ART OF WAR (doc)
This doc could have been called “How to re-invent historical and military programming! Gabriel Gornell served as Executive Producer for this feature-length documentary for A&E and History which delved into the main principles of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War” illustrated with examples from the Vietnam War (Demoralization), the Second World War (Invasion of Normandy), the American Civil War (Gettysburg) and Tzu’s own battles.
A tremendous amount to research supported by historian and military scholar interviews became the anchor for a highly-visual and hightly entertaining doco.
BATTLES BC (Series)
Gabriel Gornell was Showrunner and EP for this eight episode documentary series for History Channel which looked at key real-life battles in ancient history. The show amassed a cult-following and became known known for its very gritty nature, visual effects similar to the film 300, and its highly choreographed fight scenes with various weapons.
People Magazine gave the series 3 out 4 stars. You can check it out on Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
JOURNEY TO 10,000 BC (doc)
Gabriel Gornell was Showrunner and EP of this feature length doco for History Channel as an exploration of prehistoric Earth in 10,000 B.C. to examine the dramatic shifts in climate and geology that led to the migration of early humans; and to study the mysteries of that time, including their impact on Earth and the evolution and survival of humans in the face of a mini-Ice Age.
Definitely fun to produce as the content was based on a tremendous amount to research and interviews, along with visits to active dig-sights and museums – including the Smithsonian. The piece also included a mix of practical and digital effects to recreate moments through history.
ENGINEERING AN EMPIRE (Series)
Gabriel Gornell served as Animation Executive Producer for this epic series from History Channel. Each of the series 14 episodes had over one hundred animated shots – bringing the interviews and field footage to life – and this was the element that I oversaw as Animation EP.
This series became somewhat of a cult-classic for the network winning multiple Emmys. The animation that I oversaw received an Emmy nomination and honors from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. All animation produced in New York City with long time collaborator Lucien Harriot of Mechanism Digital.
LAST STAND OF THE 300 (doc)
As part of a promotional tie-in with Warner Brothers, Last Stand of the 300 was a feature length documentary produced in the same style as the feature 300 – to drive interest for the feature. Based on the concept of “This is the real 300” a tremendous amount of attention went into getting every single detail correctly.
Gabriel served as visual effects and animation executive of the this feature length doc, and its success led the network to purchase the 8- episode series Battles BC for which Gabriel was elevated to Showrunner the EP of the entire series. All animation produced in New York City with long time collaborator Lucien Harriot of Mechanism Digital.
