WildBear Entertainment has announced a collaboration between German public broadcaster ZDF and ZDF/Arte, a joint venture between European Cultural Channel Arte, due to a historic fact series, a fatal conflict.
A fatal conflict, consisting of two 90-minute films or 60-minute episodes, explores two cataclysmic wars through the lens of ambitious rival leaders and their strategy and ideas, bringing viewers to a time and place where they are balanced in the future.
The first film, Xerxes v Themistocles, focuses on the second Greco-Persian War, a conflict of power and power in which democratic ideals oppose authoritarianism. The second Hannibal v Scipio examines the second Ponic War between Rome and Carthage, detailing the famous battles Scipio Aemilianus and Hannibal Barca fought.
International historians provide the basis for stories and provide a variety of interpretations of ancient source materials. This mixes with WildBear’s designs and recreational, premium footage and dynamic battle maps created by VFX Studio.
Nik Wansbrough directs the series and features executive production of Craig Meade from WildBear Entertainment.
Still from “fatal conflict”
The joint production agreement between WildBear and ZDF/Arte was broken by Wild-Bear’s international agent Edwina Thring, with ZDF Studios gaining international distribution rights.
ZDF/Arte senior editor Peter Allenbacher said the series gives equal weight to both sides of the conflict, allowing audiences to “judge themselves and thereby participate in a thrilling story.”
“We are pleased to partner with WildBear Entertainment to collaborate on this epic new history series,” he said.
“The fatal conflict not only provides pivotal moments and key players with great new insights in ancient history, but its production approach also transports viewers to the heart of the action.”
WildBear Entertainment CEO Michael Tear described the fatal conflict as a “really outstanding new history series.”
“We are proud to be our co-production partner, ZDF/Arte, a broadcasting station known for its focus on premium factual content and excellent, rigorous storytelling,” he said.
“The decision to distribute by ZDF Studios is further endorsement of this title and confirms its appeal to the international market.”
Nikolas Huelbusch, director of ZDF Studios Uncapricted, said the company is pleased to be able to “add another gem to the sales catalogue.”
“Our international clients will certainly appreciate a fatal conflict as much as the other WildBear Entertainment documentaries we already distribute,” he said.
