Sky 1 to infiltrate Freemasons

A Sky 1 documentary series will reveal secrets of the guarded Freemasons organisation.

Inside the Freemasons has been commissioned to coincide with the 300^th anniversary of the mysterious fraternity, which is thought to exert influence over various commercial and societal elements of public life.

A four part-series, from UK indie Emporium Productions, will broadcast on Sky 1, the British pay TV channel, later this year.

It will reveal the truth behind legends such as Freemasonry regalia, secret handshakes and other symbolic tools through members of the United Grand Lodge of England. There will also be footage of Freemasonry ceremonies, which have rarely been filmed in the past.

“With over 200,000 members across England and Wales, the Freemasons is a fascinating organisation that the general public don’t really know much about,” said Sky factual commissioning editor Siobhan Mulholland.

“We can’t wait to use this unique access to show Sky customers the real Freemasons as we look at little known history and traditions, determining myth from truth.”

Emporium is the indie Emma Read, who has worked in Mulholland’s position as Sky factual chief, launched with Hat Trick Productions in March 2015.

Before Emporium, she was head of factual and features at ITV Productions, the British news producer aiming to become a major international factual supplier.