1st October, 2015 – Woodcut Media today announces a new commission from A+E Networks UK for a new documentary series Combat Trains.
Due to broadcast later this year on A+E Networks UK’s channel H2, the 8×60 series tells the extraordinary stories of the crucial role played by trains during the major conflicts of the past 150 years; from WW1 and WW2, to the American Civil War and Vietnam.
Each episode focuses on a different train or train-line that played a significant role in combat. Stories include those of the ambulance trains of WW1, which carried 461,844 patients to Southampton and Dover; the Great Locomotive Chase of the American Civil War; the 258 mile Burma Railway, also known as ‘Death Railway’; and the Holocaust trains used by the Nazis to transport Jews to the concentration camps.
Through expert interviews, authentic and dramatic reconstruction, engineering graphics and archive footage, the series will reveal the stories of the trains and their fascinating engineering detail, as well as the human stories of those who were transported on the trains.
Woodcut Media’s Chief Executive Officer, Kate Beal, who is executive producer for the series, says: “We are delighted to bring another original series to A+E Networks UK. Stories have been told of Burma, WW1 and the Holocaust, but no other series has told the stories of the trains that played such a crucial role in these major historic milestones. These stories are dramatic, exciting and filled with incredible detail, and we can’t wait to take viewers on a journey like no other through history.”
Combat Trains was commissioned by Rachel Job Director of Programming for HISTORY and H2 at A+E Networks UK. The series will be distributed internationally by TCB Media.
Rachel Job says: “H2 viewers are fascinated by railways, feats of engineering and theatres of war. Combat Trains is the first series to combine all three to explore the important role of the train in wartime. This compelling and original show will be a great addition to the H2 schedule.”
Paul Heaney, Founder and Managing Director of TCB Media Rights, says, “Woodcut are one of those ‘can do’ indies, and are hugely dynamic and fun to work with. Combat Trains has arrived at the right time, as trains have a great ‘track’ record in the ratings.”
The documentary has successfully been pre-sold to Foxtel Australia, RMC Decouverte and Discovery Nordic, and will form part of TCB’s catalogue at MIPCOM 2015.
ENDS
About Woodcut Media
With offices in London and Hampshire, Woodcut Media, a member of the family of Bob & Co businesses, specialises in the production of documentaries, producing specialist factual, factual entertainment and lifestyle programming and providing innovative and entertaining programmes for UK and international broadcasters. Woodcut Media’s operations are spearheaded by leading doc producer Kate Beal, who over the years has established strong relations with key broadcasters such as A+E Networks, Discovery Networks, ITV, and UK TV, as well as partnerships with leading distributors such as DRG, Content Media, Sky Vision, TCB Media Rights and Flame Distribution.
Media Contact:
Tel: +44 203 011 1023
