Channel 5 Orders Two History Titles from Blakeway

Blakeway Productions, part of Zinc Media Group, has been commissioned by Channel 5 for a pair of history programs—1939: Hollywood’s Golden Year and a new season of Tony Robinson’s History of Britain.

1939: Hollywood’s Golden Year will revisit the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden era across two 90-minute specials. It will feature a cast of family members, intimates and experts to celebrate the films of the single year when a number of classics were made. The new season of Tony Robinson’s History of Britain will see the presenter dive into four different tumultuous eras of British history and discover fascinating but unsung people.

Blakeway has previously produced for Channel 5 Henry VIII: Man, Monarch, Monster; Elizabeth I & Elizabeth II: Britain’s Golden Queens; Queen Victoria and Her Tragic Family; and Egyptian Tomb Hunting.

Emma Hindley, creative director at Zinc for Blakeway, said: “History is incredibly important to us as a company. Blakeway is able to approach the genre in a multitude of ways, to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Both these commissions represent an accessible take on their subject matter, whether it be exploring the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden era via the entertaining and insightful stories of the biggest stars of its day, or Tony Robinson’s inimitable skill at seeing British history’s biggest moments through the eyes of ordinary Brits. We’re delighted to be growing our relationship and history portfolio with Channel 5.”

Daniel Pearl, VP, commissioning editor at Channel 5, commented: “[1939: Hollywood’s Golden Year] will take an in-depth look at one of the most glamorous times in Hollywood which I know our viewers are going to love. With never-before-seen footage and interviews with the people who knew them best, it will reveal some of the best-kept secrets of Tinsel town’s most famous icons.”