Freemantle and France TV ink production deal on 'Zelensky'

UK-based Freemantle has today (July 11) announced a production deal with France TV for docuseries Zelensky (w/t) from 72 Films and The Open University. 

Zelensky (w/t) takes an unfiltered and personal look at the astounding transformation of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky from comedian to iconic war hero. The three-part series will air on the BBC this autumn, with a 70-minute film on France Télévisions as part of their documentary strand Le Monde En Face.

David Glover is executive producing for 72 Films, in partnership with The Open University, and Michael Waldman is directing the series.

The docuseries examines Zelensky’s transformation from comedy actor to war commander, artfully combining his performer skills in his addresses and monopolising the media conversation to become one of the most recognised leaders on the planet.

For the production, 72 Films travelled to Ukraine to capture on-the-ground footage, featuring frank interviews with Zelensky and his wife First Lady Olena Zelenska. 

Fremantle holds the worldwide distribution rights for the docuseries, which will premiere later in the year on France 5 and france.tv and on BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK.

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