SBS in Australia and Channel 4 in the UK have picked up two new shows that form part of a new historical documentary strand, launched by Like A Shot West.
24 Hours That Changed the World explores pivotal moments in history, with each episode focusing on the final 24 hours leading up to a crucial moment in history. Newly colourised archive footage is being used alongside expert interviews, dramatic reconstructions, and a countdown clock.
The first film, 24hrs: The Fall of Nazi Germany, explores the negotiation between Germany and the Allied forces to end the war in Europe, tracking the crucial final hours in the lead up to the surrender of the Third Reich on VE Day, May 8th, 1945. With the war in Europe over, the second documentary, 24hrs: The Japanese Surrender, marks the anniversary of the end of the war in the Pacific on VJ Day, September 2nd, 1945.
Henry Scott, managing director of Like A Shot West, said: “The iconic battles of World War II have been widely chronicled, but little is known about the crucial events that led to the end of the war, ultimately shaping the world today. The first two specials in this gripping new documentary strand capture the tense but tumultuous moments that led to V-Day and V-J Day, coinciding with the anniversaries marked by millions in countries across the globe”.
The executive producers are Like A Shot head of development, Danny O’Brien alongside MD Henry Scott. Rosemary Cafferkey is the director, with Rachel Bailey, senior acquisitions manager, buying for Channel 4, and Peter Andrew, head of network programming and Kaye Warren, acquisitions manager for non-scripted striking the deals for SBS. TVF International is handling further sales across the world.