BBC Select Commissions Woodcut Series Ancients

Woodcut Media and its distribution arm Woodcut International have announced Ancients: The Greatest Finds, a new factual documentary series commissioned by BBC Select.

Currently in production, the 6 x 45’ series will be showcased to international buyers at the forthcoming MIPCOM market, with Woodcut International handling worldwide sales.

Ancients: The Greatest Finds explores how archaeology has reshaped understanding of the ancient world across a 4,000-year span beginning with the pivotal shift from nomadic hunter-gatherers to settled societies. Through six themed episodes — Cities, Belief, Warfare, Innovation, Exploration and Entertainment — the series examines landmark discoveries to reveal how ancient people lived, worshipped, fought, explored and entertained themselves, and how their societies were formed.

The series is produced by André Holzinger, with Kate Beal and Tom Adams serving as executive producers. It was ordered by Michael DiMattesa for BBC Select, with the deal brokered by Sophie Judge for BBC Studios Distribution and Diane Tripp for Woodcut International.

Michael DiMattesa, Head of Programming & Content Strategy, BBC Select said: "BBC Select audiences have a proven appetite for comprehensive, definitive histories. This series pairs that editorial approach with a highly returnable format, inviting audiences back each episode to explore key societal themes through some of archaeology’s greatest discoveries. We are excited to partner with Woodcut Media on this authoritative guide to the ancient world."

André Holzinger, Series Producer, said: "Archaeology offers a fascinating window into the ancient world, revealing how different cultures and societies lived, believed and shaped their world across the ages. We are delighted to be working on such a fascinating series, exploring remarkable stories from across the globe, from the Maya ball game at Chichén Itzá in Mexico and Tutankhamun in Egypt to Pompeii in Italy and Dura Europos in Syria."

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