National Geographic’s Queens isn’t your typical nature documentary series.
From the first episode, it flips the script on what one might expect out, instead diving deep into the love, loss and resilience of the matriarchal societies in the animal kingdom. And it all started with that very first story of both lionesses and hyenas detailed in the “African Queens” episode.
“The executive at NatGeo said, ‘We should do this as a whole series,’ ” executive producer Vanessa Berlowitz explained during Deadline’s Contenders TV: Documentary + Unscripted panel. “We kind of looked at each other and went, ‘Surely it’s been done.’ And it hasn’t. So it was just one of those great conversations between two female senior leaders, realizing this was a huge content area that was fresh and exciting.”
Related: Contenders TV Docs + Unscripted – Deadline’s Full Coverage
Queens took four years to come to fruition, including...
From the first episode, it flips the script on what one might expect out, instead diving deep into the love, loss and resilience of the matriarchal societies in the animal kingdom. And it all started with that very first story of both lionesses and hyenas detailed in the “African Queens” episode.
“The executive at NatGeo said, ‘We should do this as a whole series,’ ” executive producer Vanessa Berlowitz explained during Deadline’s Contenders TV: Documentary + Unscripted panel. “We kind of looked at each other and went, ‘Surely it’s been done.’ And it hasn’t. So it was just one of those great conversations between two female senior leaders, realizing this was a huge content area that was fresh and exciting.”
Related: Contenders TV Docs + Unscripted – Deadline’s Full Coverage
Queens took four years to come to fruition, including...
- 4/27/2024
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The strikes are behind us, Emmy season is upon us, and it’s time to hear from the creatives and talent behind some of the TV season’s most talked-about nonfiction programs. Deadline’s daylong Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted virtual event will offer just that this weekend, giving awards-watchers a chance to kick back at home and take in the tales.
You can RSVP for Saturday’s livestream here.
Starting at 9 a.m. Pt Saturday, the fourth annual event features 20 panels with cast and creatives from series, specials and telefilms.
Here is what and who you can expect to see.
From ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
From Prime Video: Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story (Writer/Director...
You can RSVP for Saturday’s livestream here.
Starting at 9 a.m. Pt Saturday, the fourth annual event features 20 panels with cast and creatives from series, specials and telefilms.
Here is what and who you can expect to see.
From ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
From Prime Video: Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story (Writer/Director...
- 4/24/2024
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who narrated the documentary film ‘Tiger’, has shared why the story surrounding these majestic big cats holds a special place in her heart. Reflecting on her experience narrating the documentary, the actress expressed, “Tiger holds a special place in my heart. This film has played such an important role in reconnecting me not only with Mother Nature but also with the beauty of India and her forests.”
Narrating Ambar’s journey through the untamed wilderness, navigating her hardships, mysteries, and struggles, was an exhilarating experience.”
The documentary unravels the remarkable life of Ambar, a young tigress, as she faces the challenges of nurturing her cubs amid the lush wilderness.
Priyanka added: “Ambar’s journey holds invaluable lessons for us all. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and beauty found in the natural world, and the ways in which we can draw inspiration and strength from these magnificent creatures.
Narrating Ambar’s journey through the untamed wilderness, navigating her hardships, mysteries, and struggles, was an exhilarating experience.”
The documentary unravels the remarkable life of Ambar, a young tigress, as she faces the challenges of nurturing her cubs amid the lush wilderness.
Priyanka added: “Ambar’s journey holds invaluable lessons for us all. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and beauty found in the natural world, and the ways in which we can draw inspiration and strength from these magnificent creatures.
- 4/23/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Disney’s Disneynature celebrates 15 years since its launch with “Earth,” which followed polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales families around the world. Now, the label takes a closer look at the queen of the forest in “Tiger,” an original feature documentary and the culmination of 1,500 days of footage tracking Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in India. Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Disneynature’s “Tiger” comes to Disney+ this Earth Day, Monday, April 22. You can watch Tiger with a subscription to Disney+.
How to Watch ‘Tiger’ When: Monday, April 22, 2024 Where: Disney+ Stream: Watch with a subscription to Disney+. Sign Up Now$7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $14.99 a month ($12 savings).
About ‘Tiger’
Disneynature will celebrate 15 years since its launch with the label’s new “Tiger,” released this Earth Day, Monday, April 22.
Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jones, “Tiger” follows Ambar, a young tigress raising her curious...
How to Watch ‘Tiger’ When: Monday, April 22, 2024 Where: Disney+ Stream: Watch with a subscription to Disney+. Sign Up Now$7.99+ / month disneyplus.com
Get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ for just $14.99 a month ($12 savings).
About ‘Tiger’
Disneynature will celebrate 15 years since its launch with the label’s new “Tiger,” released this Earth Day, Monday, April 22.
Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jones, “Tiger” follows Ambar, a young tigress raising her curious...
- 4/22/2024
- by Ashley Steves
- The Streamable
The upcoming week on Ott platforms promises to be a delight for audiences, offering a diverse array of captivating stories ranging from the coming-of-age drama ‘All India Rank’ to ‘Tiger’, a tale of conflict, hunger, and survival.
Here’s a list of five titles that have piqued the interest of Ians —
‘All India Rank’:
Written and directed by Varun Grover, the coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘All India Rank’ is produced by Matchbox Shots. It stars Bodhisattva Sharma, Shashi Bhushan, Samta Sudiksha, Geeta Agarwal, and Sheeba Chaddha.
The film will be released on Netflix on April 19.
‘Rebel Moon-Part 2: The Scargiver’:
The American epic space opera film is directed by Zack Snyder. It continues the epic saga of Kora and the surviving warriors as they prepare to sacrifice everything, fighting alongside the brave people of Veldt, to defend a once peaceful village, a newfound homeland for those who have lost their...
Here’s a list of five titles that have piqued the interest of Ians —
‘All India Rank’:
Written and directed by Varun Grover, the coming-of-age comedy-drama ‘All India Rank’ is produced by Matchbox Shots. It stars Bodhisattva Sharma, Shashi Bhushan, Samta Sudiksha, Geeta Agarwal, and Sheeba Chaddha.
The film will be released on Netflix on April 19.
‘Rebel Moon-Part 2: The Scargiver’:
The American epic space opera film is directed by Zack Snyder. It continues the epic saga of Kora and the surviving warriors as they prepare to sacrifice everything, fighting alongside the brave people of Veldt, to defend a once peaceful village, a newfound homeland for those who have lost their...
- 4/18/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Disney+ has released a trailer for Disneynature’s all-new original feature film ‘Tiger,’ which launches on Disney+ this Earth Day, April 22.
Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the feature lifts the veil on our planet’s most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
Curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy, the cubs have a lot to learn from their savvy mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears and marauding male tigers.
Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan, and produced by Linfield, Berlowitz and Roy Conli, Tiger is the groundbreaking culmination of 1,500 days of filming that combines fast-paced action with remarkably intimate moments.
Also in trailers – Trailer drops for season 2 of ‘The Big Door Prize’
The post Trailer roars in for Disney’s...
Narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the feature lifts the veil on our planet’s most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
Curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy, the cubs have a lot to learn from their savvy mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears and marauding male tigers.
Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan, and produced by Linfield, Berlowitz and Roy Conli, Tiger is the groundbreaking culmination of 1,500 days of filming that combines fast-paced action with remarkably intimate moments.
Also in trailers – Trailer drops for season 2 of ‘The Big Door Prize’
The post Trailer roars in for Disney’s...
- 4/5/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is narrating the story of the planet’s most charismatic animal – ‘Tiger’, said she had fun lending her vocals to the story and exploring the jungles through the film. ‘Tiger’, which according to Priyanka is a tale of “love, conflict, hunger and survival” will launch on Disney+ Hotstar on Earth Day.
Talking about the film, Priyanka wrote on X (formerly called Twitter): “ ‘Tiger’… a story that captures the wild and brings out everything that happens within it – tales of love, conflict, hunger, survival and so much more.”
“In the bustling jungles of India, where creatures big and small, timid and majestic roam, there’s Amba – a tiger with a timeless legacy. She cares for her cubs with so much love that the beautiful bond between mother and child shines through so magnificently,” she added.
The actress shared an anecdote and wrote: “This film was shot...
Talking about the film, Priyanka wrote on X (formerly called Twitter): “ ‘Tiger’… a story that captures the wild and brings out everything that happens within it – tales of love, conflict, hunger, survival and so much more.”
“In the bustling jungles of India, where creatures big and small, timid and majestic roam, there’s Amba – a tiger with a timeless legacy. She cares for her cubs with so much love that the beautiful bond between mother and child shines through so magnificently,” she added.
The actress shared an anecdote and wrote: “This film was shot...
- 4/2/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Disneynature "Tiger" narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas and directed by Mark Lingield, Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan, pounces April 22, 2024 on Disney+
“…the compelling story, lifts the veil on our planet's most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside ‘Ambar’, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
“The cubs are curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy - with a lot to learn from their savvy mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears and others marauding tigers.”
Click the images to enlarge…...
“…the compelling story, lifts the veil on our planet's most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside ‘Ambar’, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
“The cubs are curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy - with a lot to learn from their savvy mother who will do all she can to keep them safe from pythons, bears and others marauding tigers.”
Click the images to enlarge…...
- 4/1/2024
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Paramount Plus
Beverley McGarvey has been appointed president of Network 10, head of streaming and regional lead for Australia and New Zealand, with immediate effect by Paramount Global. She reports to Pam Kaufman, president & CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences at the group. The role gives her oversight of Network 10 and its portfolio of brands, including 10 Play.
McGarvey will maintain her current responsibilities, overseeing all original content out of Australia in alignment with Paramount’s global studio organisation and the businesses’ commercial capabilities. She will also continue to lead Paramount+ in Australia, reporting to Marco Nobili, EVP and international Gm of Paramount+.
“Beverley is one of Australia’s leading media executives and has a proven track record of driving creative and commercial success in one of our most important, priority markets,” said Kaufman.
“We are well-positioned to maintain our strong position in Australia as the only...
Beverley McGarvey has been appointed president of Network 10, head of streaming and regional lead for Australia and New Zealand, with immediate effect by Paramount Global. She reports to Pam Kaufman, president & CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences at the group. The role gives her oversight of Network 10 and its portfolio of brands, including 10 Play.
McGarvey will maintain her current responsibilities, overseeing all original content out of Australia in alignment with Paramount’s global studio organisation and the businesses’ commercial capabilities. She will also continue to lead Paramount+ in Australia, reporting to Marco Nobili, EVP and international Gm of Paramount+.
“Beverley is one of Australia’s leading media executives and has a proven track record of driving creative and commercial success in one of our most important, priority markets,” said Kaufman.
“We are well-positioned to maintain our strong position in Australia as the only...
- 3/18/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Disneynature’s ‘Tiger’ will launch on Disney+ Hotstar this Earth Day, April 22, 2024 – exactly 15 years after the label’s first release, ‘Earth’. Also revealed today, Priyanka Chopra Jonas will narrate the compelling story, which lifts the veil on our planet’s most revered and charismatic animal, inviting viewers to journey alongside Ambar, a young tigress raising her cubs in the fabled forests of India.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country – I was very honored,” Chopra Jonas said. “I have always loved tigers and I feel a kinship with the female tiger – I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would really relate to.”
In the film, the cubs – curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy – have a lot to...
“It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country – I was very honored,” Chopra Jonas said. “I have always loved tigers and I feel a kinship with the female tiger – I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would really relate to.”
In the film, the cubs – curious, rambunctious and at times a bit clumsy – have a lot to...
- 3/16/2024
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Photo Courtesy of Disney+)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel) has signed on to narrate Disneynature’s Tiger. The film is set to premiere on Disney+ on Earth Day 2024 (April 22), 15 years after the first Disneynature release premiered.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country — I was very honored,” said Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “I have always loved tigers and I feel a kinship with the female tiger — I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would really relate to.”
Mark Linfield directed, with Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan co-directing. Linfield, Berlowitz, and Roy Conli served as producers.
“Tiger is the groundbreaking culmination of 1,500 days of filming,” reads Disneynature’s synopsis. “Priyanka Chopra Jonas will narrate the compelling story, which lifts...
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (Citadel) has signed on to narrate Disneynature’s Tiger. The film is set to premiere on Disney+ on Earth Day 2024 (April 22), 15 years after the first Disneynature release premiered.
“It’s just wonderful to be able to be a part of something so special and to tell the story of this magnificent animal that comes from my country — I was very honored,” said Priyanka Chopra Jonas. “I have always loved tigers and I feel a kinship with the female tiger — I feel very protective of my family. Ambar’s journey is something I think every mom would really relate to.”
Mark Linfield directed, with Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan co-directing. Linfield, Berlowitz, and Roy Conli served as producers.
“Tiger is the groundbreaking culmination of 1,500 days of filming,” reads Disneynature’s synopsis. “Priyanka Chopra Jonas will narrate the compelling story, which lifts...
