Banijay Rights to handle global sales for 72 Films’ Boris Johnson docuseries

Boris

Banijay Rights has acquired global distribution rights to Boris (working title), the docuseries from Fremantle-owned UK prodco 72 Films, which chronicles the rise and fall of former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The 4 x 60-minute series, which will debut on Channel 4 in the UK, utilises a combination of archive footage and access interviews with those who know Johnson to give greater insight into his actions, his ambition and the real events that have shaped modern British politics.

Executive produced by 72 Films’ David Glover, the series divulges how the seeds of political rivalries still being felt in British politics all began in the corridors at Eton, where Johnson beat David Cameron to the prestigious role of School Captain, and how he sharpened his skills whilst campaigning for Student President at Oxford.

It also explores his rise and rise as a politician, becoming mayor of London and finally achieving his dream job: Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Simon Cox, EVP of content & acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said that the series will provide “a deep insight into one of the UK’s most mystifying and controversial political leaders, revealing how early life events shaped Boris Johnson’s character right up to his tenure as the country’s most powerful man.”

Fremantle acquired a majority stake in David Glover and Mark Raphael’s 72 Films last year. The UK prodco is behind titles including Amazon Prime Video’s All Or Nothing: Arsenal and BBC’s The Elon Musk Show.

Banijay Rights, meanwhile, is in the process of integrating Beyond International’s rights team and catalogue, following the company’s acquisition by Banijay last month. As reported by TBI last week, the majority of Beyond International’s rights team is to be let go.

Banijay Rights has also recently extended its first-look development deal with UK factual specialist Proper Content for a further two years. Under the new agreement, the two companies will continue to develop and produce series for the UK and international markets,as exclusivley revealed by TBI.