Osmosis Global packs Houdini AI doc, DiCaprio’s Checkpoint Zoo for Mipcom

Eli Shibley (left) and Chris Grant

US-based distribution company Osmosis Global is heading to Mipcom with a slate that includes an animal rescue doc executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, a pair of shock docs from Canada’s CBC and a docuseries that promises to bring Harry Houdini back to life.

Checkpoint Zoo, produced by Appian Way, follows a team of zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to save thousands of animals trapped in a zoo behind enemy lines amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The company, led by founder Chris Grant and president Eli Shibley and set up in late 2023, is also shopping Big Feminine Energy and Harder, Better, Faster Stronger, both produced by Toronto-based Peacock Alley TV for the CBC.

The former explores the cultural movements around feminine identity that have gathered steam and invited controversy, while the latter investigates the modern state of masculinity.

Also on the slate is We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th, a doc that reconstructs the attack on the Nova Music Festival in southern Israel with unprecedented access to recorded footage and exclusive interviews with survivors, capturing the raw emotions and heroism that emerged amidst massive confusion and chaos. The project is produced by BBC Storyville, MGM Television, Fullwell 73 (Bitachon 365), Sipur Studios and HSCC.

Other documentary titles handled by Osmosis Global include O.J. Speaks: The Hidden Tapes and The Secret Tapes of the O.J. Case: The Untold Story, both produced by ABS Productions for A&E.

In docuseries and multi-part docs, Osmosis Global is selling Houdini: The Greatest Illusion (3×60’, Red Rock Films), a three-part project that will “resurrect” Harry Houdini through the use of AI. The project is set to premiere in autumn 2026 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Houdini’s death. US rights have already been taken by an unnamed US broadcaster, while other worldwide rights are available.

Osmosis Global is also handling sales of a pair of titles produced by Texas Crew Productions for Fox Nation. The first, Hunting Bundy: Chase for the Devil (3×60’), uses never-before-seen documents, photos and evidence to show how Ted Bundy was ultimately brought to justice. The second, Scammed: Getting Even (6×60’), profiles a team of specialists who help clients track down SMS and internet scammers and bring them to justice.

A pair of docuseries from Paramount’s See It Now Studios will also be showcased in Cannes by Osmosis Global. The Wild (4×60’), a true-crime wildlife thriller, reveals the life and crimes of Dawie Groenewald, the indicted kingpin of a global rhino horn trafficking syndicate, as he faces active investigations. Thirst Trap: The Fame. The Fantasy. The Fallout (2×60), produced by See It Now Studios, APG Pictures and Anonymous Content, exposes the cult following of TikTok star Will White. Paramount+ has the rights in the US and Canada.

Also on the slate is UK reality series House of Sim (10×60’), following Chloe Sims (The Only Way Is Essex) and her family as they move from the UK to Hollywood.

“In this fractured media landscape, Osmosis is laser focused on the highest-impact content – shows and feature docs that captivate and grow audiences through dynamic storytelling,” said Grant and Shibley in a statement.