Toronto-based Go Button Media and German distributor ZDF Studios have solidified their ongoing partnership by reuniting for a major new factual series titled Shadows & Dust: Lost History.
This eight-hour documentary project follows their previous success with Into the Universe and brings Super Channel on board as the domestic broadcast partner for Canada, while ZDF Studios manages global distribution elsewhere.
The series explores legendary mysteries and gaps in the historical record, such as the looting of Russia’s Amber Room during WWII and the disappearance of a 50,000-strong army in Ancient Egypt. By blending archival footage with cinematic CGI and dramatic reconstructions, the production aims to bring these vanished legacies back to life. Currently in production, the series is scheduled for delivery this summer.
The current collaboration between Go Button Media and ZDF Studios is built on a proven track record of success, most notably their previous high-profile project, Into the Universe: The Secrets of the Cosmos Uncovered. The critical acclaim and strong international performance of that initial space documentary served as the catalyst for this expanded partnership.
Their earlier work demonstrated a shared ability to merge rigorous factual research with high-end production values, a synergy they are now applying to historical mysteries. This established rapport streamlined the production of Shadows & Dust: Lost History and also transformed their relationship into a strategic, long-term alliance in the global factual content market.
Daniel Oron, Co-Founder and Executive Producer at Go Button Media, says: “We’re thrilled to continue building our relationship with ZDF Studios while strengthening our long-standing partnership with Super Channel. Our first collaboration proved productive and rewarding for each of the partners, and I believe that all the elements are in place for Shadows & Dust: Lost History to produce an equally dynamic and successful follow-up. This new series taps into humanity’s enduring curiosity about the unknown.
Many of the stories we explore —like the disappearance of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, Santa María, and the missing shoreline settlement of La Navidad built from its timbers — have become faded with time. While the physical evidence of these historical events may have vanished, the mysteries remain powerful and compelling. The series brings these important stories back into the spotlight, showing that while these chapters of history may be lost, they are far from forgotten.”
Ralf Rückauer, VP Unscripted at ZDF Studios, says: “The appetite for high-quality factual content that challenges what we think we know about the past has never been stronger. With Shadows & Dust: Lost History, Go Button Media delivers exactly that—an enthralling blend of expert insight, cinematic reconstruction and global historical intrigue. We look forward to bringing this standout series to audiences worldwide.
