Unscripted round-up: Sheffield DocFest names new MD; Three brings ‘Blow Up’ to NZ; Sky preps ‘Lockerbie’ doc

Annabel Grundy

Sheffield DocFest names new MD

Annabel Grundy has joined Sheffield DocFest as managing director, following the return of the UK documentary festival this June.

Grundy will take up her new position in December from her current role project-managing the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund, a new £7m pa fund from the UK Government designed to support international growth opportunities for the UK Screen Sector. Her role for the last two years included establishing and launching the fund in 2021 as well as financial oversight of international co-production, business development and film sales awards.

As MD of Sheffield DocFest, Grundy will be responsible for the charity’s business affairs, partnerships & fundraising, production & operations as well as audience development.

The role is a new, joint leadership position and will work collaboratively with Raul Niño Zambrano who has moved into the role of acting creative director.

Three brings ‘Blow Up’ to NZ

Three in New Zealand has ordered a local version of Banijay competition format Blow Up.

Screentime New Zealand, part of Banijay, will produce the series, which follows the nation’s best balloon artists battle it out to showcase their skill and creativity.

Within a limited timeframe, the contestants must complete unique challenges and wow the expert judges with their creations.

Philly de Lacey, CEO of Screentime New Zealand commented: “Blow Up is an uplifting, fun and awe-inspiring format. We are excited to bring the only show which showcases the amazing work of balloon artists to New Zealand television.”

Lockerbie

Sky preps ‘Lockerbie’ doc

Sky has ordered a new original documentary series, Lockerbie (working title), about the 1988 terrorist bombing of Pan Am flight 103.

The three-part series has begun production and hails from Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions in association with Sky Studios.

On the night of 21 December 1988, 270 people lost their lives when the plane, which was en route from Frankfurt to Detroit, exploded over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing passengers, crew and residents on the ground.

The documentary will speak to individuals closely linked to the attack and the years-long investigation that followed it.

Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual for Sky said: “The tragedy of Lockerbie still looms large in our recent history, and yet we’ve not seen a long form, forensic deep dive into the story, and nothing which brings it up to the present day.

“The rigorous and thoughtful approach that John and the team are taking leaves me in no doubt this series will do justice to this complex story, and we’re honoured to be bringing it to our customers at Sky.”