France TV Distribution has obtained the global distribution rights for "Apocalypse Civilizations: Rome," marking a significant expansion for the highly successful historical documentary franchise. This new chapter explores the decisive Battle of Actium, a clash that reshaped the Roman world, and is set to premiere its first episode at the Sunny Side of the Doc event in La Rochelle, France, between June 22-24. The series is renowned for its pioneering use of colorized historical archives and advanced AI techniques to vividly portray past events.

Julia Schulte, Senior Vice President of International Sales at France TV Distribution, expressed enthusiasm for the series' revival, highlighting its established reputation since its initial launch in 2013. The "Apocalypse" collection has consistently achieved high ratings in France and has been distributed in over 180 countries globally. Schulte emphasized that the new "Apocalypse Civilizations" installment will leverage cutting-edge AI and extensive historical research to deliver an immersive and engaging experience for audiences, offering a fresh perspective on ancient Roman times.

Director Thomas Marlier, known for his work on "Sardinia, the Mysterious Civilization of the Nuraghi" and "Science Grand Format," helms this new production. He explained that the series aims to answer a compelling question: what would significant historical battles look like if cinematic technology had existed in ancient times? By integrating meticulous research from historians and experts with the capabilities of artificial intelligence, "Apocalypse Civilizations" strives to transform historical hypotheses into compelling visual narratives, resembling contemporary news footage from antiquity.

The core of "Apocalypse Civilizations: Rome" centers on the Battle of Actium, a naval confrontation on September 2, 31 BC, where Octavian, Julius Caesar's adopted son, triumphed over the combined forces of Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra. This victory was instrumental in ending the Roman Republic and ushering in the era of the Roman Empire under Augustus, marking a period of unprecedented political stability known as the Pax Romana. Marlier noted that this era fostered significant trade and cultural exchange across the Mediterranean, contributing to a rich, cross-cultural civilization whose influence endures today.

Élodie Polo-Ackermann, producer for Imagissime, part of the Mediawan group, alongside Mediawan Kids & Family, detailed the production process. She underscored that while AI enhances the visual scale and immersive quality of the content, it does not replace the fundamental elements of documentary filmmaking, such as rigorous research, compelling writing, and skilled direction. The development of the concept and workflow required a year of dedicated effort, involving extensive testing to achieve the desired artistic outcome. Polo-Ackermann clarified that AI serves as a powerful tool to amplify creativity and visual depth, demanding the same level of precision and expertise as traditional methods, contrary to the misconception that it merely offers a faster or cheaper alternative.

Marlier shared intriguing insights gained during the research phase, particularly regarding historical figures like Cleopatra. He pointed out that popular portrayals often misrepresent her, overlooking her identity as a formidable political strategist, an educated ruler, and an intellectual who authored scientific works, challenging common, often stereotypical, perceptions. The research also revealed the multitude of unanswered questions surrounding this period, not only about grand historical events but also about the daily lives of ordinary individuals in cities like Rome and Alexandria, underscoring the enduring mystery and fascination of ancient history.

This documentary offers a captivating exploration of Roman history, leveraging advanced technology to bring pivotal events and figures to life, while also challenging conventional narratives. It serves as a testament to the power of historical inquiry combined with innovative filmmaking, appealing to a broad global audience.