PASSION DISTRIBUTION SPIES NEW UK OPPORTUNITIES
London, Wednesday 15th March, 2017 - Passion Distribution continues to grow its client base of UK production partners and has built new relationships with leading UK producers such as Minnow Films, Pulse Films and Iconoclast, Sundog Pictures and BBC Studios.
As a result Passion Distribution is proud to announce it has picked up access-driven, constructed documentary series SPIES (4 x 60’), fascinating arts series THE ART OF JAPANESE LIFE (3 x 60’), ground-breaking documentary series BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK (4 x 30’) and the compelling documentary THE TROUBLE WITH DAD (1 x 60’).
In SPIES (4 x 60’), three former British Secret Intelligence Services operatives drawn from MI5, MI6 and GCHQ put a diverse group of men and women to the test to see if they have the skills and qualities required for an invisible war against a host of hidden threats. SPIES sees them go through a series of exercises based on the Intelligence Officer New Entry Course (IONEC) - an intense, ultimately inspiring psychological experiment run by people who have been through the real thing. As the 14 trainees’ raw intelligence, powers of persuasion and talent for concealment are put under the microscope, the ex-Spies (known as “Control) judge who has the character, wit, and confidence needed to make it through to the end. SPIES aired in January 2017 on Channel 4 and is produced by Minnow Films and GroupM Entertainment.
THE ART OF JAPANESE LIFE (3 x 60’) is a landmark three-part series, in which art historian Dr James Fox takes us on a captivating journey through the art and history of one of the world's most enigmatic cultures. Travelling the length of Japan, from the rugged north to the tropical south, James climbs mountains, visits temples, strolls through falling cherry blossom and discovers dazzling modern cities. Along the way, James will discover for himself the importance of art and aesthetics to Japanese life, learning the secrets of brush-painting, block-printing, bonsai-trimming and the Way of Tea. Episodes include Zen and the Art of Nature; Inventing the Modern Metropolis and The Inner Life of the Japanese Home. Accompanying THE ART OF JAPANESE LIFE, HANDMADE IN JAPAN (3 x 30’ or 1 x 60’), celebrates Japan's craft heritage with three films about the making of a Samurai sword, traditional pottery and distinctive Japanese lacquer ware. A BBC Studios production for BBC Four.
Documentary series BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK (4 x 30’) brings together a selection of exceptional figures drawn from the world of politics, business, culture, religion and science face the camera and share their experiences of being black and British. Beautifully shot by artist and director Simon Frederick, the line-up of influential individuals reveal their heartfelt stories and unfiltered opinions to paint a unique portrait of modern Britain’s past, present and future. Contributors include Naomi Campbell, David Harewood, Thandie Newton, Malorie Blackman, Lenny Henry, Trevor McDonald, Reggie Yates, Baroness Patricia Scotland, John Sentamu - Archbishop of York, Ozwald Boateng, Alesha Dixon and Tinie Tempah amongst others. A Pulse Films and Iconoclast co-production for BBC Two.
Documentary THE TROUBLE WITH DAD (1 x 60’) explores the relationship between comedian and writer David Baddiel, his brother Ivor and their father Colin who suffers from one of the most extraordinary forms of dementia called Pick's Disease, which has stripped Colin of all his inhibitions, and stolen his memories. In an intimate portrayal of their family life, the documentary follows David and Ivor as they struggle with the challenges posed by their father's illness and reveal what it is like to care for someone with this incurable and rare form of dementia. David has also created a one-man show partly about his father and his illness. Through meeting audience members, keen to share their stories, the brothers come into contact with others caring for relatives with Picks Disease - and the sufferers themselves. A Sundog Pictures production for Channel 4.
Jimmy Humphrey, Head of Acquisitions at Passion Distribution said “We are thrilled to expand the network of producers we represent and build relationships with talented UK producers who are delivering stand-out content. It is a testament to Passion Distribution’s reputation in the marketplace and the result of the on-going success of our content acquisition strategy”.
