Zodiak Scores Presales for Chilean Miners Doc with MSNBC & Telemundo

LONDON: Zodiak Rights has clinched presales for the new BBC Two documentary 17 Days, which tells the story of the Chilean miners who were trapped underground, with MSNBC and the Spanish-language Telemundo.

The doc will debut in the U.K. on BBC Two this summer, coinciding the with anniversary of the event. MSNBC and Telemundo have taken on the North American rights for the one-hour documentary, for broadcast in August.

A Ronachan Films production, 17 Days takes an exclusive look at the Chilean mining disaster, which saw 33 men trapped underground, cut off from the outside world.

Emily Elisha, the head of factual at Zodiak Rights, said: “The world watched in celebration and awe as the Chilean Miners were rescued but there is a much darker, less-well known story about the first 17 days when they were totally cut off with little hope of surviving. With exclusive first-hand testimony this moving film will reveal just how these men pulled together in such extreme conditions—and how their survival became a symbol of hope and camaraderie across the globe.”

Tim Smith, the senior producer for MSNBC, added, “Over the last few years, we have enjoyed a successful creative relationship with Zodiak Rights—allowing us to acquire or co-produce with them some exciting and top rated shows. With 17 Days we are pleased to join with our sister channel, Telemundo, in bringing this epic tale to our viewers.”