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NEWS ARCHIVE
Freddie Mercury Documentary Wins Award
A BBC documentary on Queen frontman Freddie Mercury has won the renowned 52nd Rose d’Or Award in the Arts category. The award honours the most creative entertainment television programmes from around the world.
‘Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender’ was created by Eagle Rock Entertainment for the BBC. The film focuses on Mercury’s life, with a special concentration on his attempts to forge a solo career and includes a little-known collaboration with Michael Jackson. It also features interviews with the late star which reveal the shy man behind the huge stage personality.
The film, which was also shortlisted for three BAFTAS, was directed by Rhys Thomas, a Queen expert and the filmmaker behind the 2011 documentary ‘Queen: Days Of Our Lives’. Discussing the win, he said, “I am over the moon. Winning the Rose d'Or for what was essentially a lifelong dream and hobby, couldn't be more thrilling. This really was a labour of love for me, I wanted to make a documentary that captured Freddie's humour as well as his talent and achievements. From the reaction from fellow fans and now recognition from BAFTA and The Rose d'Or, it seems I have done something right, thanks Freddie!”
The documentary incorporates a range of interviews from fellow band members Roger Taylor and Brian May, as well as their manager and soprano Montserrat Caballé. Rhys also managed to locate ten cans of film of Freddie’s 40th birthday, which was originally intended to be used for his solo single ‘Living On My Own’ but was banned by the record label due to cross dressing party members.
There are six categories within the awards including comedy, sitcom, arts, entertainment, game show and reality, and factual entertainment. There were more than 300 entries this year from over 40 countries with the awards representing new, existing and upcoming talent.
‘Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender’ was created by Eagle Rock Entertainment for the BBC. The film focuses on Mercury’s life, with a special concentration on his attempts to forge a solo career and includes a little-known collaboration with Michael Jackson. It also features interviews with the late star which reveal the shy man behind the huge stage personality.
The film, which was also shortlisted for three BAFTAS, was directed by Rhys Thomas, a Queen expert and the filmmaker behind the 2011 documentary ‘Queen: Days Of Our Lives’. Discussing the win, he said, “I am over the moon. Winning the Rose d'Or for what was essentially a lifelong dream and hobby, couldn't be more thrilling. This really was a labour of love for me, I wanted to make a documentary that captured Freddie's humour as well as his talent and achievements. From the reaction from fellow fans and now recognition from BAFTA and The Rose d'Or, it seems I have done something right, thanks Freddie!”
The documentary incorporates a range of interviews from fellow band members Roger Taylor and Brian May, as well as their manager and soprano Montserrat Caballé. Rhys also managed to locate ten cans of film of Freddie’s 40th birthday, which was originally intended to be used for his solo single ‘Living On My Own’ but was banned by the record label due to cross dressing party members.
There are six categories within the awards including comedy, sitcom, arts, entertainment, game show and reality, and factual entertainment. There were more than 300 entries this year from over 40 countries with the awards representing new, existing and upcoming talent.