- 3/15/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
When National Geographic’s Janet Han Vissering and Wildstar Films’s Vanessa Berlowitz got the idea to make Queens, a six-part natural history series about female animals made by an all-woman production crew, they knew it would be a challenge. Only something like five percent of wildlife filmmakers are women, a number far short of the 20 to 30 percent average across the entertainment industry overall. They didn’t know how hard it would be, though. “On the camera side, before Queens there were probably about five women who’d had the opportunity to get to the ‘premium wildlife’ level of work,” Berlowitz explains. “There […]
The post Women in the Wilderness: How Nat Geo’s Queens Aims to Close the Gender Gap in Natural History Filmmaking first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Women in the Wilderness: How Nat Geo’s Queens Aims to Close the Gender Gap in Natural History Filmmaking first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/6/2024
- by Marah Eakin
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
When National Geographic’s Janet Han Vissering and Wildstar Films’s Vanessa Berlowitz got the idea to make Queens, a six-part natural history series about female animals made by an all-woman production crew, they knew it would be a challenge. Only something like five percent of wildlife filmmakers are women, a number far short of the 20 to 30 percent average across the entertainment industry overall. They didn’t know how hard it would be, though. “On the camera side, before Queens there were probably about five women who’d had the opportunity to get to the ‘premium wildlife’ level of work,” Berlowitz explains. “There […]
The post Women in the Wilderness: How Nat Geo’s Queens Aims to Close the Gender Gap in Natural History Filmmaking first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Women in the Wilderness: How Nat Geo’s Queens Aims to Close the Gender Gap in Natural History Filmmaking first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 3/6/2024
- by Marah Eakin
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
“A new hero is rising. Resilient. Fierce. And female.” That’s Angela Bassett, narrating the groundbreaking seven-part Nat Geo wildlife doc, Queens, which she also executive produced. It’s the first documentary to put female animal leadership front and center, and, in a world where nearly 70 percent of the genre’s directors are men, have a production team that is almost all women. We spoke with the queens behind Queens. Executive producer Vanessa Berlowitz says of the team she recruited and worked alongside: “We had young mums, single mums, often women who would have left their career because it just went over a cliff when they wanted to have kids.” (Credit: National Geographic for Disney/Oscar Dewhurst) That group wanted to take a fresh look at animal behavior in Africa, the Americas, and beyond. “We purposely turned our ...
- 3/4/2024
- TV Insider
Let’s start at the end. We’re at the base of the Ngorongoro Crater, a two-million-year-old collapsed volcano in Tanzania. A heavy downpour is thumping the roof of our safari vehicle. Yes, it’s raining in Africa. Before we begin the steep ascent up the walls of the crater along muddy brick roads, our tour guide breaks and turns off the ignition. He gestures toward an unseasonably lush clearing where a committee of elephants is assembled to wish us adieu.
For the last week, we’ve been on a press trip in the Serengeti with one unique wrinkle: National Geographic embedded our excursions with the creative talent behind their new natural world series, Queens. In addition to local guides, we were accompanied by National Geographic’s filmmakers, who are brave enough to tackle assignments like night shoots in open-sided vehicles amongst lions and hyenas. We were in safe hands.
For the last week, we’ve been on a press trip in the Serengeti with one unique wrinkle: National Geographic embedded our excursions with the creative talent behind their new natural world series, Queens. In addition to local guides, we were accompanied by National Geographic’s filmmakers, who are brave enough to tackle assignments like night shoots in open-sided vehicles amongst lions and hyenas. We were in safe hands.
- 3/4/2024
- by Chris Longo
- Den of Geek
On Thursday, February 8, National Geographic celebrated the highly anticipated new documentary series “Queens” with a red carpet premiere and afterparty at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford and senior editor Denton Davidson were on the red carpet to interview narrator Angela Bassett, executive producer Vanessa Berlowitz, showrunner and writer Chloe Sarosh, producer/director Faith Musembi and director of photography Justine Evans. They also chatted with special guests Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi (“Bobi Wine: The People’s President”), Cesar Milan (“Better Human Better Dog”), Symone (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and Jordyn McIntosh (“Reasonable Doubt”). Watch the exclusive red carpet interviews above.
The wildest places on the planet have always been home to powerful leaders, but this is a story of a new hero – fierce, smart, resilient and … female. “Queens” features matriarchies and female leaders around the world to tell a story of sacrifice...
The wildest places on the planet have always been home to powerful leaders, but this is a story of a new hero – fierce, smart, resilient and … female. “Queens” features matriarchies and female leaders around the world to tell a story of sacrifice...
- 2/9/2024
- by Latasha Ford and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Queens is Nat Geo’s latest wildlife series that follows six domains ruled by the fierce and formidable matriarchs of the animal world.
Narrated by Angela Bassett, the series hosted its world premiere in LA this evening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
And there was a surprise guest. Hillary Clinton delivered a message to the all-female production team behind the series, a rarity in the world of documentary and particularly wildlife.
In a video message, the former Senator said she was “celebrating the women in wildlife TV who are flipping the male-dominated script”.
“I love wildlife TV and for over 136 years National Geographic has captivated audiences with their visual storytelling of the natural world. But until now, there has never been a woman-led film and production team telling those stories. Queens not only amplifies stories of female power in the wild, it is dedicated to reshaping gender representation in television,...
Narrated by Angela Bassett, the series hosted its world premiere in LA this evening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
And there was a surprise guest. Hillary Clinton delivered a message to the all-female production team behind the series, a rarity in the world of documentary and particularly wildlife.
In a video message, the former Senator said she was “celebrating the women in wildlife TV who are flipping the male-dominated script”.
“I love wildlife TV and for over 136 years National Geographic has captivated audiences with their visual storytelling of the natural world. But until now, there has never been a woman-led film and production team telling those stories. Queens not only amplifies stories of female power in the wild, it is dedicated to reshaping gender representation in television,...
- 2/9/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Billie Eilish’s “you should see me in a crown” is the perfect backdrop for National Geographic’s Queens trailer. Two-time Oscar nominee Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) narrates the documentary series that focuses on fierce females in the animal world.
The seven-part docuseries, which premieres on March 4, 2024, has a female-led production team that includes showrunner and writer Chloe Sarosh, and directors of photography Sophie Darlington and Justine Evans. Wildstar Films’ Vanessa Berlowitz and National Geographic’s Pamela Caragol serve as executive producers.
Poster for National Geographic’s ‘Queens’
National Geographic released this description of the docuseries:
“Queens is bringing the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time. The series features matriarchies and female leaders from around the world to tell stories of sacrifice and resilience but also friendship and love. Each episode showcases matriarchs, from the peace-loving bonobos of the Congo basin...
The seven-part docuseries, which premieres on March 4, 2024, has a female-led production team that includes showrunner and writer Chloe Sarosh, and directors of photography Sophie Darlington and Justine Evans. Wildstar Films’ Vanessa Berlowitz and National Geographic’s Pamela Caragol serve as executive producers.
Poster for National Geographic’s ‘Queens’
National Geographic released this description of the docuseries:
“Queens is bringing the natural world into focus through the female lens for the very first time. The series features matriarchies and female leaders from around the world to tell stories of sacrifice and resilience but also friendship and love. Each episode showcases matriarchs, from the peace-loving bonobos of the Congo basin...
- 2/8/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
National Geographic has greenlit the 10-part natural history series “Underdogs.”
Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, the series will spotlight the unique and unpredictable behaviors of a cast of little-known animal characters in the natural world, including their camouflage techniques, parenting skills and courtship rituals.
“I love nature series and I love making things my kids can actually watch,” Reynolds said in a statement. “We’re already having a lot of fun trying to bring a new voice to animal docs. Wildstar has the expertise, experience and cutting-edge film tech to help us chew up that healthy National Geographic budget. We’ll deliver a show that is entertaining, surprising and will do justice to animals usually stuck as supporting cast.”
