Netflix probes Madeleine McCann disappearance in new documentary

When is Netflix’s Madeleine McCann documentary released?
 
Caroline Westbrook
Sunday 10 Mar 2019 2:16 pm
 
The disappearance of is set to come under the spotlight once again with the release of a new documentary about the case.
Madeleine was just three years old when she disappeared from a hotel room in Portugal where she had been holidaying with her younger siblings and parents Kate and Gerry McCann, in 2007.
The ensuing search for her became the highest-profile missing person investigation in history – but despite the involvement of both Portuguese police and , she has never been found and what happened to her on that night remains a mystery.
The film is Netflix’s latest foray into documentaries, following the success of others including Making A Murderer, The Staircase and
Here’s what we know about it so far.
 
There is no official date for it yet but the film should be released some time in April.
Netflix had been hoping for a 2018 release but the project has reportedly taken longer than expected.
It was originally planned as an eight-part series but sources have now said it might only be a one or two parter instead.
Why has it caused controversy?
 
The documentary has already been controversial due to the reaction from the McCanns, who have not participated in the film.
They recently released a statement saying that the film could potentially hinder the police investigation into their daughter’s disappearance, which is still active.
‘We are aware that Netflix are planning to screen a documentary in March 2019 about Madeleine’s disappearance,’ the couple said in a statement.
‘The production company told us that they were making the documentary and asked us to participate.
They added: ‘We did not see – and still do not see – how this programme will help the search for Madeleine and, particularly given there is an active police investigation, it could potentially hinder it.’
‘Consequently, our views and preferences are not reflected in the programme. We will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding this programme.’
So far a total of £11.75m has been spent on the search for their daughter, which includes an extra £150,000 of fundingwhich was added to the Scotland Yard investigation, known as Operation Grange, in late 2018.
 
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/10/netflixs-madeleine-mccann-documentary-released-can-expect-8879147/

All the words in orange letters in the article have vanished when I copied it!
 
Madeleine McCann, Netflix, Scotland Yard, true crime, Abducted in Plain Sight.
 
 Odd.

No , I have watched Abducted in Plain Sight and it's a completely different abduction. Horrendous in fact and the parents (as I wrote on my Facebookstatus) is as bad or even worse than the mcCanns .  Yous should watch it. İt's brilliant!

Yeah, I did check after I posted Doug but it was clearly a bit too difficult for me to amend it!

Ahh ok. Still watch it though. A big eye opener

What?

This threatened Netflix film documentary has been in the pipeline for a long time - it's nothing new.  Rather like the 'Untold Story' that was never to be told because of legal implications and the fact that the case was still being investigated.

 This ain't it is it?  Is this the outlet that was so desperately needed to circumvent the law and mainstream media - is this at last the 'Untold Story' ?

Same old same old.

As I say, this Netflix thing has been around for a long time, bit of a coincidence it's suddenly given a schedule date which disappears as fast as it appeared and the McCanns are reported to be all of a tizzy, declining involvement through the media and their 'official' find Madeleine website - only ever updated these days on high days and holiday.  Why didn't they get in a fizz when the project was mentioned a couple of years ago, why wait until it's given a schedule date to get all fizzy.  

Funny that innit - just as the wheels are in motion for another stay of execution for Operation Grange of the broom cupboard fame.

What a load of old codswallop.

Still, in the words of Professor Gerald .... 'one good thing to come out of this is there is so much coming out in the press, no one knows what's true and what isn't' - or words to that effect The McCanns have been toying with our emotions since the beginning of May 2007, we are their playthings to be manipulated like play-doh - and it works every time.

Madeleine McCann on Netflix release date: When will the documentary series be released?

NETFLIX is set to be releasing a brand new true crime documentary series about British girl Madeleine McCann, who went missing in 2007 while on holiday in Portugal with her family.

By Neela Debnath
PUBLISHED: 14:49, Tue, Apr 10, 2018

The Madeleine McCann documentary series is yet to get a release date from and title from Netflix.

