PBS International Taking Ken Burns’ Ben Franklin Doc to MIPTV

PBS International is set to present the new two-part Ken Burns-directed documentary Benjamin Franklin at MIPTV.

Produced by Burns and David Schmidt (The Vietnam War) and written by Dayton Duncan (Country Music, The National Parks), the film explores the life and work of the consequential American and global figure. A prolific writer and publisher, scientist and inventor, Franklin was a world-renowned diplomat and a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Burns said: “Ben Franklin had to be the most traveled American in the 18th century, including long stints as a diplomat in London and Paris. While he is the quintessential American, thanks largely to his writings, he was anything but ordinary. He was a celebrity in Europe and at home, a writer, diplomat and scientist completely plugged into the intellectual and political movements of the 18th century. His life spanned almost the entire century, providing us with an engaging way to explore this period, its accomplishments and failings. It is an American story, but one that speaks to a much larger world.”

Joe Barrett, VP of sales for PBS International, added: “In Benjamin Franklin, Ken Burns delivers a comprehensive portrait of one of the most fascinating and influential figures in American and world history. We look forward to sharing it with audiences across the globe.”