BossaNova Media Unveils Secrets of Flying Scotsman

BossaNova Media is working with Argonon-owned BriteSpark Films on Secrets of Flying Scotsman, which has been prebought by Channel 4 and SBS Australia.

The two-part doc follows the funding model BossaNova and BriteSpark used on Tsunami: The Day The Wave Hit, first presold to Channel 4 and SBS before landing placements with TVNZ, Viasat, SVT Sweden and Radio-Canada.

Secrets of Flying Scotsman tells the story of the world’s most famous steam locomotive, designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, which was in operation between Leeds and London from 1934 to 1963 before being retired and renovated by businessman Alan Pegler, who took it to North America. Abandoned in San Francisco, the Scotsman was restored by Sir William McAlpine and is today owned by the National Railway Museum. It is the second in BossaNova’s Secrets of… strand, following Secrets of the Lost Liners (12 x 60 mins).

Holly Cowdery, Bossanova’s head of sales, said: “Secrets of Flying Scotsman is not just for trainspotters; it’s for anybody who loves a cracking good story. Packed with steam, speed and glamour, BriteSpark’s brilliant documentary charts the rise and fall and rise again of a British icon that has enthralled the world for more than 100 years. For BossaNova, it’s a thrill to be steering the Scotsman on what we’re sure will be another record-breaking journey onto global screens—and a privilege to be partnering once again with Channel 4 and SBS on a world-class project.”

Nick Godwin, executive producer at BriteSpark Films, added, “The Flying Scotsman is the world’s most famous locomotive and its journey over the last 100 years has been one of high drama, both on and off the rails. Through exclusive expert testimony, never-before-seen footage and access to the Flying Scotsman today, this two-part series pays tribute to a true legend of the tracks, charting the compelling story of a British icon.”