THE RISE OF THE MURDOCH DYNASTY
JAMIE ROBERTS - SERIES DIRECTOR & CAMERA - 3 X 1 HOUR FILMS FOR BBC2 - PRODUCTION COMPANY: 72 FILMS
WINNER: Best Documentary Mini-Series, Broadcasting Press Guild Awards
BAFTA Nominated for Best Documentary Series
“THIS DOCUMENTARY, TELLING THE RUPERT MURDOCH STORY IN THREE ROLLERCOASTER INSTALMENTS – WITH HELP FROM FIGURES AS DIVERSE AS NIGEL FARAGE, EX-TRUMP ACOLYTE STEVE BANNON AND FORMER GUARDIAN EDITOR ALAN RUSBRIDGER – WAS RELENTLESSLY ENTERTAINING, IF GENUINELY FRIGHTENING AT TIMES.” The Guardian
A dramatic three-part series tells the incredible story of Rupert Murdoch’s Empire, interweaving his behind-the-scenes influence on world events with the personal battle for power at the heart of his own family.
For over 40 years no British Prime Minister has won an election without enjoying the support of Rupert Murdoch. His business empire is global, so huge that he is credited with revolutionising journalism, technology and news, and even helping Donald Trump become US President. This series pieces together the dramatic story of how Murdoch built his revolutionary empire, including the scandals that almost brought it crashing down.
The story begins in 1995, with a young Tony Blair flying halfway around the world to Murdoch’s private island. Blair goes in search of Murdoch’s support to become Britain’s next prime minister. From this burgeoning relationship unfolds a narrative reminiscent of a dramatic political thriller. The story sheds light on how Murdoch ruthlessly wields political power to progress his insatiable business ambitions. As prime ministers and presidents come and go, Rupert Murdoch remains ever present, powerful and influential.
1995 also sees people question the future of Murdoch’s Empire. At 65 years old, observers are beginning to ask who will take over when he retires. It’s always been expected that one day Murdoch will pass on the business to his children. The three main candidates all appear keen to prove themselves as worthy successors to their father, with insiders revealing how Murdoch both helps and hamstrings his children, never truly letting them escape their fathers long shadow. The series charts the Murdoch family story and the battle for succession that is tied to the success of Murdoch’s global business.
The Rise Of The Murdoch Dynasty explores how power really works. Playing out on a canvas of exclusive parties, glamorous yachts, private jets, weddings, tabloid newsrooms, and private dinner meetings, this series presents a unique portrait of 21st century Britain through one of the world’s most influential figures, during his most turbulent times.
The series features a cast that includes Hugh Grant, Steve Bannon, Max Mosley, Piers Morgan, Nigel Farage, Alastair Campbell, Alan Sugar, Tom Watson, two deputy prime ministers, senior ex-employees and a convicted phone hacker.
The Rise Of The Murdoch Dynasty uses rarely seen archive material to shed light on Murdoch’s private world, forensically deconstructing some of the most iconic and infamous moments of modern history from a perspective that’s rarely seen: the top table of power.
