Category: Factual
& Arts TV
Date: 24.06.2004
Printable version
For
the first time ever, the BBC are to bring together old adversaries to
work on a series that will tell the untold story of what really happened
during the space race.
In an extraordinary co-production partnership, the team
behind hugely-acclaimed Seven Wonders of the Industrial World,
will bring the Russians and Americans together to create a major new
docu-drama series.
It reveals what really happened behind the scenes during the space race
- charting the whole of the shocking but true story including the ruthless
and brilliant scientists who fuelled it.
Due to be broadcast next year on BBC TWO, Space Race
will also be the very first co-production between the BBC and Russia's
Channel One TV.
The stories of Space Race are set at the heart of the
Cold War, when the two superpowers, and their ideologies - communism
and capitalism - were seen as fundamentally opposed.
Executive Producer, Jill Fullerton Smith, commented:
"To tell the true story behind the scenes of the race to the moon
for the very first time is hugely exciting, particularly as it is the
first time the BBC has done a co-production with partners in Russia,
America and Germany.
"The fact checking is rigorous, not just important historical moments,
but faithful and accurate character portrayal.
"Each co-producer is taking the series extremely seriously, and
is able to shed a unique light in their country's contribution to the
race."
Debbie Cadbury, series producer, said: "We're going
back to original primary sources in Russia with the help of Channel
One to shed light on some of the leading characters behind the Soviet
space programme who were barely known to the West.
"Such was the fear that Western agents would assassinate top Soviets
rocket experts that the names of some of their leaders weren't even
released in their own country and they were constantly shadowed by the
KGB.
"The negotiations took several months to
complete and it was quite an emotional moment when we finally got the
Russians and Americans together to share a drink and shake hands."
John Lynch, Creative Director of BBC Science, sees Space
Race as the latest in a long run of series bringing complex science
stories to a mass audience, by telling dramatic stories in a popular
and accessible way.
"For once, we can actually say, "this is rocket science",
but it is a terrific story that will have you on the edge of your seats,
and amazed at what it took to achieve the greatest journey of exploration
in human history."
Notes to Editors
Space Race will be the very first co-production between the BBC, NDR
in Germany, Russia's Channel One TV, and National Geographic Channel-US,
the American investor.
