ZED Sends History Package to National Geographic Channels

PARIS: ZED has secured presales for four history documentaries, including Hitler Jugend, to National Geographic Channels, with delivery scheduled for 2017.

National Geographic Channels acquired world rights excluding the U.S., Canada, France and Germany for Hitler Jugend (Hitler Youth). Produced by ZED for France 2 and ARTE France and directed by David Korn-Brzoza, the documentary features exclusive accounts by former members of the Hitler Youth. It shows how a generation of children were recruited and turned into Nazi soldiers.

In addition, National Geographic Channels pre-bought worldwide rights, excluding Germany and Canada, for Inside the SS. The title, directed by Serge de Sampigny and produced by Histodoc for France 3
, uses accounts of former SS soldiers to reveal the story of the infamous organization. 1917, The Forgotten D-Day is another pickup. It tells the story of the U.S.’s entrance into World War I and is scheduled to broadcast in April 2017 to coincide with the 100-year anniversary. National Geographic Channel has world rights for the title outside of Canada, France and Germany.

The fourth title included in the deal is the docudrama Revolutions 1917, about the Russian Revolution. The story is told from the perspective of a French journalist working in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg)
. National Geographic Channel acquired world rights excluding the U.S., France and Canada.

Manuel Catteau, the president of ZED, said, “This deal underlines the capacity of the French industry—writers, directors and producers—to create powerful works aimed at the most prestigious broadcasters. The documentaries it covers reveal the capability of ZED to accompany these projects onto the international market and ensure their success.”