From National Geographic Content, “Underdogs” will be produced by Wildstar Films and Reynold’s Maximum Effort. Executive producers include Reynolds and George Dewey for Maximum Effort, along with Vanessa Berlowitz, Mark Linfield and Dan Rees for Wildstar.
Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, the series will spotlight the unique and unpredictable behaviors of a cast of little-known animal characters in the natural world, including their camouflage techniques, parenting skills and courtship rituals.
“I love nature series and I love making things my kids can actually watch,” Reynolds said in a statement. “We’re already having a lot of fun trying to bring a new voice to animal docs. Wildstar has the expertise, experience and cutting-edge film tech to help us chew up that healthy National Geographic budget. We’ll deliver a show that is entertaining, surprising and will do justice to animals usually stuck as supporting cast.”
From National Geographic Content, “Underdogs” will be produced by Wildstar Films and Reynold’s Maximum Effort. Executive producers include Reynolds and George Dewey for Maximum Effort, along with Vanessa Berlowitz, Mark Linfield and Dan Rees for Wildstar.
- 1/13/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
National Geographic has given the green light to a new series titled Underdogs with Ryan Reynolds set to narrate.
Underdogs will tell the story of the heroic underdogs of the natural world – the good, the bad and the frankly ugly. From their hidden talents to their bold hygiene choices, unsavory courtship rituals, devious camouflage techniques and “tough love” parenting skills, Underdogs will celebrate and champion the unique and unpredictable behaviors of a little known and surprising cast of animal characters.
These overlooked superstars come in all sizes, shapes and smells. They’re the outcasts and the troublemakers, brash, unsophisticated, flatulent, incontinent and often unhinged. But they’re also warriors, team players and evil geniuses. They’re out there 24-7 giving it maximum effort, keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas.
According to a teaser released Friday, the series is expected in...
Underdogs will tell the story of the heroic underdogs of the natural world – the good, the bad and the frankly ugly. From their hidden talents to their bold hygiene choices, unsavory courtship rituals, devious camouflage techniques and “tough love” parenting skills, Underdogs will celebrate and champion the unique and unpredictable behaviors of a little known and surprising cast of animal characters.
These overlooked superstars come in all sizes, shapes and smells. They’re the outcasts and the troublemakers, brash, unsophisticated, flatulent, incontinent and often unhinged. But they’re also warriors, team players and evil geniuses. They’re out there 24-7 giving it maximum effort, keeping the natural world in working order for all those showboating polar bears, sharks and gorillas.
According to a teaser released Friday, the series is expected in...
- 1/13/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
The indie’s blue-chip credits include BBC1’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
Fremantle has acquired a majority stake in Bristol-based natural history producer Wildstar Films, whose slate boasts Disney+ and National Geographic projects.
The deal will allow Wildstar’s co-founders Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz to benefit from Fremantle’s infrastructure, distribution and specialist support across 27 territories to capitalise on the growing demand from global players for premium factual and specialist factual content.
The indie was founded in 2018 by Linfield and Berlowitz, whose string of blue-chip credits include BBC1’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet. Recent Wildstar projects include...
Fremantle has acquired a majority stake in Bristol-based natural history producer Wildstar Films, whose slate boasts Disney+ and National Geographic projects.
The deal will allow Wildstar’s co-founders Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz to benefit from Fremantle’s infrastructure, distribution and specialist support across 27 territories to capitalise on the growing demand from global players for premium factual and specialist factual content.
The indie was founded in 2018 by Linfield and Berlowitz, whose string of blue-chip credits include BBC1’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet. Recent Wildstar projects include...
- 11/15/2022
- by Marian McHugh Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Click here to read the full article.
International television production powerhouse Fremantle continued its buying spree Tuesday, acquiring a majority stake in Wildstar Films, the award-winning British documentary and factual specialist behind series such as National Geographic’s America’s National Parks and America the Beautiful and Monkey Kingdom for Disneynature.
Fremantle, part of media giant Bertelsmann’s Rtl Group, did not disclose financial details of the deal, which will see it take 51 percent of Bristol-based Wildstar.
Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz, producers on such groundbreaking nature series as the BBC’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, and feature-length docs including Chimpanzee (2012) and Elephant (2020) for Disney, co-founded Wildstar to premium factual content for global streamers and broadcasters. They will remain in charge at the company, which is currently in production on two feature-length films for Disneynature and multiple premium series for Disney+ and National Geographic including Queens, Sentient with Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures.
International television production powerhouse Fremantle continued its buying spree Tuesday, acquiring a majority stake in Wildstar Films, the award-winning British documentary and factual specialist behind series such as National Geographic’s America’s National Parks and America the Beautiful and Monkey Kingdom for Disneynature.
Fremantle, part of media giant Bertelsmann’s Rtl Group, did not disclose financial details of the deal, which will see it take 51 percent of Bristol-based Wildstar.
Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz, producers on such groundbreaking nature series as the BBC’s Planet Earth and Frozen Planet, and feature-length docs including Chimpanzee (2012) and Elephant (2020) for Disney, co-founded Wildstar to premium factual content for global streamers and broadcasters. They will remain in charge at the company, which is currently in production on two feature-length films for Disneynature and multiple premium series for Disney+ and National Geographic including Queens, Sentient with Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures.
- 11/15/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fremantle has bought a majority stake in natural history producer Wildstar Films, continuing the company’s recent buying spree of largely European production companies.
The Bertelsmann-owned super-indie has struck a strategic partnership with Wildstar, and has acquired a 51 stake in the company. Wildstar is best known for high-profile natural history productions such as the Meghan Markle-narrated “Elephant” for Disneynature and “America the Beautiful” for Disney+.
The deal is the second big investment for Fremantle in the space of a week. Earlier this month, the company acquired a majority stake in David Glover and Mark Raphael’s factual powerhouse 72 Films, the producers behind “9/11: One Day in America,” “The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty” and “All or Nothing: Arsenal.”
With Fremantle backing, Bristol-based Wildstar plans to build on recent growth and exploit the demand for premium factual and specialist factual content from international broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Led by...
The Bertelsmann-owned super-indie has struck a strategic partnership with Wildstar, and has acquired a 51 stake in the company. Wildstar is best known for high-profile natural history productions such as the Meghan Markle-narrated “Elephant” for Disneynature and “America the Beautiful” for Disney+.
The deal is the second big investment for Fremantle in the space of a week. Earlier this month, the company acquired a majority stake in David Glover and Mark Raphael’s factual powerhouse 72 Films, the producers behind “9/11: One Day in America,” “The Rise of the Murdoch Dynasty” and “All or Nothing: Arsenal.”
With Fremantle backing, Bristol-based Wildstar plans to build on recent growth and exploit the demand for premium factual and specialist factual content from international broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Led by...
- 11/15/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Fremantle has made its second acquisition in the UK in two weeks.
The X Factor and Got Talent firm has bought 51 of factual and natural history producer Wildstar Films.
Last week, it took a majority stake in The Elon Musk Show producer 72 Films.
Bristol-based Wildstar, led by co-founders Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz, is known for America the Beautiful, Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory and America’s National Parks for Disney+ and National Geographic. It also makes numerous features for Disneynature and has worked with Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures.
