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Go Button Media greenlit for two new series by Cineflix Rights, Super Channel

As it celebrates 10 years in business, Canadian independent producer Go Button Media is going into production on two new factual series: ‘War Trains’ and ‘Ancient Disasters’. Both have been recently greenlit by long-standing Go Button collaborators, international distributor Cineflix Rights and Canadian broadcaster Super Channel, and form part of a 60-hour slate deal announced last year.

‘War Trains’ takes an unprecedented look at the importance of the train in shaping the outcomes of modern conflict. From heroic freight missions to the mobilisation of great armies and from daring rescues to trains as weapons, the series examines defining moments in railway history that prove the train’s significance as a vital cog in the military machine.

‘Ancient Disasters’ is a visually stunning and cinematic series that revisits the earthquakes, fires, floods and plagues endured by ancient civilisations and reveals new evidence that shows, while these natural catastrophes were beyond their control, their responses could be complex and often chilling.

Felicia Litovitz, VP, Acquisitions North America, Cineflix Rights, says: “Go Button has been a great partner for Cineflix Rights, consistently providing high-quality ideas which we can work together on to deliver multiple series with global appeal, and whose continuing success is demonstrated through these latest deals with National Geographic.”

Kim Ball, chief content officer at Super Channel, adds: “Our partnership with Go Button Media has grown stronger over the past decade. We’re delighted to continue to work alongside Daniel and the team, who consistently deliver compelling, high-quality series, and remain a valued partner. Congratulations on 10 successful years.”

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Go Button Media grabs new greenlights, Nat Geo Int’l pickups

Mysteries of Ancient Medicine

Cineflix Rights and Super Channel have greenlit two new factual series from Toronto’s Go Button Media, War Trains (8 x 60 min.) and Ancient Disasters (10 x 60 min.), both of which are now heading into production.

The series orders are part of Go Button’s 60-hour slate deal with the two companies, which was announced last June. Cineflix Rights, the U.K.-based distribution arm of Cineflix Media, functions as the international distributor, while Super Channel is the Canadian broadcaster.

War Trains explores the role of the train in modern warfare. The series combines archival footage, interviews with historians and engineers and CGI recreations to cover the evolution of trains and their impact in landmark battles and conflicts around the globe.

Ancient Disasters examines natural catastrophes that devastated ancient civilizations, and how each society responded. It combines CGI, dramatizations and testimonials from experts to explain the science behind disasters such as the Great Fire of Rome, and analyzes why some societies could recover from these calamities while others could not.

Go Button has also announced that two previously greenlit series under the slate deal — Mysteries of Ancient Medicine (pictured, 10 x 60 min.) and Oracles and Prophets (10 x 60 min.) — have been bought by National Geographic International.

“It feels right to mark the start of Go Button’s 10th anniversary year by going into production on two such powerful series, in collaboration with two of our most enduring partnerships,” said Daniel Oron, co-founder and executive producer of Go Button Media, in a release.

(From Jamie Casemore, Playback Daily; Fire in Rome painting by Hubert Robert)

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ZDF Studios’ Into the Universe

Since humans first raised questioning eyes to the stars, each scientific discovery has unveiled new mysteries about the cosmos. Into the Universe delves into these astronomical enigmas, exploring the cycles that shape the sky, from the birth of spiral galaxies to the dramatic deaths of massive stars.

This series poses profound questions, such as whether the universe has a beginning and an end or if it is infinite. The answers may be found in the invisible forces that permeate 95 percent of space—dark energy and dark matter.

Scientists use physics and quantum mechanics to solve these problems, but with phenomena such as black holes, their calculations don’t always bring clarity. Closer to home, astronomers investigate whether, in a universe brimming with galaxies, life is unique to Earth or if aliens might exist elsewhere.

