News

London, 27th July 2023: A+E Networks EMEA is pleased to announce a new six-part series, Dictators’ Hideouts, produced by Inbornmedia, a TV production company based in Warsaw. 

Through meticulous research and expert interviews, this ground-breaking series will offer an unprecedented insight into luxurious mansions and ominous shelters shrouded in the darkness of secrets used by some of the world’s most notorious dictators to evade capture and exercise control over their nations.

Each episode of Dictators’ Hideouts will focus on the private sanctuary of a different European autocrat – Albanian “strong man” Enver Hoxha, Viktor Yanukovych, Nicolae Ceausescu from Romania, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Joseph Stalin.  Viewers will be taken on a visual journey through the construction and design of the remote palaces, underground bunkers, and fortified compounds that served both as symbols of power and retreats from the outside world.

Dan Korn, VP of Programming at A+E Networks EMEA, said, “With Europe once again plunged into conflict, it’s fascinating to look back at what these edifices and fortresses tell us about the mind-sets and paranoia of European rulers and tyrants of yesteryear.”

With access to rare archival footage, expert analysis, and first-hand accounts from those who witnessed these dictators' reigns, Dictators’ Hideouts will comprehensively examine the psychological and political implications revealed by the architectural features and designs of these uniquely shocking hideaways.

Christian Hensgens, Channel Manager NTV at RTL Germany, said, “We look for historical content that seems timely in its premise and contemporary in its production, enabling new ways of looking at things. Dictators’ Hideouts presents viewers with a dark and yet fascinating world that’s often shrouded in mystery, alongside notorious historical figures. By giving unprecedented access through CGI, this series will deliver perfectly to our demands. We are looking forward to bringing this exceptional series to our viewers and building upon NTV’s strong vertical in history and current affairs programming.”

Sales for the series are being spearheaded by Sam Thompson at Instrumental and included NTV Germany as pre-buyers.

Maciej Pawelczyk, CEO of Inbornmedia, said, “As a company headquartered in CEE, we are uniquely positioned to delve into subjects concerning World War II and the Cold War. Attracting major networks to a project of this kind isn't easy; however, we have succeeded thanks to our partners in A+E Networks EMEA, NTV, and Instrumental. We think the show is well timed given a resurgence of autocratic leadership around the world, and we hope our viewers will enjoy learning about this very relevant history.’’

Sam Thompson, of Instrumental Media, spearheaded the distribution efforts for Dictators’ Hideouts, said, “The team at Inborn have a unique eye for history content and a new voice in storytelling.  I think Dictators’ Hideouts is very relevant, and the show promises to give viewers a look behind the curtain and reveal secrets and mysteries too’’. 

Dictators Hideouts will debut on Sky HISTORY in the UK, the HISTORY® Channel in Poland, Romania, and other CEE countries, and NTV and will be available for international distribution in 2024.
 

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For more information, please contact:

Barbara Pianca at A+E Networks EMEA, barbara.pianca@aenetworks.co.uk

 

About A+E Networks EMEA

At A+E Networks EMEA, we share stories that matter everywhere, anywhere. A leader in factual entertainment, our compelling, award-winning content connects with millions across the UK, Nordics, Benelux, Germany, Italy, Spain, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Our portfolio of premium brands – The HISTORY® Channel, Crime + Investigation®, HISTORY2®, BLAZE®, and COSMO TV® - inspire and excite viewers with hit franchises (Forged in Fire), must-see dramas (Vikings) and original commissions (The Hunt for Baltic Gold and Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter). Our stories are global and local, linear, and digital, and always compelling. With offices in London, Rome, Madrid, Warsaw, Munich, and Johannesburg, we are a truly international company that celebrates difference and diversity.

About NTV

NTV is Germany's leading free-to-air news and documentary channel. It is a commercial broadcaster and part of RTL Deutschland, the largest unit of the European entertainment company RTL Group. The Cologne-based channel engages in news and documentary content, both on- and offline. Dedicated cross-media coverage, the largest share of economic news in German television as well as innovative and exclusive documentaries make NTV one of the most important news, documentary and business brands in Germany. Programme investments include a significant amount of prebuys and financing of international documentary projects to ensure exclusive content and outstanding credibility.

About Inbornmedia: Inborn Media is an award-winning TV production company headquartered in Warsaw, Poland.  Producing more than 100 hours annually for a global partner base recent credits include Underground Army for Viasat and Auschwitz in 33 Objects for Polsat. 

About Instrumental: Instrumental Media Rights Ltd is a sales agency with expertise in content financing and distribution. Led by Sam Thompson, the company specializes in connecting exceptional content with global audiences, leveraging strong relationships with broadcasters, platforms, and territories worldwide.