France TV Distribution has acquired international rights to “Apocalypse of Civilization: Rome,” written and directed by Thomas Marlier (“The Mysterious Civilization of Sardinia,” “Science Grand Format”) and the first in a series of highly rated historical documentaries sold around the world.
“We are really excited about this reboot of Apocalypse. Since the launch of the first series in 2013, the Apocalypse collection, with its innovative approach to archival colorization, has become the strongest French documentary brand in terms of viewership in France and international distribution. Since then, it has been broadcast in more than 180 countries,” said Julia Schulte, SVP of International Sales at France TV Distribution.
“With outstanding research and a complete immersion into the Roman era made possible with the help of AI, the new chapter of Apocalypse Civilization will bring a new and interesting approach to high-end documentaries for a wide audience,” Schulte added.
The new installment of the hit documentary series focuses on the Battle of Actium (September 2, 31 BC), in which Julius Caesar’s adopted son Octavian (later known as Augustus) defeated the combined fleets of Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra. This important victory marked the end of the Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire.
“After a century of civil war that deeply divided Rome, the Battle of Actium in 31 BC saw Octavian defeat Mark Antony and Cleopatra and establish himself as the sole ruler of the Roman world. After his victory, he ended the Republic and founded the Principate, establishing the Empire, a system that paradoxically ushered in a new era of political stability,” director Thomas Marlier told Variety.
“The Mediterranean then came under Roman control, beginning a period of prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Trade and cultural exchange became more fluid, facilitating the emergence of a Mediterranean civilization at the crossroads of West and East, whose influence can still be seen today,” Marlier continued.
Apocalypse Civilizations: Rome is produced by Elodie Polo-Ackermann of Imagissime and Mediawan Kids & Family, part of the Mediawan group. It will be distributed worldwide by France TV Distribution.
Cleopatra’s Fleet, Apocalyptic Civilization: Rome © IMAGISSIME / CC&C / Mediawan
Variety spoke briefly with director Thomas Marlier and producer Elodie Polo-Ackermann about “Roma.” Highlights include:
Can you tell us more about how you used AI in the documentary?
Thomas Marlier: Following the Apocalypse DNA of reviving archival images to illuminate the present through the lens of the past, the Apocalypse series asks an essential question: What would these great battles have looked like if cinema had existed back then?
Today, it is becoming possible to answer this question, thanks to a close collaboration between the most outstanding researchers, historians and experts of antiquity and the tools provided by artificial intelligence. “Apocalypse Civilization” therefore aims to give visual form to these events, imagining them not as simple illustrations of the past, but as authentic news images from ancient times. Now, what historians once hypothesized will be able to be verified, visualized, and even reevaluated through AI.
Elodie Polo-Ackermann: The work is still built on research, writing, direction, editing, sound, rhythm and craftsmanship. AI simply increases the visual and immersive scale of the content you want to deliver to your audience. Through this concept, we demonstrate the integration of scientific research and documentary production. Rather than replacing processes, AI helps create worlds that feel unique.
Did you face any major hurdles in making this documentary?
Polo-Ackermann: This concept took a year to develop with Mediawan (Imagissime + Mediawan Kids & Family) and France Télévisions. Besides writing, the real challenge was building the right workflow: structure for control, flexibility for creativity.
We tested multiple approaches before arriving at a truly appealing artistic result. We are currently in an intensive documentary research phase with a team of 10 people compiling scientific material and building a visual bible for accurate AI image generation. The most difficult part: coordinating the artistic direction and technical process. AI can enhance rather than replace. There is a misconception that AI automatically makes things faster and cheaper. it’s not. AI takes this technology even further, but requires the same rigor: strong writing, clear artistic vision, and genuine expertise.
Are there any interesting historical facts about Rome that surprised you?
Marlier: The first thing we noticed during our research was how the clichés surrounding great figures of antiquity often distort our perception of these historical figures. Cleopatra is one of the clearest examples. Far from the reductive and often sexist depictions portrayed by the movies, she was above all a great political strategist, an educated ruler, and a leading intellectual who wrote scientific works. We were also struck by the sheer number of questions raised during this period. It was not only about major historical events, but also about the daily lives of the men and women who lived at the time in Rome, Alexandria, and many other places around the Mediterranean Basin.
