Wildbear Entertainment and ZDF Arte to co-produce "Fatal Conflicts"

Australia’s WildBear Entertainment, has joined ZDF Arte on its latest history series, "Fatal Conflicts", as co-producers and ZDF Studios has acquired the international distribution rights.

Peter Allenbacher, Senior Editor, from ZDF/Arte says: “We are delighted to partner with WildBear Entertainment and co-produce this spectacular new history series. 'Fatal Conflicts' not only provides brilliant new insights to pivotal moments and key players in ancient history, but its production approach will also transport viewers right into the heart of the action, making it a compelling watch and giving a unique understanding of the geopolitics of the time. A new approach will be that in each show, either side is given equal weight to give audiences worldwide the opportunity to judge by themselves and thereby participate in the thrilling narrative.”

"Fatal Conflicts" (2x90’ / 4x60’) is a high-end, repeatable series that explores two cataclysmic wars, both turning points in antiquity, with repercussions that echo throughout the modern era. Through the lens of ambitious rival leaders, their strategies and ideas, each film transports viewers to times and places where the future is balanced on a knife’s edge.

The first film, "Xerxes v Themistocles", covers the Second Greco-Persian War. It details a remarkable battle of wits, strategy, and power; a clash between different ideologies and systems of governance, where democracy is pitted against authoritarianism in a war for the future of Europe.

The second film, "Hannibal v Scipio", explores the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage. At the heart of the conflict were Scipio Aemilianus of Rome and Hannibal Barca of Carthage. The battles they fought are among the most famous of all time, razing cities, eradicating kingdoms, and creating benchmarks for cruelty, death, and tactical ingenuity that have rarely been matched since.

Visually rich and filmic, the Nik Wansbrough-directed series uses a mixed-media approach, incorporating evocative recreations, premium footage, animations, and detailed dynamic landscape and battle maps created by WildBear Entertainment’s highly skilled and rapidly growing design and VFX studio.

Nikolas Huelbusch, Director Unscripted, ZDF Studios adds: “We are delighted to be able to add another gem to our sales catalogue. Our international clients will certainly appreciate 'Fatal Conflicts' as much as the other WildBear Entertainment documentaries that we are already distributing.”

Michael Tear, CEO at WildBear Entertainment, comments: “With 'Fatal Conflicts', Craig, Nik, and the wider team are creating a truly standout new history series, and I am proud that ZDF Arte, a broadcaster known for its focus on premium factual content and excellent, rigorous storytelling, is our co-production partner. The decision for ZDF Studios to distribute is a further endorsement for this title and confirms its appeal for the international marketplace.”