Planete+ orders First World War documentary from Pernel Media

1914, Summer in Hell (4×60’) will use colourised archive

MIPTV: Canal+ Group-owned thematic channel Planete+ has greenlit Paris-based Pernel Media to produce a docudrama series recounting the first summer of World War I from the perspective of the soldiers and civilians working on the frontlines.

1914, Summer in Hell (4×60’) will use colourised archive, dramatic reconstruction and recreated interviews of soldiers in their native French, German and English languages “to take viewers to the very heart of the brutal action as war erupted in Europe,” said the producers.

The executive producer for Pernel Media is Fabrice Frank, who joined Pernel from Elephant & Cie in 2019, while directorial duties will be handled by Nicky Bolster (Greatest Events of WWII in Colour), Lars Blumers (Mike) and Philippe Saada (Munich 1972 – Of Games & Blood).

Documentary channel Planete+ airs on the digital terrestrial TV network in France. In Canada, a local version entitled Planète+ Canada is distributed by Thema Canada, a Canadian distribution company also owned by Canal+ Group.

“Summer 1914 was the tipping point into horror for millions of people around the world. The story of this dreadful summer is told by those who found themselves caught up in that terrible escalation: the soldiers sent to the battlefield and civilians working on the frontline,” said Frank.