BBC Sets Feature On Tragic Fire At Bradford Soccer Match; Create Advertising Ups Trio; ABC Buys ‘Bergerac’ – Global Briefs

By Max Goldbart, Jesse Whittock

November 25, 2024 2:52am

BBC Sets Feature On Fire At Bradford Soccer Match

The BBC is making a feature doc about a tragic fire at a Bradford soccer match that preceded the Hillsborough disaster. On the 40th anniversary of the tragedy, the BBC said Unforgotten: The Bradford City Fire (working title) will provide “the definitive record of a forgotten tragedy, as told through the compelling personal testimony of those who were there, many of whom speak here for the first time.” The fire is believed to have been started by a discarded cigarette or match at half time of Bradford City’s game with Lincoln City in 1985. The number of lives lost reached 56 and the event made headlines around the world but has since been somewhat forgotten, overshadowed by the Hillsborough disaster that took place four years later. Simon Young, BBC Head of Commissioning, History, said: “This film gets at the heart of a modern dilemma. In a world where everything is recorded on film, how do we sensitively remember and commemorate? What should remain off limits? And how do we ensure that a tragedy is marked and the lessons learned for future generations? It’s an honour to be working on this project with the people of Bradford to ensure that this anniversary is not forgotten.” The feature is being produced by UK indie acme tv.

Create Advertising Ups London Trio

EXCLUSIVE: Hollywood entertainment marketing agency Create Advertising has upped a trio of London-based execs. Suneil Beri, founder of Create’s UK office and its leader for the past 14 years, is returning to the LA headquarters with a new EVP, Executive Creative Director, with current Associate Director and VP Vijay Sodhi promoted to Managing Director in London. Also in the UK office, Rosh Thanki has been promoted to Global Creative Director of Social and Digital, which will see her head teams in London and LA. Beri’s new role will mean overseeing creative standards, developing talent in the agency and further reach across clients and campaigns worldwide. He will also maintain corporate oversight of the London office, with Sodhi handling the day-to-day operations. “Suneil brings a wealth of experience and expertise from setting up our London creative arm, and we are excited that his increased presence will expand our offering to all of our clients,” said Jonathan Gitlin, President of Create Advertising Group. Create is known for campaigns on Venom: The Last Dance, Baby Reindeer and Guardians of the Galaxy 3 among others.

Australia’s ABC Snaps Up ‘Hardacres’ & ‘Bergerac‘

Australia’s ABC has struck a content deal with Banijay Rights for the likes of family saga The Hardacres and the Bergerac reboot. The agreement also comprises Welsh crime drama The One That Got Away, the forthcoming Grantchester season 10 and documentary series Picasso. The deal was negotiated by Lyle Bettson-Barker, SVP Sales, Australia and New Zealand, Banijay Rights, who said:“From gripping thrillers and period dramas to fascinating documentaries, we’re in no doubt this incredible ensemble of premium Banijay Rights programmes will captivate viewers across Australia. With such a strong and genre diverse line up of scripted offerings, partnerships like this are a testament to our depth and breadth.  Once again, we’re proud to secure this deal with our partners at the ABC.” Deadline revealed prior to MIPCOM that Banijay had sold The Hardacres to a wealth of territories including BritBox in Australia, meaning it is now available on two different platforms in the nation.