Fremantle signs production deal with France Télévisions for Zelensky
July 11, 2024
Fremantle has announced a production deal with France TV for Zelensky (w/t), following on from a BBC commission of the three-part docuseries from 72 Films (a Fremantle company) and The Open University. Zelensky (w/t) takes an unfiltered and personal look at the astounding transformation of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky from comedian to iconic war hero. The BBC will air the three-part series in full this autumn, with a shorter 70-minute film on France Télévisions as part of their documentary strand Le Monde En Face. Fremantle has the worldwide distribution rights for the docuseries, which will premiere later in the year on France 5 and france.tv and UK on BBC Two and iPlayer.
In February 2022, Russia shocked the world as thousands of tanks thundered into Ukraine. With Ukraine significantly outnumbered by Russia’s vast military force, Vladimir Putin’s invasion seemed all but assured. But, Ukraine refused to bow down as its president, Zelensky stepped in to lead his country inspiring global support. When offered sanctuary by the US, he famously replied, “I need ammunition, not a ride.” The docuseries examines Zelensky’s transformation from comedy actor to calculating war commander, artfully combining his performer skills in his addresses and monopolising the media conversation to become one of the most recognised leaders on the planet. Zelensky reveals the changing power dynamics and horrifying realities of the war, as 72 Films travels to Ukraine to capture on-the-ground footage, featuring frank interviews with Zelensky and his wife First Lady Olena Zelenska, speaking in a way you’ve never heard before. Combining immersive accounts from friends, family and political equals, as well as Zelensky’s personal story, this series takes us inside Ukraine under siege and the moral complexities of this defining chapter of world history.
Al De Azpiazu, Senior Vice President Distribution, French Speaking Europe, Italy, Spain & Portugal at Fremantle said: “It is always a pleasure to be working with the talented teams at France Télévisions and our colleagues at 72 Films on another bold and compelling series. Featuring incredible access, each episode offers a profound insight into the personal and political journey of Zelensky from those closest to him. At Fremantle, we are dedicated to telling powerful stories and we are thrilled to share this one with audiences in France and around the world.”
Caroline Behar of France Télévisions, said: “France Télévisions is proud to be teaming up on Zelensky with long-time partner Fremantle, and the exceptionally talented 72 Films with whom we partnered with on The Trump Show in 2020. As a public broadcaster, our mission is to support creative content that decodes historical events and current affairs to give our audience the keys to understanding the present. Zelensky will take an intimate look at the Ukrainian President and depict different facets of this complex character from his debuts as an actor to his role as leader of a country at war, locked in a conflict with global ramifications. We’re delighted to rediscover 72 Films’ uncompromising style in this fresh, modern series.”
David Glover is executive producing for 72 Films and Michael Waldman is directing the series.
Zelensky (w/t), a 3×60 for BBC Two and iPlayer, was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Simon Young, Head of History. Produced in partnership with The Open University.
The announcement follows the news that Fremantle is also handling global distribution for Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar w/t (Passion Pictures, BBC) and A Brief History of the Future (Futurific Studios, DreamCrew). Fremantle has made several strategic investments to support and bolster their growth strategy within the documentary and non-scripted market which includes more than 20 Fremantle documentary labels, producing in over 12 territories. Most recently they welcomed Beach House Pictures and Asacha Media Group to the Fremantle family. This follows the acquisition of 72 Films, Wildstar Films and Silvio Productions in 2022, as well as the launch of premium documentaries label, Undeniable last year at the CPH:DOX.