PASSION DISTRIBUTION ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAMMING SLATE FOR MIPCOM 2023
London, Wednesday 4th October 2023 - Passion Distribution announces its slate for MIPCOM 2023 - full of sensational new programming such as reality series STRIP (6 x 60’) and premium documentary features and series including NFT: WTF? (1 x 120’) and INTO THE CONGO WITH BEN FOGLE (3 x 60’).
STRIP (6 x 60’) is a sensational new reality series that goes behind the scenes in one of Las Vegas’ most exclusive strip clubs. From the dressing room to the stage, from the party lounge to the lucrative VIP rooms, it’s a world of fierce competition, eye-popping outfits and mind-blowing dancing. For these women, stripping isn’t just a way to make ends meet, it’s a profession, an art form, and a cornerstone of the Vegas economy. The series was produced by Firecracker for Paramount+ and premiered Sunday 1st October.
Documentary series INTO THE CONGO WITH BEN FOGLE (3 x 60’) follows renowned adventurer Ben Fogle as he embarks on his most extreme journey to date - exploring the length and breadth of the Republic of the Congo. There he encounters elusive wildlife, lives alongside indigenous tribes, and unravels the myths and mysteries of a treacherous, yet magnificent land. Produced by Mentorn Media for Channel 5.
Feature length documentary NFT: WTF? (1 x 120’) delves into the world of digital art and NFTs. Directed by BAFTA-winning David Shulman NFT: WTF? explores artist Damien Hirst's unique project, "The Currency," which challenges art's authenticity and value, sparking thought-provoking discussions about its future. Produced by Battersea Pictures and Atomized Studios.
Documentary THE IMPOSSIBLE - THE 7000 METER SUMMIT (1 x 90’), produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions for ViX, tells the story of Mexican David Liano, who is one of the most accomplished explorers and mountaineers alive today, and his monumental quest to summit 7,000 meters in the southern hemisphere.
Shedding a light on the taboo topic of death, STACEY DOOLEY: INSIDE THE UNDERTAKERS (1 x 60’) sees Stacey Dooley explore the world of funeral directors, from funeral arrangements to embalming, providing a comprehensive view of this often-overlooked industry. The documentary was produced by Firecracker and Little Dooley for BBC One.
In an exciting new adaptation of the classic Mentorn Media format, AUSTRALIA’S MOST IDENTICAL presents 100 sets of twins vying to prove themselves as the nation’s most identical pair. Hosted by Scott Cam and Dr Jana Pittman, both parents of twins, this social investigation series seeks to find and ultimately determine the nation's most identical siblings. Through a series of scientific and entertaining challenges, 100 sets of twins are put under the microscope until one pair is crowned Australia's Most Identical. Produced by Helium, the special will air later this year on Nine Network.
Passion Distribution will also be bringing to market a selection of Australian documentary series produced by Wildbear Entertainment for Nine Network. TYCOONS DOWN UNDER (3 x 60’) reveals the stories of such figures as Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer, to show how business buccaneers made their fortunes in end of the 20th century Australia. BUILDING ICONS (4 x 60’) explores structures that have come to represent the age, the culture, or their nation. AUSTRALIA'S WILD MOMENTS (6 x 60’) explores how the forces of nature, human impact and a warming climate have shaped and challenged the continent’s natural world. ELEMENTS OF DISASTER (4 x 60’) explores the last 50 years of disasters in Australian history, to see how these events have tested the nation’s resolve, shaped its identity, and ignited the country's ingenuity to move to a more sustainable future. In DESTINATION CELEBRITY (3 x 60’) through a wealth of incredible archive footage and engaging interviews, the series heads off on a glamorous expedition to see some of the world’s most famous faces, eras, and destinations over the last century.
Further documentary series include COASTGUARD: SEARCH & RESCUE S.O.S (6 x 60’) which follows the exceptional people behind His Majesty’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the multiple team organisation the works across the length and breadth of the British coastline. Produced by Middlechild Productions for Channel 5 the documentary premiered 2nd July. YORKSHIRE BY THE SEA (4 x 60’) reveals the people and families who live and work on the iconic stretch of coast by the North Sea. The series is produced by True North for Channel 4. THE SHOCKING TRUTH (6 x 60’) reveals some of the biggest scandals that are affecting people today, exploring what is really happening in our food, transport and building industries. Produced by Mentorn Media for Channel 5.
Crime title THE MURDER OF MELANIE HALL (1 x 90’) explores one of Britain’s most shocking unsolved mysteries, the story of the disappearance and murder of Melanie Hall. Through interviews with her family and the police leading the investigation, archive and reconstruction, this documentary re-examines the case and explore the various theories surrounding her death. Produced by Firecracker for Channel 5 the documentary premiered 28th September.
Returning series include documentary series MOTORWAY S3 (10 x 60’), which follows the teams who watch over the busiest roads and come to the rescue, any time of the day or night. Produced by Fearless Television for Channel 5 the new season premiered on 25th September.
Sean Wheatley, Head of Acquisitions at Passion Distribution said, “There is so much creativity in the factual and fact ent sectors right now and we’re very proud to have this incredible range of stories, access, and innovation in our slate this year. From reality shows through to feature docs, it’s exciting to take them out onto the international market.”
