A+E Networks EMEA Commissions Dictators’ Hideouts

Warsaw-based Inbornmedia has been commissioned by A+E Networks EMEA to produce the six-part series Dictators’ Hideouts.

With rare archival footage, expert analysis and firsthand accounts, it will offer unprecedented insight into the luxurious mansions and ominous shelters used by some of the world’s most notorious dictators to evade capture. It will cover Enver Hoxha, Viktor Yanukovych, Nicolae Ceausescu, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and Joseph Stalin.

Dictators’ Hideouts will debut on Sky HISTORY in the U.K.; the HISTORY Channel in Poland, Romania and other CEE countries; and NTV. It will be available for international distribution in 2024.

Dan Korn, VP of programming at A+E Networks EMEA, said: “With Europe once again plunged into conflict, it’s fascinating to look back at what these edifices and fortresses tell us about the mindsets and paranoia of European rulers and tyrants of yesteryear.”

Christian Hensgens, channel manager of NTV at RTL Germany, commented: “We look for historical content that seems timely in its premise and contemporary in its production, enabling new ways of looking at things. Dictators’ Hideouts presents viewers with a dark and yet fascinating world that’s often shrouded in mystery, alongside notorious historical figures. By giving unprecedented access through CGI, this series will deliver perfectly to our demands. We are looking forward to bringing this exceptional series to our viewers and building upon NTV’s strong vertical in history and current affairs programming.”

Maciej Pawelczyk, CEO of Inbornmedia, added: “As a company headquartered in CEE, we are uniquely positioned to delve into subjects concerning World War II and the Cold War. Attracting major networks to a project of this kind isn’t easy; however, we have succeeded thanks to our partners in A+E Networks EMEA, NTV and Instrumental. We think the show is well timed given a resurgence of autocratic leadership around the world, and we hope our viewers will enjoy learning about this very relevant history.’’

Sam Thompson of Instrumental Media spearheaded the distribution efforts for Dictators’ Hideouts. He said: “The team at Inborn have a unique eye for history content and a new voice in storytelling. I think Dictators’ Hideouts is very relevant, and the show promises to give viewers a look behind the curtain and reveal secrets and mysteries too.”