There are set to be eight episodes in the new documentary series, which comes a year after the one-off Amanda Knox special.

Reports about the upcoming documentary series started circulating last year.

The series will feature interviews with investigators and key figures in the case.

However, Gerry and Kate McCann will not be in the upcoming programme on the streaming giant.

The couple reportedly declined to take part in the series because of the Metropolitan Police’s ongoing investigation - Operation Grange - into their daughter’s disappearance, according to the MailOnline.

Madeleine’s parents have vowed to never give up in the search for their eldest child.

It’s likely that all episodes of the Madeleine McCann documentary will be dropped in one go, much like most other Netflix Originals.

The programme will be trying to piece together the case with audiences trying to figure out the case.

Following on from the success of Making A Murderer, the true crime genre has seen a growth in popularity.

Netflix has tapped into this demand for more true crime and real-life documentary series with the release of The Keepers, Wild, Wild Country and the previously mentioned Amanda Knox.

What will the Madeleine McCann Netflix documentary be about?

The Madeleine McCann Netflix documentary will focus on the child’s disappearance from the hotel apartment on the resort of Praia da Luz in Portugal.

So far over £11 million is thought to have been spent on the investigation into Madeleine’s case.

The three-year-old went missing from her hotel room while sleeping near her younger twin siblings while her parents were at dinner nearby.

The documentary series is just one of a number that have explored the case.

The Madeleine McCann Netflix documentary is yet to get a release date

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/944061/Madeleine-McCann-Netflix-release-date-documentary-series

B

Verdi wrote:

The drama/documentary has now been removed from the schedule, I have my doubts that it was ever in the production stage.  

 This from trade journal ‘Broadcast’ 6 June 2018:
https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/factual/svod-services-court-doc-makers/5129911.article

Emma Cooper, global president of non-fiction for Vice Media-backed Pulse Films, is currently producing an eight-part series about missing girl Madeleine McCann for Netflix.
She warned that it is vital for film-makers who are venturing into drama to maintain the authenticity of their projects and said she “worries terribly about misconstruing something” for the sake of drama.
“We are doing a drama recreation shoot at the moment for a Netflix series and I’m obsessing about making sure everything being done to heighten the story is something I can stand by when it goes out,” she said.
“It’s exciting that doc-makers are getting into this world and making these stories because we’re not going to bullshit. We will put our own vision on it, but we won’t do something that’s untrue.”

This clearly indicates that this was at the production stage. I doubt Netflix would write off their investment. It is possible however that this is delayed while lawyers are reviewing and determining any changes that might be needed, with possible additional photography and editing needed (and wrangling over who will pay for that which may take the most time to sort out).

Just spoke to Pulse Films London office, and was told they are not able to comment on it, I should contact someone at Netflix. He was only able to confirm that it 'was something we are involved in' (exact words).

‘We are aware that Netflix are planning to screen a documentary in March 2019 about Madeleine’s disappearance,’ the couple said in a statement.

The documentary was originally set for release last year. However, it was delayed to 2019 as it was decided it wasn’t ready to be viewed by the public.

There is no official date for it yet but the film should be released some time in April. Netflix had been hoping for a 2018 release but the project has reportedly taken longer than expected. It was originally planned as an eight-part series but sources have now said it might only be a one or two parter instead.

https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/10/netflixs-madeleine-mccann-documentary-released-can-expect-8879147/?ito=cbshare

That kind of overrun in release is very exceptional.

It sounds like the footage on the edit room floor will be much more interesting than the version which will be released once it is 'ready to be viewed by the public'.


Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/10/netflixs-madeleine-mccann-documentary-released-can-expect-8879147/?ito=cbshare
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Mainline wrote:Just spoke to Pulse Films London office, and was told they are not able to comment on it, I should contact someone at Netflix. He was only able to confirm that it 'was something we are involved in' (exact words).

