Success at MIPTV and a nomination for the 2010 Banff Award
Cologne/Cannes, 22 April 2010 – Following its success at the MIPDOC conference, the five-part HD documentary series “Pioneers Turned Millionaires” (5x52’) was also a big hit at MIPTV. Programme buyers from North America to Japan have expressed keen interest in the stories behind successful companies such as Levi Strauss, Heinz Ketchup, Steinway & Sons and Boeing. The ecological thriller “Salmonopoly” (52’) has been sold to Finland, Norway, Spain and Switzerland in addition to Poland and the Czech Republic. France purchased an additional twenty hours from the NDR series “mare tv“. “The Ustica Conspiracy” (60’), a documentary about the mysterious plane crash 30 years ago, is attracting worldwide interest, especially in Italy. The Italians have promised to purchase licenses for a total of eight documentaries. A further success is the nomination of “The Most Secret Place on Earth – the CIA’s Covert War in Laos” for the 2010 Rockie Award at this year’s Banff World Television Festival in the category “Best Political Documentary”, one of the film industry’s most prestigious awards. With eyewitness reports and previously unseen archive footage, this joint production by NDR, WDR and arte elucidates the CIA operation against Laos in the 1960s and 70s. The documentary enjoyed international acclaim at its MIPTV screenings. Thirty-five programming buyers viewed the film, which was only recently completed. Italy has already purchased broadcasting rights.
“Once again, we impressed purchasers from all over the world with fascinating historical documentaries of high technical quality such as ‘Pioneers Turned Millionaires,’” said Silke Spahr, managing director of united docs, summarizing the company’s success as this year’s MIPTV. “We are especially pleased that “The CIA’s Covert War in Laos” has been nominated for the Banff Award. The producers, authors, writers and their associates deserve to win in the category ‘Best Political Documentary.’ With their extraordinary documentary they have succeeded in appealing to the emotions of an international audience and shedding light on the methods of the CIA.”
