Huge demand for German history, travel and current affairs programs
Cologne/Cannes, 19 October 2011 – The team at united docs can look back on the international TV fair in Cannes with a sense of quiet satisfaction. The German documentary specialists succeeded in selling comprehensive history packages to France, Austria, Sweden, Italy, Spain and the Middle East, including the history highlight “100 Years of Hollywood – The Carl Laemmle Story” (52’). This moving documentary charts not only the origins of the American film industry but also honours the German founder of Universal Studios in L.A. As expected, the current affairs programs with their focus on sustainability attracted a great deal of interest at what is the most important television programming fair in the world. Canada joined Switzerland, Belgium and France in securing the rights to the shocking documentary “Gas Flaring – Eco-Vandalism by the Oil Companies” (55’). Another sales success was scored with the history of the construction of the Berlin Wall, “Brick by Brick – The Making Of The Iron Curtain” (52’), which went to National Geographic. This investigative documentary makes tangible the battle between communism and capitalism through previously unseen archive material, 3D animations, re-enactments and interviews with contemporary witnesses. The science documentary “Back to the Roots – Learning from the Stone Age” (52’), which provides an insight into evolutionary medicine also enjoyed great appeal. Numerous international program buyers displayed huge interest in the new HD travel series “Round the World – Travel at its Best” (73x60’), which features fascinating reportages from many different countries.
“Our balanced mix of programs comprising historical and the increasingly topical scientific and ecological subjects went down well in Cannes,” said Anne Hufnagel, Head of united docs Cologne, in her initial positive summing up of MIPCOM 2011. “What makes our documentaries so successful around the globe is not just the excellent writers, camera crew, directors and producers, but most especially the sophisticated narrative style which uses a wealth of film to both the subject and its background constantly gives TV viewers new angles and previously unknown context.” When it comes to consumer topics in particular, the world likes to look to Germany. united docs has for many years been the hallmark for high-quality documentaries with internationally relevant topics, which stand out due to their highly informative and educational content and their long-term value.