And Netflix gave me different explanations.
Maybe I'am wrong but it feel's there something fishy here.

NickE wrote:

Mainline wrote:Just spoke to Pulse Films London office, and was told they are not able to comment on it, I should contact someone at Netflix. He was only able to confirm that it 'was something we are involved in' (exact words).

And Netflix gave me different explanations.
Maybe I'am wrong but it feel's there something fishy here.

Just had a similarly unhelpful chat very much along the same lines:

Your issue is:   Seeking to find whether a documentary is real  

You are now chatting with: Jamaicah




Netflix  Jamaicah

Hi there! You got through Netflix Chat Support. Let me help you with your inquiry. To locate the right account, may I have your name and email please?




You  

Hello, are you able to verify whether the Madeleine McCann documentary is real or left production phase? It has been removed from netflix upcoming and the studio (Pulse films) said they are unable to comment on it. I'm not a member presently.



Netflix  Jamaicah

I do apologize but at this point, all we can confirm is that upon checking the content library, there is no such documentaries currently available. At this point, to see the latest Netflix news, please Click Here to see links for our official social media websites.




You  

Its been reported that it is being released either this week or mid April. Is there any way of seeing if it's upcoming?




Netflix  Jamaicah

There is no indications of such on our end. That is why we provided the links to our social media sites as they will provide the release dates once we are able to secure the show




You  

It's not on the list on the page you gave me




You  

Ok. So its not possible to say it's upcoming, is there any way to verify it exists?




Netflix  Jamaicah

Not on our end, I do apologize




You  

Do you know who I can contact to find out? Pulse told me to contact Katherine Sullivan at Netflix, but she hasnt responded to my email




Netflix  Jamaicah

I really do apologize but we do not have such contact information on the customer service platform. The most we can offer is our social media sites as any announcements for any upcoming shows will be surely posted there




You  

That's fair enough. Thanks for the help.



So, Pulse films wont comment on it beyond acknowledging their previous involvement, and Netflix can't confirm if it even exists. Fishy indeed.

@Mainline

Do you know what Katherine Sullivan's role is at Netflix?  If Pulse Films referred you to her, that would be worth pursuing. 

The response from customer services wasn't helpful but didn't get very far as he probably could only see what is currently listed.

Dannz wrote:@Mainline

Do you know what Katherine Sullivan's role is at Netflix?  If Pulse Films referred you to her, that would be worth pursuing. 

The response from customer services wasn't helpful but didn't get very far as he probably could only see what is currently listed.

I don't. It wasn't mentioned to me what her role is, and googling her name/email I can't find any Katherine Sullivan associated with Netflix. Found a few journalists but all writers.

Mainline wrote:

NickE wrote:

Mainline wrote:Just spoke to Pulse Films London office, and was told they are not able to comment on it, I should contact someone at Netflix. He was only able to confirm that it 'was something we are involved in' (exact words).

And Netflix gave me different explanations.
Maybe I'am wrong but it feel's there something fishy here.

Just had a similarly unhelpful chat very much along the same lines:

Your issue is:   Seeking to find whether a documentary is real  

You are now chatting with: Jamaicah




Netflix  Jamaicah

Hi there! You got through Netflix Chat Support. Let me help you with your inquiry. To locate the right account, may I have your name and email please?




You  

Hello, are you able to verify whether the Madeleine McCann documentary is real or left production phase? It has been removed from netflix upcoming and the studio (Pulse films) said they are unable to comment on it. I'm not a member presently.



Netflix  Jamaicah

I do apologize but at this point, all we can confirm is that upon checking the content library, there is no such documentaries currently available. At this point, to see the latest Netflix news, please Click Here to see links for our official social media websites.




You  

Its been reported that it is being released either this week or mid April. Is there any way of seeing if it's upcoming?




