RDF Rights launches new factual slate at MIPTV 2010

07 April 2010

RDF Rights (RDFR), part of the RDF Media Group is launching 355 hours of factual programming at MIPTV this April, and announces five new producer partnerships; US producers Show of Force, and Towers Productions, and UK production companies Halcyon Media, RISE Films and Uppercut Films, adding to its slate of established producer clients, such as Firecracker Films (Autistic Driving School), betty TV (Are You Fitter than a Pensioner?), October Films (Gladiators: Back from the Dead), IWC (The Air Hospital), and RDF Television (How the Other Half Live Series 2).

One of the most high profile documentary launches is Circus, a spectacular 6 x 60’ series produced by Show of Force for PBS (USA) that combines breath-taking HD action with intimate portraits of circus life following a year in the life of the world-renowned Big Apple Circus. This fascinating series is created, executive produced and directed by Emmy and Sundance award-winning film-makers Maro Chermayeff and Jeff Dupre.

Two documentaries that show the human side of war are at the heart of the RDFR slate. Inside the Iraq War is a two-hour documentary produced by Towers Productions for the National Geographic Channel in the US, that tells the gripping story of the Iraq War through the first person testimony of the soldiers themselves, using the soldiers’ own footage that has never been revealed before. War Torn Warriors (2 x 60’) from Uppercut Films is the remarkable story of three Royal Marine Commandos injured in Afghanistan as they embark on an epic journey to the Everest region of the Himalayas. 

Another exclusive access documentary Golden Girl (working title) (1 x 60’) from new RDFR client RISE Films charts the story of Caster Semenya, the South African athlete, who was banned from competing as a woman after her gender status was questioned.

RDFR also launches Halcyon River Diaries (4 x 60’) this spring; a brand new type of programme featuring a unique mix of wildlife and lifestyle, narrated by Hugh Dennis. Filmed over 12 months by wildlife cameraman Charlie Hamilton-James for BBC One, Halcyon River Diaries is an intimate look at the wildlife of a typical English river, as seen through the eyes of Charlie and his family who live beside it. From beautifully shot sequences of kingfishers battling in mating season, to tracking otters all night with five year old son Gus, this spectacular new series is everything one has come to expect from BBC Natural History and more. Produced by Halcyon Media, Charlie Hamilton-James and Philippa Forrester. Preface has published a book to accompany the series which takes the reader behind the scenes as Philippa and Charlie keep a stunningly illustrated diary of their year.

RDFR also presents Gladiators: Back from the Dead; a one hour documentary from October Films for Channel 4 and the National Geographic US. Using the latest forensic anthropology and stunning full combat reconstructions, this film delivers dramatic new revelations about the life and death of the Roman Gladiator.

RDFR is proud to be bringing The Great Football Giveaway to MIPTV 2010. The 1 x 60’ documentary, co produced by Tape 13 Productions and RDFR is a truly uplifting film which follows an inspirational campaign to deliver footballs to the disadvantaged children of Africa.

Jane Millichip, COO of RDFR said: “This is one of the strongest factual slates we’ve ever had, and very varied – human interest, history, science and wildlife through to some first rate returning factual entertainment series. It’s also great to be introducing new producer clients to the international market such as Show of Force, Towers Productions, Halcyon Media, RISE Films and Uppercut, as well as our valued long-standing clients.”