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FremantleMedia, Impossible Pictures ink exclusive deal
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has inked a significant deal with leading UK independent producer, Impossible Pictures, the multi-award winning creators of the Walking With Dinosaurs series.
FremantleMedia’s distribution and licensing arms – Fremantle International Distribution (FID) and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW) respectively – are involved in a comprehensive deal for the keenly awaited, brand new six-part series Prehistoric Park, to be created by Impossible Pictures. Prehistoric Park is a co-production between ITV (UK), Animal Planet (US), M6 (France) and ProSieben (Germany).
Scheduled for delivery to the UK’s ITV1 in 2006, Prehistoric Park will be one of the channel’s most ambitious factual productions ever. As co-financers, FID has acquired the worldwide distribution rights (excluding France and Germany) to the series, adding the title to their ever increasing catalogue of top factual programming.
As part of the deal, FLW will handle the licensing rights to the series including DVD, merchandising and publishing rights.
Prehistoric Park is the very latest CGI-driven project from Impossible Pictures, featuring natural history frontman Nigel Marven. Impossible Pictures had a major success with Walking with Dinosaurs, which was a smash hit when it launched on the BBC in 2002 and went on to be a worldwide ratings winner.
Prehistoric Park will feature stunning scenery from some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on earth – from history and today – as Marven is seen to travel back in time to rescue species before they die out and brings them into the 21st century. Working alongside historical experts and scientists, viewers will see Marven determine the bite-strength of a modern-day crocodile as well as that of its Cretaceous cousin. Marven’s prehistoric charges will ultimately rub shoulders with the current inhabitants of a wildlife sanctuary with whom their habits and habitats will be compared.
Fremantle International Distribution MD David Ellender said, “Impossible Pictures is a valuable addition to FID’s slate of top-end producers. The recognition they have earned for their incredible CGI-based programming is well-deserved and far-reaching. Prehistoric Park is an amazing and truly original concept, featuring an incredibly well respected and world-renowned expert in Nigel Marven. With a theme that is both timeless and of interest to all age groups, I anticipate a lot of interest in the show from global broadcasters.”
FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide CEO Simon Spalding added, “Impossible Pictures are, without a doubt, one of the pre-eminent producers of high-end factual programming. We are very excited to have secured the licensing and merchandising rights for such a perennially collectable show.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