Before setting up Wildstar, Linfield and Berlowitz produced major BBC natural history series such as Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
In a statement, they said: “Fremantle is a fantastic fit as a partner – we share a similar culture and the same ambition of working with the best talent on and off screen to make genre defining shows; we’re also...
The X Factor and Got Talent firm has bought 51 of factual and natural history producer Wildstar Films.
Last week, it took a majority stake in The Elon Musk Show producer 72 Films.
Bristol-based Wildstar, led by co-founders Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz, is known for America the Beautiful, Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory and America’s National Parks for Disney+ and National Geographic. It also makes numerous features for Disneynature and has worked with Darren Aronofsky’s Protozoa Pictures.
Before setting up Wildstar, Linfield and Berlowitz produced major BBC natural history series such as Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
In a statement, they said: “Fremantle is a fantastic fit as a partner – we share a similar culture and the same ambition of working with the best talent on and off screen to make genre defining shows; we’re also...
- 11/15/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Composer Joseph Trapanese was determined to make the music for “America the Beautiful,” National Geographic’s six-part series launching July 4 on Disney+, different than that of any nature documentary to date.
“Hollywood is so guilty of misappropriating culture,” Trapanese says, “tapping into a culture and throwing it around, willy-nilly.” So he determined to score the continent-spanning story of North American flora and fauna with authentic musical touches as well as a very modern mix of traditionally orchestral and more contemporary sounds.
Series producer Dan Rees and executive producers Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield said they “didn’t want the typical nature documentary sound,” the composer explained.
Trapanese called an old friend, Sean Carey of indie folk band Bon Iver (they had previously joined forces for a song in 2017’s “Only the Brave”), and asked him to collaborate on an opening song. In turn, Carey enlisted friends from the Native American...
“Hollywood is so guilty of misappropriating culture,” Trapanese says, “tapping into a culture and throwing it around, willy-nilly.” So he determined to score the continent-spanning story of North American flora and fauna with authentic musical touches as well as a very modern mix of traditionally orchestral and more contemporary sounds.
Series producer Dan Rees and executive producers Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield said they “didn’t want the typical nature documentary sound,” the composer explained.
Trapanese called an old friend, Sean Carey of indie folk band Bon Iver (they had previously joined forces for a song in 2017’s “Only the Brave”), and asked him to collaborate on an opening song. In turn, Carey enlisted friends from the Native American...
- 7/4/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Martin Luther King III will host a new docuseries produced by Calabasas Film and Media, the company announced Monday.
Titled “Protect/Serve,” the series sees King, the oldest child of revered civil right activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., moderate a series of conversations with law enforcement officials, activists, grass-roots organization founders, DAs and other prominent figures. The conversations will focus on the role of police in America and the origins of institutional racism, with a goal of finding solutions to these problems. The first episode will feature a one-on-one conversation between King and Los Angeles county sheriff Alex Villanueva, whose tenure as sheriff has been plagued with controversy.
Wendy Eley Jackson directs the series and executive produces with Sam Pollard and Kapil Mahendra and Paul Beahan for Calabasas Films. Calabasas produces the series after having recently produced the Discovery+ reality series “Restaurant Recovery” with Raising Cane founder Todd Graves.
Titled “Protect/Serve,” the series sees King, the oldest child of revered civil right activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., moderate a series of conversations with law enforcement officials, activists, grass-roots organization founders, DAs and other prominent figures. The conversations will focus on the role of police in America and the origins of institutional racism, with a goal of finding solutions to these problems. The first episode will feature a one-on-one conversation between King and Los Angeles county sheriff Alex Villanueva, whose tenure as sheriff has been plagued with controversy.
Wendy Eley Jackson directs the series and executive produces with Sam Pollard and Kapil Mahendra and Paul Beahan for Calabasas Films. Calabasas produces the series after having recently produced the Discovery+ reality series “Restaurant Recovery” with Raising Cane founder Todd Graves.
- 6/13/2022
- by Sasha Urban, Wilson Chapman and Carson Burton
- Variety Film + TV
Disney+‘s latest National Geographic series is taking viewers across the country in America the Beautiful, which is set to debut exclusively on the streaming platform Monday, July 4. In an exclusive first look at the stunning docuseries narrated by actor and producer Michael B. Jordan, the trailer, above offers a peek into the natural beauty that will be on display. America the Beautiful is part of Disney+’s Independence Day celebration with all six episodes arriving on the premiere day. Follow along as the show takes viewers on an epic journey across North America’s most spectacular regions showcasing the landscapes and unique creatures inhabiting them. America the Beautiful‘s ultimate goal is to inspire viewers to conserve the precious habitats found in their own backyards. (Credit: National Geographic) In a first, this series from Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield puts cinema-grade cameras on fighter jets to take in the...
- 6/13/2022
- TV Insider
America’s National Parks – from Yosemite to the Grand Canyony – will be the subject of a ten-part documentary series narrated by Garth Brooks for Nat Geo.
The Disney-owned cable network has ordered National Parks, which will explore the breathtaking landscape and extraordinary wildlife in parks across America from the Rio Grande to Hawaii’s constantly erupting volcanoes. The series will capture not only the landscapes but intimate glimpses into the lives of the animals that inhabit these parks.
The country music star will also exec produce the series, which is set to air in 2022. It is being shot using cutting-edge technology including long lens cinematography, remote camera traps and the latest high-resolution drone technology.
It is produced by Bristol-based producer Wildstar Films, which was founded by Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield in 2018. Dan Rees is exec producer with supervising producers Myles Connolly and Ben Wallis.
“National Parks is a celebration...
The Disney-owned cable network has ordered National Parks, which will explore the breathtaking landscape and extraordinary wildlife in parks across America from the Rio Grande to Hawaii’s constantly erupting volcanoes. The series will capture not only the landscapes but intimate glimpses into the lives of the animals that inhabit these parks.
The country music star will also exec produce the series, which is set to air in 2022. It is being shot using cutting-edge technology including long lens cinematography, remote camera traps and the latest high-resolution drone technology.
It is produced by Bristol-based producer Wildstar Films, which was founded by Vanessa Berlowitz and Mark Linfield in 2018. Dan Rees is exec producer with supervising producers Myles Connolly and Ben Wallis.
“National Parks is a celebration...
- 5/18/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic’s unscripted programs shooting both in the U.S. and abroad are figuring out what it means to get back to work during the pandemic, enacting new regulations and safety protocols to protect their human crews and animal subjects alike.
Having crews out in the field presents a risk not only for the local communities and the filmmakers themselves but potentially for wildlife as well.
“We actually canceled a shoot we were planning to do with bonobos in the Congo,” said “Queens” showrunner Vanessa Berlowitz. “We’ve been thinking a lot about how do we socially distance from monkeys who might be naturally curious and want to come close to us? You can’t necessarily prepare for that. So we’ve had to make some really complex decisions not just for our own safety and the people we work with, but also the animals that we’re filming.
