SAN FRANCISCO (October 15, 2013) – Drawing inspiration from the upcoming videogame Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, VICE embarked on a month-long journey to reveal the true history of the original ocean pirates, creating a three-part series titled Rum, Guns, and Gallows. The first episode will air on VICE.com beginning October 10. Watch the trailer for Rum, Guns, and Gallows here: vice.com/ac4blackflag

Hosted by VICE’s Will Kiersky, the film series investigates the historical setting of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag by bringing fans deep into the world of 18th Century pirates, the true stories of the era’s most infamous captains and a look at how the violent period has shaped modern culture. The series takes viewers on a ride through the Caribbean and U.S. territories – from Jamaica to Florida – once occupied by the fearsome crew of fugitive sailors and provides a first-hand look at what life was like on and off the boat. Keeping true to VICE’s spirit of edgy content and premium web video, Kiersky and the team immersed themselves in ancient pirate lifestyle, getting hands-on with the weapons, booze, underwater exploration and street life that made these early seamen famous.

Each of the three episodes center around the high-profile supporting cast of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, the terrifying band of captains: Blackbeard, Charles Vane and Calico Jack. With help from Colin Woodard, author of “The Republic of Pirates” and expert consultant to the game, VICE shares the commanders’ brave stories, guiding motivations, cavalier adventures and ultimately what led to their demise.

“For hundreds of years, pirates have been a part of pop-culture. Their rebel spirit mixed with part bravery and part lunacy has captured the attention of the public for generations, but sometimes folklore is mistaken for history,” said Tony Key, senior vice president for Sales and Marketing for Ubisoft. “Just like what we’re attempting to do with Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, it is important – and oftentimes more engrossing – to know what really happened during that time period. It’s wonderful to see VICE helping tell the true story of the Golden Age of Pirates.”

Release Schedule of VICE’s Rum, Guns, and Gallows on VICE.com
• Episode 1: Charles Vane – Thursday, October 10, 2013
• Episode 2: Blackbeard – Thursday, October 17, 2013
• Episode 3: Calico Jack – Thursday, October 24, 2013