayed by Campbell, infiltrates Tom's company, she opens Tom's eyes to a world where the end may be near, and both sides - those fighting climate change and those determined to get rich off the status quo - are willing to kill and be killed. Tom, Mack, and Holly must all decide where their loyalties lie, and how far they are willing to go in order to win.

BURN UP takes viewers from the oil fields of Saudi Arabia, to the oil mansions of London; from Arctic villages where thawing gases burst into flame, to the United Nation convention where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. BURN UP delivers an eviscerating tale of the last great game, where the earth is at stake, and time is running out. Will Tom - will we - make the right decision?

BURN UP is produced by acclaimed UK producers Kudos Film and Television (Life on Mars, Hustle, Spooks) with Executive Producers Stephen Garrett and Christopher Hall, Director Omar Madha and written by Academy Award® winning writer Simon Beaufoy.

About Planet Green:

Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination that launched on June 4, 2008. Planet Green is the center for a new conversation, speaking to people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle.

Planet Green and its two robust websites planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, original, insightful, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green's unique programming, digital tools, and content will enlighten, empower and most certainly, entertain.

Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.

SOURCE Planet Green