Having crews out in the field presents a risk not only for the local communities and the filmmakers themselves but potentially for wildlife as well.
“We actually canceled a shoot we were planning to do with bonobos in the Congo,” said “Queens” showrunner Vanessa Berlowitz. “We’ve been thinking a lot about how do we socially distance from monkeys who might be naturally curious and want to come close to us? You can’t necessarily prepare for that. So we’ve had to make some really complex decisions not just for our own safety and the people we work with, but also the animals that we’re filming.
- 8/3/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Nat Geo was forced to shut down 77 productions, encompassing 394 hours of programming, across more than a dozen countries around the world in March when Covid-19 struck.
It has been laboriously going through the process of getting many of these shows back to production and showrunners from four of its shows – Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Queens and Category Six – were present at the network’s virtual TCA presentation to reveal how they’ve done it.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted has just completed episodes in Croatia, Iceland, Portugal and Finland as it heads into its third season, Running Wild with Bear Grylls has just completed filming an episode in Iceland, female-focused wildlife series Queens is currently shooting in Kenya and the UK and Category Six has been chasing storms in the U.S. since May 11.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted showrunner Jon Kroll revealed that the show, which is produced by Studio Ramsay,...
It has been laboriously going through the process of getting many of these shows back to production and showrunners from four of its shows – Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, Running Wild with Bear Grylls, Queens and Category Six – were present at the network’s virtual TCA presentation to reveal how they’ve done it.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted has just completed episodes in Croatia, Iceland, Portugal and Finland as it heads into its third season, Running Wild with Bear Grylls has just completed filming an episode in Iceland, female-focused wildlife series Queens is currently shooting in Kenya and the UK and Category Six has been chasing storms in the U.S. since May 11.
Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted showrunner Jon Kroll revealed that the show, which is produced by Studio Ramsay,...
- 8/3/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
When Meghan Markle visited Botswana with Prince Harry in 2017, she was introduced to the unique matriarchal structure of elephant herds — a hierarchy that resonated for her.
Over dinner in Botswana, filmmakers Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz explained that females lead the herds and showed her portions of their in-progress Disneynature documentary, Elephant.
“She was absolutely intrigued by the elephants and transfixed, especially by the female empowerment side,” says Berlowitz. “How important the matriarchs are to the story; it really is all about female leadership. It’s a different form of power — it’s about consensual leadership. It’s also very inclusive,...
Over dinner in Botswana, filmmakers Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz explained that females lead the herds and showed her portions of their in-progress Disneynature documentary, Elephant.
“She was absolutely intrigued by the elephants and transfixed, especially by the female empowerment side,” says Berlowitz. “How important the matriarchs are to the story; it really is all about female leadership. It’s a different form of power — it’s about consensual leadership. It’s also very inclusive,...
- 4/2/2020
- by Jason Sheeler
- PEOPLE.com
Over the last dozen years, Disneynature, Disney’s nature documentary wing, has churned out a wide variety of films that cover all manner of the animal kingdom and its attendant environs. Some have been huge hits, like wide-ranging smashes “Earth” and “Oceans” or the beloved animal-centric offerings “Chimpanzee” and “African Cats,” while others have fizzled (remember “Ghost of the Mountains”? maybe “Penguins”?). Along the way, the dozen-strong film lineup has shored up a predictable formula that combines on-the-ground insight with a cutesy, anthropomorphized look at some of the wild’s most majestic creatures.
And when it works, it really works. Mark Linfield’s “Elephant,” the first of two new Disneynature docs pushed directly to Disney’s fledgling streaming service Disney+, is one that works. Linfield, who previously co-directed sterling Disneynature offerings “Earth” and “Chimpanzee” alongside Alastair Fothergill, is now armed with a new partner: co-director Vanessa Berlowitz, a long-time producer...
And when it works, it really works. Mark Linfield’s “Elephant,” the first of two new Disneynature docs pushed directly to Disney’s fledgling streaming service Disney+, is one that works. Linfield, who previously co-directed sterling Disneynature offerings “Earth” and “Chimpanzee” alongside Alastair Fothergill, is now armed with a new partner: co-director Vanessa Berlowitz, a long-time producer...
- 3/31/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
It’s about wild animals. It’s narrated by Meghan Markle. And it’s one of the first Disneynature films to be released as a Disney+ exclusive. That ought to be enough give “Elephant” a shot of pop-culture currency rare for a nature documentary, and attract some curious viewers who’d otherwise be interested in “Tiger King” or “The Mandalorian.”
Make no mistake, though: “Elephant,” premiering on April 3 on Disney+ alongside another Disneynature doc, “Dolphin Reef,” does not have the train-wreck appeal of “Tiger King.” It’s got some big cats who briefly threaten our plucky pachyderms, but no crazy people around them. And Markle, who is listed in the credits as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” and who came on board in return for a hefty Disney donation to the Elephants Without Borders charity she supports, is a nondescript narrator who mostly stays out of the way; if you didn’t know it was her,...
Make no mistake, though: “Elephant,” premiering on April 3 on Disney+ alongside another Disneynature doc, “Dolphin Reef,” does not have the train-wreck appeal of “Tiger King.” It’s got some big cats who briefly threaten our plucky pachyderms, but no crazy people around them. And Markle, who is listed in the credits as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex” and who came on board in return for a hefty Disney donation to the Elephants Without Borders charity she supports, is a nondescript narrator who mostly stays out of the way; if you didn’t know it was her,...
- 3/31/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
The Duchess of Sussex has provided the voiceover – including plenty of unverifiable comment – for this sugary documentary about elephant migration
Last autumn, before she and her husband made it into their current Californian lockdown, Meghan Markle recorded the narration for this lavish new documentary from the Disneynature production unit, streaming on Disney+, her fee being a donation to the Elephants Without Borders conservation charity working in Botswana. The film shows the annual, dramatic migration of an elephant herd across the Kalahari in search of food and drinking water, moving from Botswana’s Okavango Delta in its dry season, heading for the Zambezi and the Victoria Falls: the last being an awe-inspiring phenomenon which Meghan matches with her own spectacular torrents of schmaltz. She takes to Disney-narration like an anthropomorphic duck to water. “For elephants, family is everything! In this tight-knit group, someone always has your back!”
The film is directed by Mark Linfield,...
Last autumn, before she and her husband made it into their current Californian lockdown, Meghan Markle recorded the narration for this lavish new documentary from the Disneynature production unit, streaming on Disney+, her fee being a donation to the Elephants Without Borders conservation charity working in Botswana. The film shows the annual, dramatic migration of an elephant herd across the Kalahari in search of food and drinking water, moving from Botswana’s Okavango Delta in its dry season, heading for the Zambezi and the Victoria Falls: the last being an awe-inspiring phenomenon which Meghan matches with her own spectacular torrents of schmaltz. She takes to Disney-narration like an anthropomorphic duck to water. “For elephants, family is everything! In this tight-knit group, someone always has your back!”
The film is directed by Mark Linfield,...
- 3/30/2020
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Disney+ documentary Elephant is getting a royal voiceover after the streamer confirmed that Meghan Markle is to narrate the film.
