Factual

Fremantle and Beach House Pictures have unveiled two new documentaries, Panda School and Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor, expanding their premium factual offering with wildlife and history-focused productions.
Produced by Beach House Pictures, a Fremantle label, Panda School (3x60’) follows a group of panda cubs at a specialist conservation facility in China’s Sichuan Province as they learn the survival skills needed for eventual release into the wild. Narrated by comedian, actor and writer Jimmy O. Yang, the series combines character-driven storytelling with behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s most advanced panda rehabilitation programmes.
Jimmy O. Yang said: “I love Pandas, I love Chinese culture, and I can't believe how much I've learned about these cute fluffy guys after narrating the show! It's really one of the most fun jobs I've had! Panda School has all the drama of a coming-of-age story - with maximum cuteness overload."

Panda School is produced for Nat Geo EMEA in association with Fremantle, which holds global distribution rights outside National Geographic’s footprint across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Hannah Hoare serves as series director, while Nell Gordon and Drew Jones executive produce for Nat Geo. Donovan Chan is executive producer for Beach House Pictures.

The second title, Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor (1x60’), explores the military innovations behind the rise of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, through exclusive access granted in collaboration with China Media Group. The documentary examines the technology, organisation and weaponry that enabled Qin Shi Huang to unify rival states more than 2,000 years ago, while also investigating the still-unexcavated burial complex believed to remain one of history’s most secretive military sites.

Produced by Beach House Pictures and China Media Group, Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor will air in China on CCTV and in Australia on SBS. Executive producers for Beach House Pictures are Donovan Chan and Rob Sixsmith, while Han Wein and Tian Yuan executive produce for China Media Group. Fremantle handles global distribution rights outside China.
Donovan Chan, Creative Director at Beach House Pictures, said: “We’re always looking for stories that combine distinctive access with universal audience appeal. Panda School is an uplifting, endearing, character-driven series with humour and real emotional stake, following the cub's journeys to tell a purpose-driven story about protecting an iconic species. Secret Weapons of China’s First Emperor achieves remarkable access along with cutting-edge archaeology to bring fresh insight to one of the most fascinating and consequential chapters in Chinese history. These documentaries reflect the breadth of storytelling we are proud to champion at Beach House Pictures, underscoring our commitment to telling premium factual stories that entertain, surprise and resonate globally."