Spun Gold and Whisper are producing a new doc series looking at the wealthy world of Monaco and Summer Films is to make a doc about a Russian oligarch for BBC2.
Inside Monaco is filmed over a season of grand events that Monaco is famous for, such as the Grand Prix weekend, Red Cross Ball and the international yacht show.
Home to more millionaires than any other nation, the series will examine the legacy Prince Albert has inherited from his parents Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, and what life is like for a modern-day Head of State. The series shows the work that goes on behind the scenes to make this jet set destination relevant to today’s generation of the rich and famous.
The Countess and the Russian Billionaire, also for BBC Two, steps inside the secret world of Sergei Pugachev, a Russian oligarch and his British partner, Countess Alexandra Tolstoy, mother to their three children.
Filmed between the UK, France and Russia, it sets out to tell the story of their Russian romance, unimaginable wealth and privileged lifestyle. Sergei, once known as Putin’s banker, amassed a $15 billion fortune, owning one of Russia’s largest private banks, shipyards, a coal mine and designer brands until his fall from favour with the president.
His empire now at risk from the Russian government and threats to his life see Sergei flee to his chateau in France in a bid to fight back. Alexandra is left behind with the children in London, and the pressure on their relationship soon starts to show with events quickly taking over their fairy-tale story of power, money and love.
Controller, BBC Two, Patrick Holland, says: “Both these documentaries promise the very best filmmaking engaging with worlds that often hide themselves from view. It’s great to have such exclusive and hard-won access on the channel.”
Commissioning Editor for the BBC, Emma Loach added: “The team is thrilled to be bringing two new and exciting commissions to BBC Two. The compelling films give audiences an insight into the extravagant lifestyle of an oligarch; and behind the pomp, privilege and pageantry of a Royal family.”
Inside Monaco, 3 x 60 for BBC Two is a co-production with Spun Gold Television and Whisper. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Factual Commissioning, and the Commissioning Editor is Emma Loach. The Executive Producers are Bridget Boseley and Jonathan Smith for Spun Gold Television and Sunil Patel and Richard Gort for Whisper, and the Director is Michael Waldman.
The Countess and the Russian Billionaire, 1 x 60 for BBC Two is made by Summer Films. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Factual Commissioning and The Commissioning Editor is Emma Loach. Executive Produced and directed by Lucy Hillman and Sam Whittaker.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
