5 COMMISSIONS VERTICAL REALITY OBS DOC SERIES MY CRAZY MILLION DOLLAR WEDDING

A world-first for vertical digital platforms & TV.  40-episode digital vertical series and 1 x 90’ linear compilation.

5 has commissioned an observational documentary/reality series designed simultaneously for vertical digital and linear platforms from Firecracker Films, in what is believed to be a world-first.   

Vertical digital shorts are completely transforming the way stories are made and consumed, providing non-stop, must-see moments with short bingeable episodic content. The 40 x 1 – 3 minute episodes will be made available and then a 1 x 90’ compilation episode will play out across 5’s linear and streaming platforms.

My Crazy Million Dollar Wedding dives behind the scenes of high-end, luxury nuptials of the super-wealthy young couples marrying in stunning locations around the world.  Today’s luxury weddings are outrageous global events combining fashion, performance and spectacle, costing well into the millions. And the super-rich brides and grooms love nothing more than showing off their ceremonies by splashing them across social media. From exclusive villas in Lake Como, to a pop star personally singing you down the aisle – the level of pomp and pageantry has gone stratospheric with clips frequently going viral and attracting millions of hits on TikTok and Instagram. 

We’ll join the brides in the lead up to their extravagant weddings, capturing the dramas, tribulations and joyous celebrations of those intense final weeks. 

Commissioning Editor, 5, Federico Ruiz said: “With the vertical market exploding and audiences devouring micro‑series like Pringles, My Crazy Million Dollar Wedding is a glossy, addictive, returnable format that blends observational filming with new‑school digital storytelling. These cross-cultural experiments are where the industry is heading and we want to plant our flag firmly in this space. This is a slightly new departure for 5 – and we are ready to take it on.” 

Executive Producer, Tayte Simpson, Firecracker Films added: “We’re incredibly excited to be producing a world-first reality series that unfolds simultaneously across digital vertical platforms, streaming, and linear TV. It marks a bold new direction for reality shows, with a series that taps into Firecracker Films’ reputation for fun and mischief.”

The series has been commissioned by Federico Ruiz, commissioning editor for 5, and is being produced by Firecracker Films, Tayte Simpson Executive Producer and Tammy Hoyle, Creative Director. Firecracker Films are the producers of “Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over” and “Emma Willis: Delivering Babies”.

ENDS

About 5: 

5 is the home of award-winning content from the UK’s third largest commercial PSB, a culmination of the creative transformation of Channel 5 over more than a decade. 5 is part of the Paramount Global family of brands.    Through a mix of live TV channels and bingeable boxsets, the free-to-air service allows UK audiences to watch or stream the breadth of programming from Channel 5 – including Milkshake!, its dedicated preschool brand – and a wide selection from the wider Paramount family of brands, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Paramount+ and more.  In keeping with its PSB remit, 5 tells the story of modern Britain by reflecting the lives of people across the UK, featuring well-known faces and fresh new talent. Its programme roster spans original UK drama, premium factual, true crime, science, news & current affairs and kids’ content, which continue to attract critical acclaim.  Recent wins include BAFTA Television and RTS Awards for the documentary White Nanny, Black Child in 2024, along with a BAFTA nomination for Endurance Race to the Pole. Factual hit The Yorkshire Vet and the broadcaster’s series on air fryers also won RTS Yorkshire awards, while Michael Palin received the Radio Times Special Judges Award for his Channel 5 documentaries.   

About Firecracker Films: 

 Firecracker is a leading producer of bold, conversation-driving factual entertainment. Recent titles include “Open House: The Great Sex Experiment” (Channel 4), “Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over” (UKTV), “Emma Willis: Delivering Babies” (UKTV), and “Kim Kardashian Diamond Heist” (BBC). Known for authentic storytelling offering fresh, often risky, perspectives coupled with its trademark stylish approach.