Pernel Media Producing New History Documentaries

Pernel Media is prepping a slate of history titles, including Rise and Fall of the Inca, ordered by RMC Découverte (Altice Media).

The series is to delve into the origins and the fall of the Incan empire through exclusive access to various international excavations. Set to deliver in 2025, the commission follows the success of Rise and Fall of the Maya.

Céline Payot Lehmann, executive producer, said: “The Inca, like the Maya, are truly fascinating. Thanks to the latest innovations, archeology is so much more visually impressive, and scientists can draw conclusions much faster and make the stones speak. The adventure of the archeology mixed with state-of-the-art CGI to bring back ancient worlds to life makes very good television.”

Pernel has also secured exclusive access to a recent discovery in South Africa’s Karoo Basin, key to understanding the origins of mammals. A 90-minute film on the discovery will follow the 2024 excavation of the site and ongoing research.

“This discovery marks a significant turning point in our understanding of mammal ancestors, which are also our ancestors,” added Lehmann. “It’s not often that we come across paleontologist endeavors of such scientific significance, and we take great pride in having secured an exclusive access to this story. After the success of After the Asteroid, we are thrilled to further develop our expertise in paleontological expeditions with exclusive access.”

Pernel has also secured exclusive access to an expedition to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. The film will tell a new story of the Mongol emperor who changed the face of the world by founding an empire connecting the East and the West.

A 90-minute production is in development with France 5, and a 2×45-minute version is being prepped for international.

Fabrice Frank, executive producer, said: “This expedition marks a significant turning point in our understanding of Mongolian culture and history. We know Genghis Khan as a symbol of cruelty and terror, but we want to unveil the city builder, the peacemaker and the promoter of progress. Under his and his grandsons’ rule, women enjoyed progressive rights, religions coexisted harmoniously, social roles were more meritocratic… The Mongol Empire has a lot to teach us! It’s not often that we come across archaeological endeavors that rewrite pages of history we thought we knew, and we take great pride in having secured an exclusive access to this story.”