Keshet International pre-sells AR-infused doc ahead of TX on 5

SEVEN WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD key image no logo

Professor Bettany Hughes in Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Forthcoming 5 documentary Seven Wonders of the Ancient World has hit 25 territories licenses ahead of its UK premiere over the weekend.

SandStone Global’s three-part docuseries has been picked up by Movistar Plus+ in Spain and Andorra, Greece’s Cosmote TV, ERR in Estonia, Paramount-owned Ananey in Israel, and 14 territories across the CIS, including Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and Ukraine.

Distributor Keshet International had already completed five pre-sales, with 5 boarding the doc last month and the series selling to SBS in Australia, Histoire TV in France, Canal+ in Poland, and Prima Group in the Czech Republic.

The three-hour title, fronted by historian and SandStone creative director Bettany Hughes, was developed by the indie and KI as part of their co-development pact, forged last year.

The doc brings the ancient world to audiences in an immersive viewing experience via an additional partnership with Snapchat’s AR Studio Paris. In the series, Hughes follows in the footsteps of ancient travellers to the Seven Wonder sites across the world, with viewers able to user their phones to scan an on-screen QR code which will bring to life each of the Seven Wonders in a virtual, immersive experience.

Kelly Wright, KI’s managing director of distribution, said: “We are thrilled to be boarding more buyers to this fantastic series ahead of its world premiere on 5 the UK, while also be making the innovative “at home” augmented reality technology available to clients who want it. Incorporating this interactive tech into Seven Wonders of the Ancient World really is a point-of-difference.”

KI will make the AR experience available to all international buyers.

The series was produced by Shula Subramaniam and directed by David Lee, with SandStone Global’s Hughes, managing director Dixi Stewart, and director of production Ruth Sessions exec producing, alongside Nick Catliff and Wright.

Hughes said: “The past is a living place, a place that’s relevant to all of us. Using this meticulously researched augmented reality allows viewers at home to explore right inside these ancient wonders. It’s an immersive experience that we hope will bring the past to life for millions.”

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