Discovery has commissioned Woodcut Media to produce Tony Robinson’s VE Day: Minute by Minute, billed as a “heart-warming immersive commemorative 1-hour documentary special,” presented by actor Sir Tony Robinson, and scheduled to TX on the anniversary of VE day.
Tony Robinson’s VE Day: Minute by Minute, captures the unique stories and seminal events of VE Day. History specialist and actor and presenter Tony Robinson (Time Team, Blackadder, Egyptian Tomb Hunting etc) transports viewers back to the day, sharing untold tales of revellers in the streets, witnessing soldiers taking their first tentative steps out of POW camps, hearing the King’s celebratory speech in London, as well as the surrender of Nazi divisions, and other stories from around the world.
The documentary is brought to life through a series of eye-witness accounts, expert contributions, audio and visual archive footage (memoirs, personal letters, news reports) and visual effects placing Tony Robinson into actual archive from VE Day.
Tony Robinson commented: "Our documentary celebrates the jubilation felt by millions of people on VE Day, and honours those who lost their lives during WW2. It explores the fascinating accounts of historical figures and ordinary people who experienced that day, and hopefully will give viewers a vivid insight into what the 8th May 1945 would have felt like as events unfolded.”
Victoria Noble, VP, Original Content, Factual, Discovery said: “We are thrilled to be working with Tony Robinson on this truly immersive commission that aims to give a new and moving perspective, going beyond the traditional portrayal of such a historic and momentous day. Using a carefully curated collection of stories gathered from across the globe, the special will give viewers the opportunity to understand the lived, sensory experiences of the day and really appreciate the intensity of emotions felt by people in the UK and beyond.”
Woodcut Media has already presold the documentary special to France’s HISTOIRE TV.
Said Kate Beal, CEO, Woodcut Media: “We can only begin to imagine what it felt like to hear the news that the war was over, but the ‘minute by minute’ format of this documentary aims to enable viewers to connect with the momentous events and emotions of this historic day in a fresh way. We’re delighted to be working with Discovery again and are thrilled that Tony Robinson, whose passion for history and incredible human stories, is providing his own inimitable take on this extraordinary moment in time.”
Tony Robinson’s VE Day: Minute by Minute is distributed internationally, and deficit financed by TVF International.
Added Will Stapley, Head of Acquisitions, TVF International: “We are delighted to be partnering with fellow indie Woodcut and Discovery on this definitive documentary on one of the most iconic days in modern history. We are constantly being asked for WWII anniversary programming with a unique angle so we can’t wait to get this out to market."
Tony Robinson’s VE Day: Minute by Minute was ordered by Victoria Noble, VP, Original Content, Factual (Discovery). Producer/Director is Michael Wadding (Blitz Street, Brunel – The Man Who Built Britain, The Queen’s Big Night Out), and Executive Producers are Jon Stephens (Discovery) and Kate Beal (Woodcut Media).
Staff Reporter
Share this story