BossaNova acquired distribution rights for three new Christmas specials

BossaNova Media has unveiled three new Christmas specials in response to the growing ‘Christmas in July’ phenomenon, which is seeing broadcasters and platforms secure and build anticipation around their holiday line-up well ahead of the festive season.

All three 1 x 60 mins documentaries — "Christmas at Lapland UK", "Alpine Train at Christmas" and "Secrets of the Christmas Market" — are produced for Channel 4 by Motion Entertainment, a WPP company, in partnership with, respectively, DocHearts, King of Sunshine Productions and Afro-Mic Productions.

DocHearts’ "Christmas in Lapland UK" invites viewers to England’s hottest Christmas ticket, LaplandUK, an immersive experience set in a magical forest on the outskirts of London. Started 17 years ago by Alison and Mike Battle, Lapland UK now turns over almost £20m during its six-week run and has been visited by royalty of all sorts, from the Duke and Duchess of Wales to Paul McCartney, Elton John and the Beckhams.

"Alpine Train at Christmas", from King of Sunshine, follows the Bernina Express, which has transversed the Swiss and Italian Alps since 1910, carrying passengers through breathtaking winter landscapes. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the train winds through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, reaching elevations of up to 2,253 metres on its 76-mile run.

"Secrets of the Christmas Market" throws the spotlight on a UK city that does Christmas very differently — Belfast. Unimpeded by Brexit red tape, the Northern Ireland capital is perfectly positioned to host the UK’s most diverse Christmas market, which draws in more than 100 stallholders and 1.2 million visitors from across the world. Afro-Mic’s feelgood festive film centres on market ‘queen bee’ Esther, the formidable head of PR, and stand construction boss Marvin, a self-confessed Christmas grinch. 

Paul Heaney, CEO and founder of BossaNova, said: “What better time to launch our Christmas shows than July ?! There are only a finite number of fresh and original festive shows on the market so we saw this trio as a great way to present something to our community. "Christmas in Lapland UK", "Alpine Train at Christmas" and "Secrets of the Christmas Market" is BossaNova’s response to helping them to cut through the clutter, not to mention the tinsel and turkey, with shows that will ensure a merry Christmas for viewers and broadcasters alike. Ho ho ho.”