The doc, produced by Disneynature, will launch on the digital platform on April 3.
This comes after her husband, Prince Harry, was overheard to have to lobbied former Disney CEO Bob Iger to help his wife get voiceover work. Disney noted that the film would be narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, one of the last times that she will be able to use that title before she gives it up at the end of the month.
Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Alastair Fothergill, and produced by Mark Linfield, Vanessa Berlowitz and Roy Conli,...
The doc, produced by Disneynature, will launch on the digital platform on April 3.
This comes after her husband, Prince Harry, was overheard to have to lobbied former Disney CEO Bob Iger to help his wife get voiceover work. Disney noted that the film would be narrated by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, one of the last times that she will be able to use that title before she gives it up at the end of the month.
Directed by Mark Linfield, co-directed by Vanessa Berlowitz and Alastair Fothergill, and produced by Mark Linfield, Vanessa Berlowitz and Roy Conli,...
- 3/26/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Female filmmakers and animals will reign in “Queens,” an upcoming National Geographic global series about matriarchal societies in the animal world. The team behind the series is led by women, with Wildstar Films on production duty and Vanessa Berlowitz exec producing.
“We’re accustomed to a narrative where the male animal voice often outshines that of the mis-perceived ‘gentler’ sex,” Berlowitz said. “In ‘Queens,’ females drive the story. The most accomplished women in the industry get behind the camera to turn things on their heads, revealing surprising insights into how females rise to power, often relying on cooperation and wisdom over brute strength to get ahead.”
The series will follow a sisterhood of a particular animal in each of its six episodes. The producers said the show would reveal unique feminine behaviors in six distinct animal communities: hyenas, elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, insects, primates and killer whales.
Cinematographers on the series...
“We’re accustomed to a narrative where the male animal voice often outshines that of the mis-perceived ‘gentler’ sex,” Berlowitz said. “In ‘Queens,’ females drive the story. The most accomplished women in the industry get behind the camera to turn things on their heads, revealing surprising insights into how females rise to power, often relying on cooperation and wisdom over brute strength to get ahead.”
The series will follow a sisterhood of a particular animal in each of its six episodes. The producers said the show would reveal unique feminine behaviors in six distinct animal communities: hyenas, elephants, ring-tailed lemurs, insects, primates and killer whales.
Cinematographers on the series...
- 5/10/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
National Geographic revealed more natural history global series and specials at Sunday’s TCA gathering in Pasadena. Headlining was the announced return of last summer’s highly successful Yellowstone Live, which is now set for a June 2019 premiere.
The other projects in the works: America, in which a new generation of gyro-stabilized gimbals allow capture of developing shots of animal behavior with never-before-seen levels of dynamism and intimacy; Planet of the Whales, which immerses viewers in the whales’ world through the next generation of visual technology; and Photo Ark, a two-hour event special following National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore’s uncanny mix of humor and an earnest, indefatigable commitment to save everything he can through photography.
“National Geographic has been the gold standard of storytelling about the natural world since its inception 131 years ago, consistently evolving the genre over the years to tell these important stories across our media portfolio...
The other projects in the works: America, in which a new generation of gyro-stabilized gimbals allow capture of developing shots of animal behavior with never-before-seen levels of dynamism and intimacy; Planet of the Whales, which immerses viewers in the whales’ world through the next generation of visual technology; and Photo Ark, a two-hour event special following National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore’s uncanny mix of humor and an earnest, indefatigable commitment to save everything he can through photography.
“National Geographic has been the gold standard of storytelling about the natural world since its inception 131 years ago, consistently evolving the genre over the years to tell these important stories across our media portfolio...
- 2/10/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic and Procter & Gamble have partnered on Activate, a new multiplatform storytelling partnership and six-part documentary series co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia. The multi-platform series, which will premiere globally this fall on Nat Geo, will focus on extreme poverty, inequality and sustainability issues to mobilize global citizens to drive change.
Through activists including Uzo Aduba, Rachel Brosnahan, Hugh Jackman, Gayle King, Usher and Pharrell Williams, viewers will hear the stories, meet the people and witness firsthand the work that is being done to combat extreme poverty and inspire a global movement.
Each episode delves into a different issue connected to the root causes of extreme poverty, following a specific Global Citizen campaign and organizers, amplifiers, grassroots activists and the people whose lives are being changed.
The multiplatform partnership will include a 12-page custom print section for Activate in the September issue of National Geographic magazine as well...
Through activists including Uzo Aduba, Rachel Brosnahan, Hugh Jackman, Gayle King, Usher and Pharrell Williams, viewers will hear the stories, meet the people and witness firsthand the work that is being done to combat extreme poverty and inspire a global movement.
Each episode delves into a different issue connected to the root causes of extreme poverty, following a specific Global Citizen campaign and organizers, amplifiers, grassroots activists and the people whose lives are being changed.
The multiplatform partnership will include a 12-page custom print section for Activate in the September issue of National Geographic magazine as well...
- 2/8/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
National Geographic is launching a slate of new series that will showcase the natural world, exotic wildlife, and a veteran Nat Geo photographer in action in the field. The channel will launch “America,” a new series using high-end camera tech to offer a new portrait of the U.S.; “Planet of the Whales,” a landmark series on the planet’s largest mammals; and “Photo Ark,” which looks at National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s ongoing effort to document and save rare species.
The cameras will also head back into Yellowstone after last year’s live broadcast from the national park garnered 13 million viewers. “Yellowstone Live” will run for four days this June. British shingle Plimsoll Productions and U.S. producer Berman Productions are making the show. There is also the previously announced Bear Grylls-fronted, Plimsoll-produced “Hostile Planet.”
Nat Geo recently solidified its leadership ahead of ownership shifting to...
The cameras will also head back into Yellowstone after last year’s live broadcast from the national park garnered 13 million viewers. “Yellowstone Live” will run for four days this June. British shingle Plimsoll Productions and U.S. producer Berman Productions are making the show. There is also the previously announced Bear Grylls-fronted, Plimsoll-produced “Hostile Planet.”
Nat Geo recently solidified its leadership ahead of ownership shifting to...
- 2/8/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
In March, Discovery debuted Frozen Planet, a breathtaking polar exploration series from the makers of Planet Earth and Life. During four years of production, the temperatures went as low as -58°F and the winds as high as 148 miles per hour. In total, the crew spent 2,356 days in the field, 840 hours trapped in blizzards, and 134 hours filming under the ice to capture jaw-dropping footage like the killer whale “wave wash” behavior in which orcas swim in a line to make waves that knock a seal off an ice floe, and a pack of 25 patient wolves working together to separate a bison from its herd.
