Arte in Germany joins WildBear’s Fatal Conflicts

Arte in Germany has boarded a repeatable series about cataclysmic wars from Australia’s WildBear Entertainment.

Fatal Conflicts (2 x 90’ / 4 x 60’) explores two battles that proved to be turning points in antiquity through the lens of ambitious rival leaders, their strategies and ideas.

ZDF, a backer of Arte in Germany alongside ARD, has joined as a co-producer while sales division ZDF Studios has acquired international distribution rights. 

The deal between WildBear and ZDF/Arte was brokered by WildBear’s international agent, Edwina Thring of Wild Thring Media.

The first film, Xerxes v Themistocles, covers the Second Greco-Persian War and details a battle of wits, strategy, and power.

The second installment, Hannibal v Scipio, explores the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage, featuring Scipio Aemilianus of Rome and Hannibal Barca of Carthage. 

The shows are executive produced by WildBear’s Craig Meade and directed by Nik Wansbrough. Each episode features recreations and animations, alongside detailed dynamic landscape and battle maps.

Peter Allenbacher, senior editor from ZDF/Arte, said: “Fatal Conflicts not only provides brilliant new insights to pivotal moments and key players in ancient history, but its production approach will also transport viewers right into the heart of the action, making it a compelling watch and giving a unique understanding of the geopolitics of the time.

“A new approach will be that in each show, either side is given equal weight to give audiences worldwide the opportunity to judge by themselves and thereby participate in the thrilling narrative.”

Nikolas Huelbusch, director of unscripted at ZDF Studios, described the show as a “gem” for his company’s sales catalogue. 

Michael Tear, chief exec at WildBear, added: ”With Fatal Conflicts, Craig, Nik, and the wider team are creating a truly standout new history series, and I am proud that ZDF Arte, a broadcaster known for its focus on premium factual content and excellent, rigorous storytelling, is our co-production partner. The decision for ZDF Studios to distribute is a further endorsement for this title and confirms its appeal for the international marketplace.”