ZDF - Into the Universe

Into the Universe is more than a science documentary—it’s a cinematic journey through the greatest mysteries of existence,” says Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted at ZDF Studios. “With its global appeal, stunning visuals and thought-provoking storytelling, this series is perfectly positioned to captivate audiences across platforms and territories. We’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary exploration of space, time and life to viewers around the world.”

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Go Button Media’s The Animal Within greenlit for second season

Toronto-based Go Button Media has received the greenlight for a second season of The Animal Within.

The approval comes from its Munich-based distributor Autentic – which holds global rights to the series excluding Canada – and the series’ Canadian broadcast partner Super Channel.

The 6 x 60-minute series enters production in March and is set for release later this year, according to a Friday (Feb. 21) release. The series combines science and natural history to explore the inner workings of some of Earth’s most fascinating creatures.

The Animal Within was first commissioned by Autentic in October 2020. In December 2021, Edmonton-headquartered Super Channel extended its partnership with Go Button in the form of four more factual series, including the acquisition of The Animal Within.

In September 2024, Go Button Media announced that it will deliver six series through a partnership with Autentic and Super Channel. The second season of The Animal Within represents one of those commissions, with Secrets of Ancient Structures (6 x 60 minutes) named the first to come out of the agreement and which is set to air this summer. In total, Go Button will deliver a 36-hour factual slate through six series, each six hours in length, over the next three years.

Both series are part of Autentic Distributions’ London TV Screenings slate, which runs from Feb. 24 to 28.

The first 6 x 60-minute season of The Animal Within was licensed by Autentic to more than 20 territories, with broadcasters such as National Geographic and Japan’s NHK.

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Powerful Fall/Winter Slate of documentaries for MIPCOM 2024

Autentic Distribution proudly unveils its exciting new fall/winter lineup for MIPCOM, offering over 100 brand-new hours of documentaries and factual series spanning a variety of genres. The new catalogue features hard-hitting current affairs, captivating explorations of nature and wildlife, fascinating history, and in-depth arts and lifestyle stories. With several flagship productions from Autentic Studios, the new slate promises to captivate audiences worldwide. 

History: Allure of Legendary Destinations and Social Hotspots 
Adding to the lineup, Deadly Science II (6 × 52′), produced by Go Button Media with Autentic Studios, unearths the human costs behind major scientific breakthroughs, revealing how innovation throughout history often came at a steep price. 

Science & Technology: Exploring Innovation and Human Perception 
Titans of Defense (6 × 52′) produced by Go Button Media with Autentic Studios, ventures into the high-tech realm of military innovation, revealing the world’s most advanced and powerful technologies, from supersonic aircraft to state-of-the-art drones and cutting-edge defense systems. 

Cineflix Rights has unveiled its MIPCOM 2024 factual slate, spanning new lifestyle, renovation and food and travel franchises; blue-chip history and science documentaries; and new seasons of hit brands.

Alien Corridors (Go Button Media for Super Channel and Hearst Networks) examines the world’s hotspots of intergalactic visitation.

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Go Button strikes slate deal with Autentic and Super Channel for new series

Toronto-based prodco Go Button Media has struck a new slate deal with factual distributor and producer Autentic and Super Channel, Go Button’s long-standing Canadian broadcast partner, for the delivery of six series, each six hours long, over the next three years.

According to a release announcing the deal, the agreement is intended to encourage cost efficiencies in production and operations while ensuring that the budget stays on screen, guaranteeing an effective and creative pipeline for all three partners. The deal will leverage Go Button’s expertise in producing science, wildlife, history and engineering content while also capitalizing on Autentic’s experience in both the editorial development and international distribution of factual content. 

The first greenlit title under the deal is Secrets of Ancient Structures (pictured, 6 x 60 min.), which examines some of the most remarkable achievements by ancient civilizations, from huge medieval fortresses to deep crypts and catacombs. The series will seek to dispel myths and unravel mysteries by piecing together clues from modern science and ancient artifacts. 

Secrets of Ancient Structures will deliver in summer 2025, with Autentic handling international distribution outside of Canada.