The global content distributor and producer Keshet International (KI) has acquired the exclusive worldwide distribution rights to the documentary 2024: 100 Days That Rocked the Royals from the Oscar-nominated, multi-award-winning production company ITN Productions.
Commissioned by Channel 5 and slated to premiere in the UK at 1pm on Saturday 20 April, ITN Productions’ 1×90’ feature documentary retells the unprecedented series of crises faced by the royal family in the first three months of 2024 – crises that threatened the very fabric of the monarchy. A king fighting cancer, a princess undergoing preventative chemotherapy, and an heir torn between privacy and duty are just some of the struggles the royal family had to endure.
Anke Stoll, KI’s SVP of Acquisitions and Co-productions, says, “We are very happy to be partnering with ITN Productions for the very first time on this timely feature doc. Their world-leading reputation in producing fast-turnaround documentaries combined with their enviable archive and journalistic skills ensure they’re perfectly placed to produce a topical but sensitive one-off about the Royal Family.”
ITN Productions’ Head of International Programmes, Ian Russell, comments, “Global interest in the British monarchy remains extremely high, and we are delighted to be working with Keshet International to take this story into the international market. ITN Productions is known for our ability to react quickly to current events and produce rigorous, high-quality documentaries and this commission for Channel 5 in the UK is an excellent example of that.”
Kelly Wright, KI’s MD of Distribution, adds, “The recent struggles endured by Britain’s royal family have made headline news around the world and generated a global outpouring of concern and sympathy. With its expert analysis and intimate insights, ITN Productions’ film paints a poignant portrait of a monarchy facing up to these challenges with determination and grace that is sure to appeal to many of our clients. We’re excited to add 2024: 100 Days That Rocked the Royals to our Unscripted Spring Slate.”
This programme delves deep into the heart of these challenging times and examines how the monarchy has responded with steadfastness and resilience. From King Charles himself, who has changed the way the monarchy deals with ill-health, sharing his cancer diagnosis, and encouraging men across the country to check their prostates, to the Princess of Wales, who bravely revealed her own illness after weeks of questions about her whereabouts.
This tumultuous period has seen old wounds reopened and past controversies revisited. Princes Harry and William have had their relationship thrust into the spotlight once again, and the public have been reminded of Prince Andrew’s relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a new film. As well as this scrutiny, there was an unforeseen tragedy: the death of Thomas Kingston, the husband of King Charles’ second cousin, Lady Gabriella Windsor.
Royal commentators and journalists shed light on how, in a vacuum of information, some corners of society have descended into conspiracy, further adding to the Royals’ list of woes. With expert analysis and intimate insights, this film paints a poignant portrait of a monarchy facing up to huge scrutiny and challenges with determination and grace.
Produced by the award-winning ITN Productions and commissioned for Channel 5 (UK) by Denise Seneviratne, 2024: 100 Days That Rocked the Royals is directed by Myles Judd and executive produced by Daniel Smith.
KI has recently acquired a raft of factual content for its Unscripted Spring 2024 Slate, including: Ritual Arts and Amazing Owl’s Earthbound, a 6×60’ premium documentary series narrated by actor and environmentalist Orlando Bloom; Double Act Productions’ SAS: Catching the Criminals, a 10×60’ social crime series presented by ex-SAS leader Billy Billingham for BBC One; and Matila Röhr Productions’ Arctic Wildlife in Lapland, a stunningly shot 3×30’ natural history docuseries celebrating the northernmost part of Fennoscandia’s uniquely rugged yet barren arctic landscape.
The global producer and distributor also announced last week that it is co-developing two new premium ancient history documentary series with SandStone Global – Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and Vikings, both of which will be presented by award-winning historian and presenter Professor Bettany Hughes OBE. KI has also recently greenlit two straight-to-series factual orders for distribution as part of its Greenlight: Factual & Formats commissioning initiative: Perpetual Entertainment’s Hitler’s Treasure Hunters (6×60’) and Woodcut Media’s Catch Me If You Can
