Fremantle has acquired the global distribution rights to “My Life As Roger Moore,” a feature documentary offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the charismatic actor who redefined the role of James Bond. Produced by Whynow Studios (“Coco Chanel Unbuttoned”), the documentary is set to air on BBC TWO and iPlayer later this year.
“My Life As Roger Moore” takes viewers back to a golden age of cinema, tracing Moore’s unlikely rise from a young knitwear model to an era-defining icon. It shows how Moore refined his persona as a debonair, seasoned man-about-town, and finally won his breakthrough role as Bond. As gender and social roles evolved in the seventies, Moore infused the traditionally macho tough-guy role of the British spy with style, sophistication and natural charisma during his Bond debut in the 1973 smash hit, “Live and Let Die,” redefining Bond for a new generation.
The documentary has been made in collaboration with Moore’s estate and family, offering unprecedented access to never-before-seen personal archives, including letters and home movies. Viewers will see exclusive interviews with his three children – Geoffrey, Deborah and Christian as well as interviews with friends, colleagues and co-stars.
Céire Clark, Senior Acquisitions Manager, International, Fremantle, said: “Partnering with Whynow Studios, BBC and the Moore family on ‘My Life As Roger Moore’ is an incredible opportunity for us at Fremantle. We’re excited to share the fascinating journey of this legendary actor with audiences. This documentary honours Roger’s legacy and sheds light on how he revitalised the role of Bond and left an indelible mark on cinema history.”
Janet Lee, Head of Content, Whynow Studios, added: “Whynow Studios is delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the BBC and Fremantle to tell the story of one of Britain’s best loved Bonds. Roger’s style, wit and humility shone through everything he did - people genuinely loved him. With one raised eyebrow we tell the story of how Roger Moore the civilian became Roger Moore the superstar both on and off the screen.”
Moreover, Fremantle announced a multitude of global deals for the drama series "Nightsleeper" that will see the thriller launch in 147 territories worldwide. Joining the previously announced TF1 (France) are the likes of M-Net (Africa), VRT (Belgium), HRT (Croatia), CyBC (Cyprus), DR (Denmark), Yle (Finland), COSMOTE TV (Greece), RUV (Iceland), HOT (Israel), Cellcom (Israel), Yes (Israel), LTV (Latvia), NPO (Netherlands), NRK (Norway), Canais TVCine – NOS (Portugal), Movistar Plus+ (Spain), SVT (Sweden), RTS (Switzerland), Stan (Australia), WOWOW (Japan), Three (New Zealand), PBS Ltd (Malta) and Universal+ (Latin America).
The raft of global sales follows recent successful launches in the UK, Australia, and France to critical acclaim. In the UK, the series was a big hit for the BBC with episode one recording a mammoth 8.5 million viewers (28-day figure), making it one of the UK's most watched dramas of the year. Viewership continues to surge as the series has audiences gripped, with its captivating storylines drawing viewers back for more.
Jens Richter, CEO Commercial and International, Fremantle said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with such an exciting mix of esteemed global broadcasters to continue introducing Nightsleeper to audiences around the world. The series delivers pulse-pounding action, unpredictable twists, whilst featuring the exceptional talents of Joe Cole, Alexandra Roach, and an outstanding ensemble cast. It has become a firm favourite amongst critics and audiences not only in the UK, but oversees too, and we’re confident it will continue to resonate with fans across every market.’’
Kate Harwood, Executive Producer, said: “Nick Leather and I are thrilled to hear that our train has arrived successfully into so many global territories. 'Nightsleeper' was a demanding production, but its success has been immensely satisfying and fun to experience.”
"Nightsleeper" is a real-time thriller about the hacking of a sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London, and a government agency’s frantic efforts to intervene in the rapidly escalating events onboard. Can two people who’ve never met, one on the train and one not, work together to save the lives of its disparate group of passengers as the Heart of Britain overnight service hurtles towards what might quite literally be its final destination?