Netflix  Jamaicah

There is no indications of such on our end. That is why we provided the links to our social media sites as they will provide the release dates once we are able to secure the show




You  

It's not on the list on the page you gave me




You  

Ok. So its not possible to say it's upcoming, is there any way to verify it exists?




Netflix  Jamaicah

Not on our end, I do apologize




You  

Do you know who I can contact to find out? Pulse told me to contact Katherine Sullivan at Netflix, but she hasnt responded to my email




Netflix  Jamaicah

I really do apologize but we do not have such contact information on the customer service platform. The most we can offer is our social media sites as any announcements for any upcoming shows will be surely posted there




You  

That's fair enough. Thanks for the help.



So, Pulse films wont comment on it beyond acknowledging their previous involvement, and Netflix can't confirm if it even exists. Fishy indeed.

Odd.
 I've also made contact with several of Netflix Soc media channels and accounts, but no replies.

Odd article from Metro today

https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/11/netflixs-madeleine-mccann-documentary-delayed-will-air-8882364/

What does the final para mean?

“April has widely been given as its reported debut, however, Kate and Jerry McCann should be released some time in April.”

Sloppy journalism from a third rate gossip machine. I wonder who is behind it..

I think it is typo missing “the series about” (Kate and Gerry...).

“They released a statement saying that the film could potentially hinder the police investigation into their daughter’s disappearance, which is still active.”


In McCannish this means it questions the abduction story. It will be interesting to see if Netflix really have been forced to cut it down from 8 parts to an insipid reflection of the McCann version. With 1st Amendment constitutional protection against prior restraint, that would point to US Government involvement with national interest as grounds for non-disclosure. 

Guardian article saying Netflix will release on Friday.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/13/netflix-to-stream-madeleine-mccann-series-after-delays-and-disputes

"Those who are thought to have given interviews include the Portuguese detective Gonçalo Amaral and the journalists Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan, who wrote a book on the case. Others include people questioned by the Portuguese police such as the Briton Robert Murat and the Russian Sergey Malinka, plus the child protection experts Jim Gamble and Ernie Allan.

Some associates of the McCanns did take part. Brian Kennedy, the millionaire businessman who helped fund the initial search for Madeleine, has also talked to the show."

NB "However, media lawyers pointed out Netflix documentaries remain available to view for substantial periods of time, meaning the risk of libel damages could be higher than with a traditional one-off TV broadcast."

Great.

We will have the great privilege of tuning in to the collective wisdom in this case of...

Brian Kennedy
Jim Gamble
Ernie Allen
Robert Murat
Sergey Malinka
Anthony Summers &
Robyn Swan.

What a bunch.

I think I know where this documentary is going.

Poor Madeleine McCann

Tony, how many times have we been this way before over the past eleven years.

New documentary; new book; new video; new exclusive

Logic, no strike that, common sense dictates that these 'new kids on the block' are never going to offer anything new. It will either be a McCann initiative or some wannabe opportunist with a very sketchy idea of case detail taken from here there and everywhere.

Who would ever believe this is all about a missing little three year old child?

.

Madeleine McCann 'is alive': Top child protection police officer claims mystery of missing girl WILL be solved in new Netflix documentary

• EXCLUSIVE: the streaming giant is due to trail the show tomorrow morning
  
• The programme is expected to be a global hit and will go live on Friday
  
• Police chief Goncalo Amaral is set to feature as part of the new series 
  
• Protection officer Jim Gamble said advances in tech mean she could be found
  
• Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry had hit out at Netflix last week saying the documentary could hamper the search for their daughter
  
• The pair have also threatened to sue Goncalo Amaral for his allegations
  
  

By Tracey Kandohla updated 14 March 2019

A top British police officer says the mystery of Maddie McCann will be solved in his lifetime in claims made during a new bombshell Netflix documentary, due to be released this week. 
Jim Gamble, the senior child protection officer in UK's first investigation into the youngster's dissapearance, says: 'I absolutely believe that in my lifetime we will find out what has happened to Madeleine McCann', the Sun reported.
'There's huge hope to be had with the advances in technology. Year on year DNA is getting better. Year on year other techniques, including facial recognition, are getting better.
'And as we use that technology to revisit and review that which we captured in the past, there's every likelihood that something we already know will slip into position.'
This is while other experts suggest that the youngster is likely to have been 'kept alive' by traffickers due to her financial value as a 'middle-class British girl'.

