Sky 1 Slates Doc on Freemasons

LONDON: Sky 1 has scheduled a winter debut for the four-part documentary Inside the Freemasons.

In the run-up to the 30th anniversary of the Freemasons in 2017, the documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal the closely-guarded practices and ancient rituals of the organization, including the regalia, jewels, handshakes and symbolic working tools. The doc offers footage of ceremonies that have never been seen on TV before, with unprecedented access to the governing body, the United Grand Lodge of England, and its lodges across the country. Inside the Freemasons is produced by Emporium Productions.

Siobhan Mulholland, the commissioning editor for Sky factual, said, “With over 200,000 members across England and Wales, the Freemasons is a fascinating organization that the general public don’t really know much about. We can’t wait to use this unique access to show Sky customers the real Freemasons as we look at little-known history and traditions, determining myth from truth.”

Emma Read, executive producer for Emporium Productions, added: “We’re thrilled to have been given such unprecedented access to the hidden world of the Freemasons to make a documentary series. Most people are familiar with Freemasons as an organization, but few actually know who they are, what ‘Lodge life’ is really like and why men join in the 21st century.”

“As we approach our Tercentenary it is fitting that we mark this auspicious occasion by very openly sharing a look at who we are, what we do and what we stand for,” remarked John Hamill, the director of special projects at the United Grand Lodge of England. “We hope the program will help inform, educate and even surprise, providing a genuine insight and understanding into Freemasonry and Freemasons today.”