Oscar winner Cate Blanchett is lending her voice to a Netflix nature docuseries highlighting species surviving amid the climate crisis.
Four-part Netflix series “Our Living World” hails from Freeborne Media and Wild Space productions, the Emmy-winning team behind “Our Great National Parks.” The series uses cinematic wildlife photography, macro close-ups, underwater tapestries, and digital effects to capture the tallest and oldest tree in the forest to the smallest egg in a salmon’s spawning pool and every organism in between. Cuttlefish, beavers, rhinos, crabs, dragonflies, flying foxes, and more are featured in nature action shots.
The official synopsis reads: “Spanning continents and oceans, fueled by wind and water and fire, this network allows the densest forests to impact the coldest glaciers, and the deepest oceans to feed the hottest deserts. But with Earth now changing at unprecedented speeds due to human activity, our living world’s network is malfunctioning – and it will take all creatures,...
Four-part Netflix series “Our Living World” hails from Freeborne Media and Wild Space productions, the Emmy-winning team behind “Our Great National Parks.” The series uses cinematic wildlife photography, macro close-ups, underwater tapestries, and digital effects to capture the tallest and oldest tree in the forest to the smallest egg in a salmon’s spawning pool and every organism in between. Cuttlefish, beavers, rhinos, crabs, dragonflies, flying foxes, and more are featured in nature action shots.
The official synopsis reads: “Spanning continents and oceans, fueled by wind and water and fire, this network allows the densest forests to impact the coldest glaciers, and the deepest oceans to feed the hottest deserts. But with Earth now changing at unprecedented speeds due to human activity, our living world’s network is malfunctioning – and it will take all creatures,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Netflix is heading back in to the wild with a major new natural history push.
The streamer has ordered six new series including Our Universe and Life on Our Planet narrated by Morgan Freeman and renewed David Attenborough’s Our Planet for a second season. It is doubling down on the ‘Our’ brand with Our Oceans, Our Living World and Our Water World.
The push, headed by Adam Del Deo, VP Documentary Series, comes after Our Planet was watched by more than 100M households since its launch in April 2019 and President Barack Obama’s Our Great National Parks launched in April.
Our Universe blends wildlife footage with cosmic special effects and take viewers on an adventure to explore the connections that drive our natural world. From the birth of the sun to the birth of a sea turtle, Our Universe uses animation to dramatize the celestial forces that generated our solar system,...
The streamer has ordered six new series including Our Universe and Life on Our Planet narrated by Morgan Freeman and renewed David Attenborough’s Our Planet for a second season. It is doubling down on the ‘Our’ brand with Our Oceans, Our Living World and Our Water World.
The push, headed by Adam Del Deo, VP Documentary Series, comes after Our Planet was watched by more than 100M households since its launch in April 2019 and President Barack Obama’s Our Great National Parks launched in April.
Our Universe blends wildlife footage with cosmic special effects and take viewers on an adventure to explore the connections that drive our natural world. From the birth of the sun to the birth of a sea turtle, Our Universe uses animation to dramatize the celestial forces that generated our solar system,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Ron Howard had a backup plan in case his filmmaking aspirations didn’t pan out as an adult. “I probably would’ve been a high school history teacher and maybe the basketball coach or something if I didn’t transition from a kid career and get to fulfill my dreams, which I was lucky enough to be able to do,” the “We Feed People” director tells Gold Derby at during our Meet the Experts: Documentary group discussion with James Honeyborne (“Our Great National Parks”), Rick Murray (“Janet Jackson”) and Amy Poehler (“Lucy and Desi”). “I’ve always been curious, always interested, so there’s that part of it — this discovery.” Watch the exclusive video interview above. Click on each name to view that person’s individual video chat.
That curiosity has served the Oscar winner well as he’s ventured more into documentary filmmaking the last few years. “We Feed People...
That curiosity has served the Oscar winner well as he’s ventured more into documentary filmmaking the last few years. “We Feed People...
- 6/3/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Netflix played matchmaker between James Honeyborne and the Obamas. The filmmaker’s Freeborne Media, which specializes in natural storytelling, and the Obama’s Higher Ground production company both have deals at the streaming giant, which introduced the two parties. What eventually came out of that was “Our Great National Parks,” a five-part Netflix documentary series hosted by former President Barack Obama.