Private investigator Julian Peribanez, who was hired by the McCann family suggests that traffickers 'usually go for lower-class kids from third world countries'. 
He said: 'That's the main supplier of these gangs.
'The value that Madeleine had was really high because if they took her it's because they were going to get a lot of money.' 
The documentary also hears from the former Portuguese police chief, who claimed Madeleine McCann is dead and that her parents faked her kidnap in one of the key interviewees of the new Netflix movie about the missing girl.
The streaming giant is due to trail the show tomorrow morning with the first programme in the series - already predicted to be a huge global hit - going live on Friday.

Maddie's parents Kate and Gerry had hit out at Netflix last week saying the documentary could hamper the search for their daughter.
The company was locked in crisis talks and even considered shelving it but has decided 'the show must go on.'
The McCanns, who refused to take part in the project and declined to watch a preview, will be infuriated that their tormentor Goncalo Amaral - 'a thorn in our sides' - is set to be starring in it.
The couple, who are still challenging a libel win by the ex Portuguese detective in the highest court in the land, will be 'horrified to learn' that the worldwide streaming service has interviewed the retired officer. He accused them of covering up their daughter's accidental death in a holiday apartment nearly 12 years ago.
A pal of the McCann's said last night: 'Kate and Gerry will be mortified and horrified to learn that one of the lead roles has gone to Mr Amaral who has caused them so much extra hurt and pain over the years. He has been a thorn in their sides since the very beginning.'
Oscar-winning Netflix has simply named the show 'The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann' and is is boasting it has 'riveting' new interviews with key investigators as the 12th anniversary of the world's most famous missing child cases approaches in May.

MailOnline first exclusively revealed that Kate and Gerry wanted 'nothing to do with' the drama which has cost up to a reported £20 million.
Heart doctor Gerry, 50, and former GP Kate, 51, from Rothley, Leicestershire, said in a joint statement released by spokesperson Clarence Mitchell a week ago. 'The production company told us that they were making the documentary and asked us to participate. We did not see and still do not see how this programme will help the search for Madeleine and, particularly given there is an active police investigation, could potentially hinder it.

