"Route 66"
Espresso Media is bringing more than 20 new factual titles to MIPCOM 2025, including Sky UK and Sky Italia’s original crime-meets-history docuseries, "The Man Who Wanted to Change the World" (2x60'). This gripping 2-part series tells the incredible story of Mauro Rostango – an iconic political activist, spiritual guru, guerilla journalist and symbol for the struggle against the Italian Mafia, who was eventually murdered by the Mafia in 1988. In factual entertainment, "Route 66" (16x50') joins the slate in time for the centenary of the USA’s most iconic highway in 2026. Also in production is a stunning, aerial series, "Britain’s Rivers from Above" (12x45’), spotlighting the beauty and ongoing importance of Britain’s waterways, now available for pre-sales (pilot ready to screen). Popular Discovery series "High Altitude Carpenters" is also returning for a 5th (10x44’) season, with season 4 (8x44’) available for license now.
New science also features on the slate. "The Cost of Convenience" (1x92’) is a gripping, globe spanning inquiry into how the internet’s promise of friction free living mutated into a surveillance driven attention economy that rewires brains and destabilises democracy. In addition, Espresso is representing sports title, "Ski Dreams" (1x50’) in time for release for the Winter Olympic Games.
New world affairs titles include "The Forbidden University" (1x82’/ 1x52’) and "Poised" (1x97’) a BIFA-qualifying documentary endorsed by the mental health charity MIND.
Besides, A&E commissioned series "Addiction Unplugged" (10x21’) goes beyond the headlines, stigma and stereotypes surrounding addiction to examine everything from the opioid crisis and stories of recovery to drug policy. "The Green Desert" (1x55’ / 1x85’) which is currently airing on PBS, uncovers the escalating battle for the Colorado River’s dwindling water, as farmers and growing cities clash over a vital resource crucial to America’s food security and survival.
The indie distributor has also picked up premium wildlife documentary, "Outside the Frame" (1x52’ / 1x62’) which follows wildlife photographers across the world. This joins wildlife titles "Montana Ranchers: The Quest for Harmony" (1x46’), which showcases ranchers balancing livestock production with conservation, and "Bee-Kept" (1x50’) an exploration of the ancient practice of beekeeping.
Finally, two brand new titles centred on women’s stories have been picked up. "Tough Old Broads" (1x90’ / 1x54’) is an uplifting documentary following three trailblazing older women. Meanwhile, "Shades of Survival" (1x95’ / 1x52’ / 4x25’) – a powerful global journey through cancer, inequity and resilience – spotlights the fight for health equity for Black women across three continents.
Colette Webber, Acquisitions Manager at Espresso commented, “We’re very proud of the slate we’re bringing to MIPCOM and the breadth of content on offer – from premium wildlife and history to fact-ent and world affairs. It reflects our commitment to curating distinctive, high-quality storytelling across factual genres and highlights Espresso’s strong partnerships with talented independent producers worldwide.”
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