Woodcut Secures Pre-Sale with HISTOIRE TV (France)
Series Distributed Worldwide by Red Arrow Studios International
For Immediate Release:
London – Thursday 5th March 2020 – Woodcut Media has secured its debut commission with UK broadcaster Channel 5 for a compelling 6-part history documentary series The Secret History of World War II.
With filming already underway, The Secret History of World War II consists of 6 x 1 hour episodes.
The Secret History of World War II unearths some incredible stories, homing in on key events that took place during the devastating and turbulent second World War.
From the secrets behind the famous evacuation of Dunkirk that left 40,000 men behind or Exercise Tiger, the disastrous practice run for D-Day leaving almost 700 US soldiers dead, through to the heroics of US sailors such as Dorie Miller, the first African American to receive the Navy Cross for his bravery during Pearl Harbor, as well as stories about the Germans who were so sick of persecution they assumed fake British identities to fight against their own countrymen during Operation Market Garden, and the highly decorated international pilots who flew for the RAF during The Battle of Britain.
The Secret History of World War II employs insightful and poignant first-hand accounts, recreations and expert interviews to unveil moving stories that were buried by the victors or lost in the fog of war.
Cherry Yeandle, Senior Manager Acquisitions and Co-productions, Channel 5 said, “We know that World War II really resonates with our audience and I am very excited to be bringing some of the untold stories to screen.”
Woodcut Media has already brokered a pre-sale deal with HISTOIRE TV (France).
Kate Beal, CEO, Woodcut Media said: “We are delighted to have secured our first Channel 5 commission. This exceptional series has really dug deep to find a selection of unique untold stories in order to provide viewers with a captivating and somewhat alternative way of documenting some of the unfolding events of World War II.”
Secret History of World War II is distributed internationally by Red Arrow Studios International.
Alex Fraser, EVP Acquisitions and Content Investment, Red Arrow Studios International added, “The Second World War represents an extraordinary period of conflict and it remains a source of never-ending fascination for viewers around the world. But just when you thought every tale had been told, Woodcut Media has uncovered a host of fascinating stories that until now have been hidden in the shadows. We are delighted to be launching this powerful new series at MIPTV.”
The Secret History of World War II is executive produced by Kate Beal and Adam Jacobs (Woodcut Media). Nick Mavroidakis (Woodcut Media) serves as Series Producer.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Channel 5:
Channel 5 is a public service broadcaster and the UK’s third largest commercial TV station. Launched in March 1997, Channel 5 has been owned by ViacomCBS Networks International since September 2014. Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select and My5 TV reach 3 in 4 of the UK viewing public each month with a diverse schedule including issue-led documentaries, popular factual, accessible history, stunning natural history, inclusive entertainment and reality, top level sport, high quality scripted programming and critically acclaimed children’s, news and current affairs programming. Through its agenda-driving commissions, Channel 5 has led on societal issues from inequality to inner city gang life, homelessness to mental health, aiming to tell the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the nation. My5 is an on-demand service allowing viewers to watch content online for free from Channel 5, 5STAR, 5USA, 5Select, as well as selected third-party channels. In 2018, Channel 5 won its first BAFTA for Cruising with Jane McDonald and was named ‘Channel of the Year’ at the Edinburgh TV Festival. In 2019, Channel 5 won best documentary award for The Abused at the Edinburgh TV Awards and the Association of International Broadcasters Awards. In 2020 Channel 5 was named Broadcast Magazine’s Channel of the Year.
About Woodcut Media:
With offices in London and Hampshire, Woodcut Media, a member of the Anthology Group of businesses, is one of the fastest growing Indies in the UK, producing a broad range of factual programming. A leading true crime producer in the UK (The Killer in My Family, How I Caught the Killer, Jo Frost on Killer Kids, World’s Most Evil Killers, The Krays: The Prison Years), Woodcut’s growing catalogue also includes specialist factual series (Royals on the Frontline, Wings of War, the hit ‘Combat’ franchise, Combat Ships, Combat Trains, Combat Machines, Combat Machines, Football: A Brief History by Alfie Allen), premium one-off and talent led docs (Fiennes: Return to the Nile featuring Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Joseph Fiennes, Cut From A Different Cloth and Mandela, My Dad and Me featuring Idris Elba and The Ivy) factual entertainment shows (World’s Greatest Palaces, How Hacks Work, Around the World in 80 Tricks, Paranormal Captured, World’s Scariest Hauntings). Woodcut has secured a broad range of commissions from multiple broadcasters worldwide including National Geographic, Smithsonian Channel, Discovery, CI, etc www.woodcutmedia.com
About the Anthology Group:
The Anthology Group is made up of Anthology Studios and Anthology Theatre. Anthology Studios is currently six television and film production companies and a licensing company, all operating across the UK and internationally. Anthology Theatre is made up of a media investment fund advised by FCA regulated Anthology Advisory Partners and a theatre production company. The group combines creativity and financial expertise to develop and produce scripted and unscripted, television, film, digital and theatre content. The group was founded by Bob Benton. Hilary Strong is Group Chief Executive Officer. Carolyn Bennett is Chair of the group parent Anthology Media. http://theanthologygroup.co.uk/
About Red Arrow Studios International:
Red Arrow Studios International is a world-leading TV distributor of scripted, formats and factual shows from a global network of in-house production companies, outstanding third-party producers and digital-content partners. Led by Bo Stehmeier, with offices in Munich, London and Los Angeles, Red Arrow Studios International co-produces and finances global entertainment, and distributes acclaimed content to over 200 territories worldwide. Red Arrow Studios International is part of Red Arrow Studios, which is comprised of 20 production companies in seven territories; digital studio, Studio71; and film distributor Gravitas Ventures. Red Arrow Studios is a ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE company, one of Europe’s leading media groups. For more information, please visit: redarrowstudios.com/international
