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The Buildings That Fought Hitler

Type: Factual
Length: 8 x 60-minutes
Producer: Hello Mary
Broadcaster: Yesterday (UK), SBS (Australia)

Parade Media believes international broadcasters are seeking new stories in history programming, which is exactly what this series delivers.

It reveals the previously untold legacy of the thousands of buildings in the UK that were constructed post-Dunkirk, when Britain thought a Nazi invasion was imminent. Fronted by presenter and engineer Rob Bell, it explores how the British planned to use them against the Nazis and investigates how many remain, shining a light on the unusual structures – some built purely to destroy, some to deceive the enemy. Experts will also provide perspectives on both sides of the war.

The eight-part series was pitched to UKTV by Parade on behalf of former Channel 5 commissioner Steve Regan’s Brighton-based indie Hello Mary. With the broadcaster interested, Parade then brought Australia’s SBS on board, pre-sold it to Poland’s BBC Brit, and deficit-financed the remainder.

Matthew Ashcroft, CEO at Parade Media, says: “First and foremost, we’ll be targeting English-speaking markets. But for the German market, we’re looking at localising, swapping out Rob for a domestic host.

“So, there is a German version in the works on top of the finished tape, for which we’ll be focused on public broadcasters and the buyers we know are hunting history content.” With more than 26,000 buildings built or re-enforced during the period – and an estimated 6,000 remaining – Ashcroft believes there is scope for the series to extend way beyond the initial run.

“We’ve got a great show here that I’m confident will sell globally,” he adds. “[Presenter] Rob Bell is a strong talent, with a presence across the likes of the BBC and Channel 4, and I believe this could be a long-running, returning series.”