A+E Networks UK has commissioned Fired Up Films in Belfast and London-based Krempelwood with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, to produce a new 5×60’ series, Lost Relics of the Knights Templar, to be broadcast on HISTORY in April 2020.
The new series follows treasure hunter Hamilton White and his long-time friend property tycoon Carl Cookson, as they trace the origin a treasure trove of artefacts belonging to the Knights Templar, which reveal who the Templars were, how they worshipped, and why they were targeted , imprisoned and wiped out by Papal decree, in 1307.
The series follows the pair as they travel through Europe and to the Middle East, as they attempt to uncover the truth behind these finds.
Alongside Hamilton and Carl’s journey, the story of the Templars will be told by historians, including presenter and best-selling author of ‘The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors’, Dan Jones.
HISTORY will become Sky HISTORY this Spring on all broadcasting platforms across the UK.
Lost Relics of the Knights Templar, was ordered by Dan Korn, VP Programming with Diana Carter, Commissioning Editor at A+E Networks UK as executive producer. For Fired-up films, Dominic Ozanne is series producer, with Jon-Barrie Waddell as executive producer. For eOne Tara Long is executive producer. Mark Wood and Blair Krempel are executive producers from Krempelwood.
Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks UK commented: For centuries, the Knights Templar held immense power throughout Europe and the Middle East, and right up until today, exert a powerful hold over our imagination. It is incredibly exciting to think that Hamilton has uncovered relics which, if authenticated, could offer unique insight into these most famous of Crusader “shock troops” turned Christian martyrs.
The series will follow Hamilton and Carl as they seek to establish the provenance of each relic from one of the most secretive organisations in history before they reveal the hoard to the world.
Jon-Barrie Waddell from Fired Up Films added: We are thrilled to be working with Dan and Diana at A+E Networks UK and HISTORY on this exciting new series. Hamilton and Carl are rare talents and I cannot wait for audiences to see the extraordinary people, places and objects that they uncover.
Historian, Dan Jones added: The Templars were one of the most famous, and notorious, organisations in western history. They emerged from the crusades and amassed huge wealth and property across Europe. But when they were wiped out between 1307 and 1312 most of their riches were either stolen or destroyed. People have been searching for Templar ‘treasure’ – real and imaginary – for generations, generally without finding very much. Hamilton and Carl have some intriguing finds and it’s going to be exciting to see what they discover.
Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said; For a relatively new indie to secure a great commission like this is a huge vote of confidence from A+E Networks UK. Jon-Barrie and his team at Fired Up Films show a breadth of vision and dedicated work ethic which is sure to produce spectacular results. We are delighted to help fund their first commission and look forward to seeing the series when it is broadcast.
The show will premiere on HISTORY in the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Netherlands and Belgium in April 2020.
The series is being distributed by eOne.
Staff Reporter
Share this story
