Hot Picks

Peter: The Human Cyborg

Type: Factual
Length: 1 x 60-minutes
Producer: Cardiff Productions
Broadcaster: Channel 4 (UK)

This doc exemplifies both Silverlining Rights’ specialist factual strengths and a recent desire from buyers for inspiring, positive stories. When doctors diagnosed brilliant robotics scientist Peter Scott-Morgan with Motor Neurone Disease, they thought they had delivered a premature death sentence.

However, the news gave Dr Scott-Morgan his life's purpose - to become the world's first true cyborg. With unprecedented access to the academic and an international group of doctors, scientists, engineers and designers, The Human Cyborg charts his journey of transformation, over 18 months.

“Peter: The Human Cyborg is a rare combination of science and love story,” explains Bethan Corney, managing director of Silverlining. “Peter himself has admitted to having been completely overwhelmed by response to the documentary, following its premiere. In an analysis of the hundreds of messages he received on social media he says: “the technology wows people but it’s the love story that makes them devotees”.

“I think this shows real art in the way the producers have crafted this documentary. You have this amazing story of science and robotics and artificial intelligence, which is fascinating, but underneath it all is this enduring story of hope and inspiration and of course, love.”

Corney says the tone places the film squarely in a co-viewing bracket, rather than being solely deemed a show for specialist factual or science fans. With deals already secured in Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden, Corney adds that interest has been predominantly from linear broadcasters, noting: “this is not necessarily appointment viewing, it is more the kind of programme which might surprise you in a schedule where viewers are flicking through and become absorbed in the emotion of the story”.

North America is next on the agenda for Silverlining, after the European deals, although Australia is “very much on our radar”.