'Consequently, o­­ur views and preferences are not reflected in the programme. We will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding this programme.'
They spoke out after the Home Office confirmed it was considering a new request for extra funding from Scotland Yard to continue the hunt for Maddie - giving them hope there is 'still work left to be done.'
couple from Rothley, Leics, added: 'Consequently, o­­ur views and preferences are not reflected in the programme. We will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding this programme.'
Three-year-old Maddie vanished from a holiday apartment in Portugal's Praia da Luz in May 2007 while her parents were dining with pals in a nearby tapas restaurant. She had been left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings Sean and Amelie with regular half hourly checks being made on the children. Her parents cling onto a glimmer of hope their eldest child could still be found alive.She would now be aged 15, nearly 16.
The McCanns, their family, official spokesperson, 'Tapas Seven' holiday pals, British police and UK private investigators have also snubbed the venture.
Maddie's parents had received numerous requests from producers Pulse Films over the past 18 months.
A source close to the movie makers, which scooped three awards at last month's Oscars for Roma, which follows the life of a live-in housekeeper of a middle-class family in Mexico City - said: 'Everyone everywhere is fascinated by the Maddie story. We would have welcomed the opportunity of working with the McCanns directly but they informed us they couldn't and wouldn't consider taking part while a police investigation is into their daughter's abduction is ongoing.
'But we have interesting new interviews with people close to the inquiry and we believe we can give justice to this unbelievably tragic story.'
An insider at Pulse Films said: 'Netflix are hoping it will be a massive hit.'
Retired Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral is among the key interviewees. In his best seller book 'The Truth of the Lie'he accuses Maddie's parents - who were once suspects in their daughter's disappearance - of faking her kidnap after she accidentally died in the holiday flat.
Kate and Gerry sued him in April 2009 for libel and their fight has ended up in the European Court of Human Rights.
Kate in her 2011 heart wrenching best seller book 'Madeleine' writes about Mr Amaral : 'That man has caused us so much upset and anger because of how he has treated my beautiful Madeleine and the search to find her. Here was a person who had been entrusted with finding our little girl and who failed her.'
The search for Maddie - who was just nine days away from her fourth birthday - has became the most high-profile missing person investigation in history. The youngster's face in iconic pictures is recognisable around the world.
Netflix has had a string of successful true crime documentaries including hit documentary Making A Murderer on wrongly jailed American student Amanda Knox for British student Meredith Kercher's murder.
And the streaming service scooped three gongs at the Oscars for Best Director for Roma, Best Cinematography and Foreign Language Film while being nominated for Best Picture.
The Maddie movie will examine the high profile case and interview key figures and investigators. Film makers have made several trips to the family's village to speak to locals and have also interviewed journalists who have been covering the story over the years.
The McCann's have so far failed in their long running court battle to silence Mr Amaral over claims he made against them. They were eleft angry and disappointed after Portugal's top court threw out their libel claim against the ex cop in January 2017. They vowed to contest the judgement, slamming it as 'terrible.'
Kate, now a medical worker, had previously said that Mr Amaral's poisonous words had been 'very upsetting and incomprehensible.' She added: 'It has caused a lot of frustration and anger which is a real negative emotion.'
Victorious Mr Amaral said: 'I'm pleased I have a court ruling which defends the freedom of expression.'

The Policia Judiciaria inspector led the initial bungled hunt for Maddie but was later pulled off the case after criticising British police assisting.
In his once banned book Mr Amaral claims Maddie accidentally died in an accident at the holiday flat or by being given an overdose of sedatives. It is based on statements from Portuguese police files which are open to the public.
Maddie's parents fiercely denied his allegations. In their original 36-page writ they described Mr Amaral as a self obsessed, manipulative money-grabber and accuse him of libel and breaching their and their now 14-year-old twins human rights.
The divorcee, 59, has since blamed Kate and Gerry for wrecking his marriage and his career by taking legal action against him in June 2009.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6805799/Police-chief-claimed-Madeleine-McCann-dead-key-role-new-Netflix-documentary.html

Hidden in that piece are some pearls.

Year on year DNA is getting better.
 there's every likelihood that something we already know will slip into position.
Goncalo Amaral -  is set to be starring in it.
The couple,- will be 'horrified to learn' that the worldwide streaming service has interviewed the retired officer.
Retired Portuguese detective Goncalo Amaral is among the key interviewees. 
In his best seller book 'The Truth of the Lie' he accuses Maddie's parents - who were once suspects in their daughter's disappearance - of faking her kidnap after she accidentally died in the holiday flat.
Netflix has had a string of successful true crime documentaries
 Film makers have made several trips to the family's village to speak to locals
The McCann's have so far failed in their long running court battle to silence Mr Amaral
In his once banned book Mr Amaral claims Maddie accidentally died in an accident at the holiday flat or by being given an overdose of sedatives. 
It is based on statements from Portuguese police files which are open to the public.


We cannot expect much, except that some of the facts are once again put into the public domain.  
Not all people are stupid and uncritical.

To bash it home, there is a difference between a documentary which says
"Jane Tanner saw a man carrying a child," and one which words it as 
"Jane Tanner says she saw a man carrying a child".

Without Gonçalo I would have expected the former.
With him as a "key interviewee" - I reserve judgment.