- 11/29/2012
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW - Inside TV
Last Sunday (Earth Day, no less), the Discovery Channel aired the final episode of its Frozen Planet series. Titled "On Thin Ice," the episode captures the staggering changes in our polar regions being wrought by global warming -- shrinking glaciers, rising seas, and disappearing habitats. But there was one thing missing: in 45 minutes, not a word was uttered about why all that Arctic ice is melting. In an impressive feat of journalistic malpractice, Discovery completely avoided the fact that the burning of fossil fuels causes climate change, and thanks to a New York Times article, now we know why. Discovery has admitted to censoring itself because it wanted to avoid criticism from climate change deniers. This was a shameful decision, which is why thousands of people have joined Forecast the Facts in demanding an immediate apology and an explicit commitment from Discovery to make sure it never happens again.
For those keeping score at home,...
For those keeping score at home,...
- 4/25/2012
- by Daniel Souweine
- Aol TV.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts announced Tuesday (April 24) the nominations for its 2012 television awards. British miniseries "Appropriate Adult," which chronicles the real-life serial killer Fred West, leads the way with four nominations.
Other notable nominations include Dame Maggie Smith up for Supporting Actress for her work on "Downton Abbey" - it's the only nomination "Downton" received, after earning two nominations the previous year. "Modern Family" also earned a nomination in the International category.
The full list of nominations:
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock (BBC One)
Dominic West - Appropriate Adult (ITV)
John Simm - Exile (BBC One)
Joseph Gilgun - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Leading Actress
Emily Watson - Appropriate Adult (ITV1)
Nadine Marshall - Random (Channel 4)
Romola Garai - The Crimson Petal and the White (BBC Two)
Vicky McClure - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Supporting Actor
Andrew Scott - Sherlock...
Other notable nominations include Dame Maggie Smith up for Supporting Actress for her work on "Downton Abbey" - it's the only nomination "Downton" received, after earning two nominations the previous year. "Modern Family" also earned a nomination in the International category.
The full list of nominations:
Leading Actor
Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock (BBC One)
Dominic West - Appropriate Adult (ITV)
John Simm - Exile (BBC One)
Joseph Gilgun - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Leading Actress
Emily Watson - Appropriate Adult (ITV1)
Nadine Marshall - Random (Channel 4)
Romola Garai - The Crimson Petal and the White (BBC Two)
Vicky McClure - This is England '88 (Channel 4)
Supporting Actor
Andrew Scott - Sherlock...
- 4/24/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
This Sunday, Discovery premieres what could be the most fascinating hour of its seven-part polar exploration series Frozen Planet — the making-of. We already talked with series producer Vanessa Berlowitz and director Chadden Hunter about how this installment is for them — especially in the case of revisiting the solo bison-wolf battle captured in last week’s “Winter” episode – a therapy session. (“We wanted to basically take the viewer’s hand and say, ‘Okay, this was emotional to watch, but we go through the same emotions when we film it,’” Hunter said.) Now, we probe deeper into what life was like for...
- 4/5/2012
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW - Inside TV
Have you seen "Frozen Planet"? The documentary series, from the producers of "Planet Earth," explores the wildlife and scenery that comprise the planet's polar regions. The U.S. version, airing on the Discovery Channel, is narrated by actor Alec Baldwin.
"Frozen Planet" producers Alastair Fothergill and Vanessa Berlowitz recently sat down with AOL to discuss what they found so intriguing about the Earth's polar regions.
Berlowitz remarked about Earth's poles, "They're just the greatest wildernesses on our planet. And there's so many incredible animals and amazing wildlife and scenery to show there."
Fothergill agreed that "there were many moments when we had absolutely extraordinary rushes come in [while working on 'Frozen Planet']."
The producers also explained the poles' importance to the rest of the world. Berlowitz said, "Everything that we kind of experience, in terms of our weather and our global sea levels, are linked to what's going on at the poles. It...
"Frozen Planet" producers Alastair Fothergill and Vanessa Berlowitz recently sat down with AOL to discuss what they found so intriguing about the Earth's polar regions.
Berlowitz remarked about Earth's poles, "They're just the greatest wildernesses on our planet. And there's so many incredible animals and amazing wildlife and scenery to show there."
Fothergill agreed that "there were many moments when we had absolutely extraordinary rushes come in [while working on 'Frozen Planet']."
The producers also explained the poles' importance to the rest of the world. Berlowitz said, "Everything that we kind of experience, in terms of our weather and our global sea levels, are linked to what's going on at the poles. It...
- 3/26/2012
- by James Gerken
- Huffington Post
Have you seen "Frozen Planet"? The documentary series, from the producers of "Planet Earth," explores the wildlife and scenery that comprise the planet's polar regions. The U.S. version, airing on the Discovery Channel, is narrated by actor Alec Baldwin.
"Frozen Planet" producers Alastair Fothergill and Vanessa Berlowitz recently sat down with AOL to discuss what they found so intriguing about the Earth's polar regions.
Berlowitz remarked about Earth's poles, "They're just the greatest wildernesses on our planet. And there's so many incredible animals and amazing wildlife and scenery to show there."
Fothergill agreed that "there were many moments when we had absolutely extraordinary rushes come in [while working on 'Frozen Planet']."
The producers also explained the poles' importance to the rest of the world. Berlowitz said, "Everything that we kind of experience, in terms of our weather and our global sea levels, are linked to what's going on at the poles. It...
"Frozen Planet" producers Alastair Fothergill and Vanessa Berlowitz recently sat down with AOL to discuss what they found so intriguing about the Earth's polar regions.
Berlowitz remarked about Earth's poles, "They're just the greatest wildernesses on our planet. And there's so many incredible animals and amazing wildlife and scenery to show there."
Fothergill agreed that "there were many moments when we had absolutely extraordinary rushes come in [while working on 'Frozen Planet']."
The producers also explained the poles' importance to the rest of the world. Berlowitz said, "Everything that we kind of experience, in terms of our weather and our global sea levels, are linked to what's going on at the poles. It...
- 3/26/2012
- by James Gerken
- Aol TV.
This Sunday, Discovery debuts the new seven-part series Frozen Planet, from the makers of Planet Earth and Life. During four years of production, the temperatures went as low as -58°F and the winds as high as 148 miles per hour. In total, the crew spent 2,356 days in the field, 840 hours trapped in blizzards, and 134 hours filming under the ice. Among the jaw-dropping footage seen in the first two programs premiering Sunday: the killer whale “wave wash” behavior in which orcas swim in a line to make waves that knock a seal off an ice floe, and a pack of 25 patient...
- 3/17/2012
- by Mandi Bierly
- EW - Inside TV
The list comprises a mixture of executives, producers, actors and writers, but is it a fair reflection and who has been omitted?
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
See the list of names in full
No one disputes that women have a long way to go in achieving equal status in broadcasting and film. But it is also easy to fall into the trap of whinging about unfairness, rather than saluting those who win through.
That is the point of the Top 50 Powerlist, relaunched on Thursday by Women in Film & TV, in association with Screen International and Broadcast.
After a first stab in 2010, it is timed to mark and chime with International Women's Day. Tonally, it is striving to change the pitch from minor to major: people of achievement clearly come in both sexes.
Kate Kinninmont, Wftv chief executive, says that in "true womanly style" the list is not arranged in any order, though one ambitious...
- 3/8/2012
- by Maggie Brown
- The Guardian - Film News
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