Cannes – FremantleMedia International (FMI) has signed on for the global distribution rights (excluding the U.S.) to the CNN Original documentary series,The Seventies. The authentic and immersive 8 x 60 series is produced for CNN/U.S. by the multiple EMMY Award-winning producers Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman (HBO’s John Adams, The Pacific, and Game Change); and the EMMY Award-winning producer Mark Herzog (History’s Gettysburg).
The acquisition follows on from the enormous international success of The Sixties which sold into 43 territories worldwide. Broadcasters of The Sixties include DR (Denmark), Planete (France), NTV (Germany), SBS (Australia), Bell Media (Canada) and Nat Geo Mundo (Pan- regional Latin America).
In many ways, the decade of the 1970’s was just as dramatic as the 1960’s. America lost its first war, endured two energy crises, and a President resigned following an unprecedented political scandal. Television tackled once taboo subjects. Popular music enjoyed a multi-genre explosion, and there was a revolution in sexual mores and customs. Serial murder and other violent crime kept the nation on edge, and bombing, hijacking and the taking of hostages introduced the world to the modern face of terrorism. The Seventies examines the individuals and events that influenced and shaped a decade that had as profound an impact on America as its famous predecessor.
Through the use of raw and rarely seen archival footage, as well as interviews with journalists, historians, musicians and television artists who witnessed the historic movements, The Seventies paints a vivid portrait of a decade of lasting consequence and still today, remains a period of such fascination. The eye-opening series will not just re-enter the iconic milestones of this decade, but uncover the unknown.
Hayley Dickson, Vice President, Television Acquisitions and Development, Global Content, FremantleMedia International said, “The Sixties proved to be a huge success worldwide and we’re looking forward to introducing the next instalment of this colourful and informative portrayal of history to the world. CNN, Herzog & Company and Playtone have been great partners and we’re thrilled to be working with them again for The Seventies.”
FMI has also acquired This is Life with Lisa Ling a Part2 Pictures Production, from CNN.
