FremantleMedia to fill the floor with factual at NATPE 2006

Fremantle International Distribution (FID), the distribution arm of leading global content company FremantleMedia, is set to return to the floor at NATPE 2006, bringing with it a raft of world-class factual titles, said David Ellender, Managing Director of Fremantle International Distribution.
Heading FID’s factual programming slate at NATPE 2006 will be 'Hannibal: Enemy of Rome'. This film, which uses the latest research and cutting-edge visual effects, follows one of the greatest military commanders of all time, Hannibal, as he brought Rome to its knees and transformed the western world. Driven by honour, glory and a determination to fulfil his father's legacy, Hannibal's personal struggle took him on an epic journey. With his unique army, including 37 battle elephants, Hannibal crossed the Alps and crushed every army Rome threw at him, culminating in the 'perfect battle' of Cannae. Hannibal was a great success when it aired on Five in the UK, gaining an audience of 1.4 million, 26 per cent higher than the slot average.
FID continues the historical theme with 'Catherine The Great'. The life of one of Russia's most brilliant rulers, 'Catherine The Great' is the subject of this thrilling drama documentary. This lavishly filmed biography tells the story of Catherine's glorious reign and how she strove to modernise Russia, with new ideas on health and education and waged wars in her ruthless quest for expansion. Her lover, Prince Potemkin became co-ruler, during their obsessive and tempestuous affair. Drawing on Catherine's intimate memoirs and personal letters, actress Emily Bruni brings to life one of history's most powerful and passionate women. When Catherine The Great aired on BBC2 in the UK, it reached an audience of 2.7 million viewers, 46 per cent higher than the primetime average.
The depth of FID’s factual catalogue is exemplified with 'Love On The Rocks'. Steering a safe path through the relationship minefield is not for the faint of heart. Surviving in a committed partnership takes more than just love, and this new series examines the reality of loving, living together and learning ways to make a relationship last. In each episode, brave couples put their love to the test as relationship experts Dr. Ian Kerner and therapist Shannon Fox evaluate their personal lives.
Things get even more personal in 'The Sex Inspectors'. With expert help, this revealing series looks under the bedsheets to help couples with their sexual problems and frustrations. Is it the arrival of children, or are they just not pressing the right buttons? In each episode a couple will be intimately observed by 'sexperts' Tracey Cox and Michael Alveir, as they look for some practical advice on how to spice up their love lives. Launched in the UK in November 2004, 'The Sex Inspectors' proved an instant success, ranking No. 1 for key target demographics.
David Ellender commented: “The calibre of factual programming that we bring to NATPE is second to none and, combined with our excellent entertainment slate, promise the variety and quality that buyers at NATPE will be looking for.”
(CD)