David Bowie feature-length film 'Five Years' to air on BBC Two
David Bowie - Five Years will look back at five key years in the singer's career (1971, 1975, 1977, 1980 and 1983) and then examine his recent return to the limelight with new album The Next Day. Featuring unseen archive footage, interviews with his closest collaborators and six key musicians who played on his new record, the profile will aim to shed new light on the enigmatic star.
The BBC claims to have "extraordinary unseen footage" of the singer in the studio, on tour, behind the scenes and previously-untransmitted interviews.
David Bowie - Five Years will air in May.
BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow said: "I'm thrilled to be bringing this film to BBC Two; David Bowie - Five Years promises to be a revealing look at the life and career of one of the modern era's most influential and innovative performers."
Jan Younghusband, commissioning editor for music and events, said: "David Bowie is one of the most important international music stars of the past fifty years. His impact on the music industry around the globe is exceptional. The never-before-seen footage in this programme will provide a fascinating insight into the world of this very private person."
Director Francis Whately said: "This is a project that has been in development for more than a decade, in fact since Bowie and I worked together in 2001 on a film for the BBC Omnibus strand.
"This year, 2013, is shaping up to be the year of David Bowie, and now is the perfect moment for this feature-length film devoted to this extraordinary artist."
Bowie released his first demo 50 years ago and has sold an estimated 140 million albums to huge critical acclaim.
The BBC has promised further Bowie-related content across radio and TV during the spring.