BossaNova Media secures pre-sales of "Mysteries of…" series in Australia and The UK

BossaNova Media has pre-sold Curve Media’s new series "Mysteries of…" (6x60/3x120 mins) to SBS Australia and Channel 4 UK. The London-based distributor has also acquired the rights to "Greatest Escapes of World War 2" (6x60 mins), produced by the award-winning Australian indie Perpetual Entertainment.

SBS and Channel 4 are the first broadcasters to invest in "Mysteries of…", which explores and seeks to explain three iconic phenomena: Stonehenge, sink-holes and the Loch Ness Monster. Each episode unpacks the history and cultural impact of one mystery, before testing the various origin stories and theories that have risen up around it.

BossaNova has also invested in "Greatest Escapes of World War 2", produced by Perpetual Entertainment for Sky History in the UK. The six-part series looks at some of the most incredible escapes from POW camps during the Second World War, with each hour-long episode featuring three ingenious plots from both sides of the conflict. Some escapes were more successful than others — but all involved extreme bravery, iron nerves and an absolute determination never to admit defeat.

Paul Heaney, CEO of BossaNova, said: “We’d love to say this fantastic 'Mysteries Of…' project has come via a bit of magic and clever alchemy but it’s simple practicality and industry reflecting how BossaNova can bring projects to reality in this era. Curve already had something in early development which chimed with how SBS and Channel 4 wanted a series like this to look and feel. Who knows, if it works for all parties, there may be more. As for 'Greatest Escapes of World War 2', Perpetual Entertainment has succeeded in delivering a fresh take on some of the most iconic stories of the Second World War.”

Peter Andrews, Head of Network Programming Television & Online Content at SBS Australia, said: “SBS Australia’s audience are fascinated by well-authored, well-researched 'mystery docs' like 'Mysteries Of...' Once we heard the amazing news that our friends at Channel 4 were also interested, we were pretty much at 'greenlighting' the project. I’m expecting this series to resonate really well with our core-history and factual-loving audience, the curious-minded audience, and across both linear & digital platforms.”