Invasion: The Normans
2 x 51 minute 4K UHD history documentary series
This documentary series explores a real-life Game of Thrones: the 12th-century Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. In 1166 Ireland is torn apart by war between rival kings. When two of these power players drive a rival into exile, he seeks help from Henry II and the Anglo-Norman lords of Britain. Narrated by Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones), the series combines stunning location footage, atmospheric drama re-enactments, and vivid modern-day sequences.
Credits
- Executive Producer – Stephen Rooke
- Producer – Stephen Rooke
- Writer / Director – David Ryan
- Editor – Lawrence Fee
- Director of Photography – Ronan Fox
- Sound Recordist / Drone Operator – Mick Cassidy
- Production Manager – Catherine Munro
- Production Designer – Lynne Williams
- Researcher / Production Assistant – Chloe Comerford
- Narrator – Michael McElhatton
RELEASE DATE: May 2024
PRODUCTION PERIOD: 2023 / 2024
GENRES: Science / History
SERIES FORMAT: 2 x 51 minutes
PICTURE FORMAT: 4K UHD/ 16:9 / 25 fps
SOUND FORMAT: 5.1 Surround Sound
BROADCASTERS & FUNDERS:
- RTÉ
- Tourism Ireland
- Section 481 Ireland’s Film Corporation Tax Credit
Ireland, 1166 AD. Like a real-life Game of Thrones, the country is torn apart by conflict between rival kings. When two of these power players drive a rival into exile, he seeks help from Henry II, the Anglo-Norman king of England. Henry’s vassal Strongbow and other Norman allies then invade and take control of much of Ireland. This is one of history’s most epic stories, and yet it’s never been properly told onscreen.
The invaders are generally considered English or Welsh, but in fact, they were just as much French. Their forebears were from Normandy in France, they spoke French and they had French names. Ireland wouldn’t regain its independence for another 750 years, but the invasion also changed the course of European history, as resources from Ireland fuelled conflict between Britain and France.
Invasion: The Normans, a 2 x 1 hour documentary series, combines stunning location footage, atmospheric drama re-enactments, and vivid modern-day sequences to reveal this fascinating history. Narrated by leading actor Michael McElhatton (Game of Thrones, The Last Duel), the series is filmed in 4K UHD at spectacular locations in Ireland, France and Britain. The drama re-enactments include gritty and realistic battle scenes. They also vividly recreate medieval Ireland and Europe, from the opulent court of Henry II in 1166 to besieged civilians in Dublin in 1171. Expert commentary, archaeology and scientific analysis add context to the compelling historical narrative.
Contributors include Colin Veach (Hull University), Robert Bartlett (University of St Andrews), Clare Downham (University of Liverpool), Seán Duffy (Trinity College Dublin), Michael Potterton (Maynooth University), Sparky Booker (Dublin City University), Thomas Roche (Archives de l’Eure, Normandy) and Charlotte Lapiche (Falaise Castle, Normandy).
Invasion: The Normans is produced by Tile Films Limited with the support of RTÉ, Tourism Ireland, and Section 481, Ireland’s Film Corporation Tax Credit. International distribution is by Off the Fence. The series is written and directed by David Ryan and produced by award winning filmmaker, Stephen Rooke on behalf of Tile Films.
