Murdoch makes history for Sky

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Sky One has begun moving to the more upmarket schedule ordered by BSkyB chief executive James Murdoch by ordering its first ever history documentary series - made by his sister Elisabeth.

Sky One has commissioned Shine, the independent production company co-founded by Ms Murdoch, to make an ambitious six-part series about the history of ancient Rome.

When in... Rome will use CGI-enhanced shots to recreate the famous landmarks of ancient Rome, including the Coliseum, the Forum and Senate.

There will also be dramatic reconstructions to illustrate what everyday life may have been like in ancient Rome, which existed from the foundation of the city around 750 BC until its sack and the fall of the Roman Empire in the fifth century AD.

"The aim is to evoke life in ancient Rome. There are going to be dramatic narratives built around the life of three or four credible characters. The dramatic storylines will be based on historical evidence," a Sky One spokesman said.

He added that the series would feature the rulers of Rome through the different periods of the empire, the Roman legions, slaves, gladiators and the contrasting lifestyles of patrician women from Rome's upper social class and the city's legal prostitutes.

"The series will also recreate the chaos of the city, the disease and decadence and the fall of Rome."

Sky One commissioning executive Zoe Watson and Shine's entertainment creative director, Steven D Wright, and head of factual Paul Hamann, will share executive producing duties on When in... Rome.

Mr Wright said: "Rome has claim to be the ultimate city in history - their inhabitants lived the most extreme, most decadent and most outrageous lives. Through vivid stories and real life dramatisations viewers will observe everyday events through the eyes of the ordinary and the extraordinary - citizen and slave, soldier and prostitute.

"We aim to create a format that will entertain and inform, and be credible without being dry and dusty."

When in... Rome is to be broadcast on Sky One next year.

Mr Murdoch announced at the BSkyB annual results presentation earlier this month he planned to increase Sky One's annual programming budget by up to £20m and turn the channel into a more upmarket proposition.

As well as introducing history programmes, Sky One is seeking to broadcast more high-end US comedy and drama imports, starting with HBO western Deadwood this autumn.