Series Distributed Internationally by Woodcut International
For immediate release:
London/Hampshire, Tuesday 13th July 2021– UK broadcaster Channel 4 has greenlit UK indie Woodcut Media to produce a brand new 6-part history doc series Tony Robinson’s Forgotten War Stories presented by actor Sir Tony Robinson, and scheduled to TX on the UK channel later this year.
Tony Robinsons’s Forgotten War Stories (6 x 1 hour) – Between WWII and the Iraq War, Britain and its allies were embroiled in a number of serious conflicts around the world, many of which are largely forgotten by the public. In this series, Tony Robinson explores some key forgotten conflicts: The Suez Crisis, The Bosnian War, The Gulf War, The Korean War, The Malayan Emergency and The Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya.
From how Britain and France planned to take back control of the Suez Canal following its nationalisation in 1956 but their planned attack was rebuked by the UN and they left empty handed, to the most uncivil of civil wars which broke out in Bosnia when Yugoslavia broke up in 1992 (a forgotten war for many who didn’t live through it), and how the world reacted with condemnation of Iraq invading Kuwait which prompted ‘Operation Desert Storm’, a war waged by coalition forces from 35 nations worldwide, marking one of the first conflicts to be televised … these and more are explored alongside the personal stories of those caught up in these events.
Each episode is guided by historians, experts and eyewitnesses from around the world who relay their incredible experiences during the wars.
Tony Robinson commented: “Our understanding of Britain’s place in the world has been totally distorted by the amnesia we’ve undergone with regard to the wars our country has fought in recent times. Ask anyone under 35 what they know about Malaya, Kenya or Korea and you’re almost certain to receive a blank face. These are hidden sometimes censored stories which I’ve wanted to tell for decades, and I’m delighted Channel 4 has given me the opportunity to do so.”
Tony Robinson’s Forgotten War Stories was ordered by Polly Scates, Acquisitions Manager, Channel 4. The deal was brokered by Woodcut’s Creative Director, Derren Lawford. Executive producer is Paul Wooding, with Nick Mavroidakis as Series Producer for Woodcut Media.
Polly Scates, Acquisitions Manager, Channel 4 said: “We were immediately drawn to the ‘forgotten’ element of the series and the opportunity to shine a light on a lesser known part of British history. We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Tony Robinson and Woodcut to bring these important but often unheard stories to life.”
Kate Beal, CEO, Woodcut Media said: “It’s a delight to be working with Tony Robinson again. His passion and knowledge for history, as well as on-screen presence bring each episode to life. Forgotten War Stories also drives to the heart of those real-life experiences and seldom told accounts from individuals caught up in these conflicts who share their recollections, as such we hope this series will give a voice to many otherwise unheard.”
Worldwide sales of the series will be handled by Woodcut International.
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About Woodcut Media:
With offices in London, Hampshire and Bristol, Woodcut Media, (part of the Anthology Group of businesses), is one of the leading indies in the UK, producing a broad range of factual programming. A leading true crime producer (Murder at My Door with Kym Marsh, The Beverley Allitt Tapes, The Killer in My Family, World’s Most Evil Killers), Woodcut’s growing catalogue also includes specialist factual series (Tony Robinson’s VE Day: Minute by Minute, The Secret History of World War II and the hit ‘Combat’ franchise, Combat Ships, Combat Trains, Combat Machines), premium docs (Fiennes: Return to the Nile, Cut From A Different Cloth and Mandela, My Dad and Me featuring Idris Elba and The Ivy) factual entertainment shows (How Hacks Work, Around the World in 80 Tricks and Paranormal Captured). Woodcut works with multiple broadcasters worldwide such as Channel 5, Sky, National Geographic, Smithsonian Channel, Discovery and CI etc. Towards the end of 2020 and as part of the company’s continued expansion, Woodcut launched Woodcut International, a distribution division, as well as a new Bristol-based production operation Woodcut West which specialises in natural history and high-end specialist factual. www.woodcutmedia.com