RTÉ Programme Sales announced sales for a feature plus one hour doc and a comedy series to broadcasters in the UK and Europe. The 1 x 60’ doc from True Films "Birdsong," billed by the Telegraph newspaper in the UK as ‘life affirming.,’ has been acquired by Arte in France and Germany and by BBC4 where it aired last week to critical acclaim. "The Cable that Changed the World," (1x60/1x90) is a Tyrone Films / Create One co-production for RTÉ, Arte and BBC NI has been sold to RAI in Italy and YLE in Finland. On the comedy front, BBC NI and BBC iPlayer has acquired 18 x 30’ "Hardy Bucks."
Edel Edwards, head of programme sales at RTÉ said: "The response to 'Birdsong' has been what we would expect of such a remarkable piece of work. There is so much to explore in its intricate layers, from the degradation of our biodiversity, the beautiful ways neurodiversity can create niche talents for people, all the way to the majesty of murmuration. 'The Cable that Changed the World' is also a film that reveals so many layers of history and scientific innovation under what appears to be a little-known subject. 'Hardy Bucks' on the other hand is mockumentary on small-town Irish life that underlines the unique Irish ability to not take ourselves too seriously. We’re immensely proud of all of these shows and gratified that prestigious European broadcasters and audiences can appreciate them too."
"Birdsong" follows ornithologist Seán Ronayne's unique mission to record the call of every one of the 200 bird species in Ireland - illustrating the beauty and importance of sound, and what listening can tell us about the state of our natural world. Often joined by his partner Alba, Seán travels to some of the country’s most beautiful and remote locations to capture its most elusive species and soundscapes using his hypersensitivity to sound which has proven both a struggle and a strength. In February the film won Best Story award at the European Wildlife Film Awards in Germany, had its North American premiere at the prestigious Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula before screening at a number of US events including the Capital Irish Film Festival, San Francisco Irish Film Festival, Emerald City Irish Film Festival and Princeton Environmental Film Festival.
"The Cable that Changed the World" narrated by award winning actor and singer Jessie Buckley, explores the story of the first transatlantic communications cable to traverse the ocean floor, from Valentia Island, Ireland to Newfoundland, Canada, 165 years ago.
"Hardy Bucks" is a comedy which follows the fictional exploits of a group of 20 something slacker lads living in a small fictional town in Ireland “Castletown” and their attempt to find “fun” wherever that may be while trying to make something of their lives using what limited means they have.
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