‘Glorious’ Radio Times | ★★★★ Daily Mail | ★★★★ Heat | ★★★★ Evening Standard | ★★★★ TV Times. ‘The most personal telling of the ABBA story yet’ The Times
James Rogan, Director, Rogan Productions said: “To be able, as a director, to dive into the ABBA story through the extraordinary archive of their voyage through the tumultuous 70s has been a jaw-dropping experience. The sheer joy of working on a documentary about ABBA cannot be understated, as their bitter-sweet songs remain as resonant in our confused times as they did when they were first recorded. This film will capture the scale of the challenge they faced as a Swedish band gaining success and respect on the global stage, and how the unique combination of four talents produced music that defined the decade and changed pop music forever.“
Michael Jochnowitz, BBC Commissioning Editor, Factual Entertainment & Events says: “ABBA: Against All Odds is a truly special documentary, formed by a unique collaboration of broadcasters about one of the world’s greatest ever bands…And if you thought you knew the story behind the music, think again.”
Axel Arno, Head of Documentaries, SVT said: “The documentary will be a celebration of not only the iconic music of ABBA but also the power of storytelling to unite us across Europe. In times of division, this documentary serves as a reminder of our shared cultural heritage and the vital role it plays in fostering unity and cohesion across the continent.”
Anders Bruus, Commissioning Editor, DR said: “ABBA’s timeless appeal transcends borders, languages, and generations, proving that storytelling, art and music are universal languages that can bring us together, even in challenging times.”
Christiane Hinz, Head of Documentaries, ARD/WDR said: “ARD/WDR is thrilled to be part of this epic broadcasting and platform event that will unite different generations of European audiences in front of their screens. ABBA has shaped the sound of Europe and of course also in Germany this pop myth is kept alive till today. Younger people know the songs, now they will discover the story behind them. ABBA – twelve points! Europe – twelve points!”
Caroline Behar, Head of International Coproductions, Factual, France Télévisions said: “As the historical broadcaster of the Eurovision song contest, France Télévisions is proud to be part of the project ABBA: Against All Odds. We are honoured to celebrate ABBA’s unique talent, and get closer to the women and men behind the iconic band. We are convinced that ABBA’s commitments still resonate today within the young generation.”
Produced by Rogan Productions and Directed by BAFTA and Emmy-winner James Rogan, whose directing hits include the multi-award-winning Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, 1971: The Year that Music Changed Everything, BAFTA award-winning Uprising and Monty Python: The Meaning of Live. Produced by Dan Hall, an Emmy and Rose d’Or award-winner, recent credits include Freddie Mercury: The Final Act, Cher and the Loneliest Elephant, and Gay Under the Taliban. Made in partnership with SVT and the European Broadcasting Union. Executive Producers are: Jan Younghusband and Soleta Rogan.