Factual

Italian pubcaster Rai and commercial rival Mediaset have struck deals for a raft of programming from UK-based factual distributor TVF International.

Rai 1 acquired two NHK-commissioned specials: Flying China’s Stone Forest, which gives an aerial tour of the stunning Shilin UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Underwater Universe: The Orda Cave, which follows a diving exploration into the largest underwater gypsum cave in the world, located in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Rai 1 also acquired rights to The Tipping Points, for its late-night show Frontiere. The environmental series, originally commissioned by The Weather Channel, Arte and WDR, explores the latest issues and solutions to the world’s climate crisis.

Rai 3 acquisitions included two episodes from CICC-commission China Wild, which showcases the unique array of wildlife found across the country’s five major habitats. Meanwhile, for its Kilimangiaro travel slot, the channel licensed a number of aerial travel titles, including TVF and Tokyo Vision co-production Japan from Above and Lona Media’s ARTE-commission Magnificent Megacities: Jakarta.

Instead, Mediaset picked up a selection of space titles, including the National Geographic commissioned Eclipse Chasers and seven titles from leading space producers Thomas Lucas Productions. Mediaset also went for The Man Who Shot Tutankhamun produced by Wavelength Films for the BBC.