NGCI Takes On France Télévisions War Series

January 6, 2009 World Screen

 

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 6: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has acquired the global rights, excluding France and the U.S., for the six-part documentary series Apocalypse: The Second World War from France Télévisions Distribution.

Apocalypse: The Second World War chronicles the destinies of soldiers, civilians and military and political leaders involved in a war that took the lives of more than 50 million people. The series uses archive footage, half of which is previously unreleased, to share these stories. Included are a number of unedited home movies made by soldiers at war.

"France Tévisions Distribution has a very strong lineup for 2009, and this agreement confirms that the major programs from France Télévisions are now definitely produced with an international perspective," said Nathalie Bobineau, the senior VP of international distribution for France Télevisions.

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"This deal confirms our strategy of supporting from scratch independent producers, in order to deliver pre-sales and co-productions with major international partners," added Eric Verniér, the company’s VP of international sales.

"We are very proud that National Geographic Channels International is involved in Apocalypse, because the production is carried out with an unprecedented editorial and technical ambition," said the series’ producer, Louis Vaudeville.

Carlyn Staudt, the VP of acquisitions for NGCI, added: "Apocalypse: The Second World War movingly captures one of the most violent and chaotic time periods in history. The amount of previously unseen archive footage and the quality of the color HD images sets this series apart from other WWII anniversary programs. NGCI is thrilled to partner with France Télévisions Distribution to bring this thought-provoking series to a global audience."

—By Kristin Brzoznowski