Foxtel announces a landmark Australian series going behind-the-scenes of the Memorial in the countdown to the centenary of the First World War
Foxtel today announced the commissioning of The Australian War Memorial, a 10-part series which will give viewers unprecedented access inside one of the world’s most renowned military institutions, told through the eyes of internationally renowned historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver.
The series will focus on the Australian War Memorial over a period of 12 months, as it prepares for the most significant event in its history to date, undergoing a multi-million dollar gallery refurbishment timed for the activities to commemorate both the Centenary of the First World War and the Centenary of Service.
During the Centenary, we will remember not only the original Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but commemorate more than a century of service by Australian servicemen and women.
Throughout The Australian War Memorial, Oliver and his crew will delve deep inside the Memorial’s warehouses and vast archives with the people whose job it is to ensure this momentous occasion receives every honour it deserves – in the Memorial’s biggest and busiest year.
Jim Buchan, General Manager of Factual Channels, Foxtel said: “This series marks the first in Foxtel’s commitment to several productions commemorating the Centenary of Service.
“It will give viewers a contemporary and accessible account of Australian history and I’m delighted to work with John McAvoy and Eyeworks Australia in bringing to life this never seen before, access all areas series about the iconic Australian War Memorial.”
The Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson said: “The Australian War Memorial welcomes this opportunity to share the depth and richness of the Memorial’s collection and the work of our expert staff with a wide television audience on Foxtel.
“The Memorial is a place where Australians remember the service and sacrifice of all wars and we look forward to showing how we have become the place at the centre of our nation’s collective memory of war and its consequences.”
Neil Oliver said: “As a Scot, the opportunity to be part of telling a story so close to Australian hearts is humbling, I have been fascinated by the First World War for most of my life and this project will give a new and unexpected perspective to what we think we know.”
The Australian War Memorial is a 10 x 30 minute series produced by Eyeworks Australia for Foxtel, with the assistance of Screen Australia, and will premiere on HISTORY on Remembrance Day, November 11, 2014.