“It quickly became apparent that we shared common interests, so it felt like a real natural fit to get together and talk about this,” Honeyborne tells Gold Derby at our Meet the Experts: Documentary panel (watch the exclusive video interview above). “The president is actually recognized as the president in all of U.S. history who’s saved more wilderness than anyone else, so he’s got a real authenticity to tell the story. It’s really the story of the importance of wilderness, wild places all over our planet.
“It quickly became apparent that we shared common interests, so it felt like a real natural fit to get together and talk about this,” Honeyborne tells Gold Derby at our Meet the Experts: Documentary panel (watch the exclusive video interview above). “The president is actually recognized as the president in all of U.S. history who’s saved more wilderness than anyone else, so he’s got a real authenticity to tell the story. It’s really the story of the importance of wilderness, wild places all over our planet.
- 6/3/2022
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
Four top TV documentary filmmakers will reveal secrets behind their projects when they join Gold Derby’s special “Meet the Experts” Q&a event with 2022 Emmy Awards contenders. They will participate in two video discussions to premiere on Wednesday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. Pt; 7:00 p.m. Et. We’ll have a one-on-one with our senior editor Joyce Eng and a roundtable chat with all of the group together.
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
Janet Jackson (Lifetime)
Synopsis: The untold story of Janet Jackson filmed over the span of three years featuring archival footage, never before seen home videos and star-studded interviews.
Bio: The career of Rick Murray has included “Idris Elba: No Limits,...
RSVP today to our entire ongoing Emmy contenders panel series by clicking here to book your free reservation. We’ll send you a reminder a few minutes before the start of the show.
This “Meet the Experts” panel welcomes the following 2022 contenders:
Janet Jackson (Lifetime)
Synopsis: The untold story of Janet Jackson filmed over the span of three years featuring archival footage, never before seen home videos and star-studded interviews.
Bio: The career of Rick Murray has included “Idris Elba: No Limits,...
- 5/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum and Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
“Our Great National Parks” on Netflix is a magnificent look at Mother Nature. Produced and narrated by former president Barack Obama, this six-part series explores the wonder and excitement of our national parks around the world. I sat down with producers James Honeyborne and Sophie Todd for this behind-the-scenes look at “Our Great National
The post “Our Great National Parks” appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
The post “Our Great National Parks” appeared first on Manny the Movie Guy.
- 4/14/2022
- by manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The soothing voice of former President Barack Obama will help tell the story of the world’s most famous national parks. On Tuesday, Netflix released the trailer for Our Great National Parks, an inside look at the beauty, nature and importance of parks in places such as Chile, Indonesia, and Kenya. The docuseries arrives via Netflix on April 13.
“A fish that can walk. Surfing hippos want to catch the waves. Species found nowhere else on Earth,” says Obama in the trailer, before he’s seen walking on a beach. “Join...
“A fish that can walk. Surfing hippos want to catch the waves. Species found nowhere else on Earth,” says Obama in the trailer, before he’s seen walking on a beach. “Join...
- 3/16/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
The 44th President of the United States is going to front a five-part docuseries for Netflix next month.
Taking his post-White House career to yet another level, Barack Obama will appear in and narrate the internationally spanning Our Great National Parks.
Set to launch on the streamer on April 13 and spanning five continents, the five-episode Our Great National Parks was first announced on February 5 last year. At the time, as a part of Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground shingle’s Netflix slate, there was no hint that the former Commander-in-chief would be anything more than an EP on the series.
Yet, it makes sense when you consider the two-term President, best-selling author, and multiple Grammy winner’s history.
Clearly not the first or likely last Potus or would-be Potus to host a TV series, the Hawaii-born Obama was admittedly a pretty fierce advocate for public lands and waters while in office.
Taking his post-White House career to yet another level, Barack Obama will appear in and narrate the internationally spanning Our Great National Parks.
Set to launch on the streamer on April 13 and spanning five continents, the five-episode Our Great National Parks was first announced on February 5 last year. At the time, as a part of Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground shingle’s Netflix slate, there was no hint that the former Commander-in-chief would be anything more than an EP on the series.
Yet, it makes sense when you consider the two-term President, best-selling author, and multiple Grammy winner’s history.
Clearly not the first or likely last Potus or would-be Potus to host a TV series, the Hawaii-born Obama was admittedly a pretty fierce advocate for public lands and waters while in office.
- 3/15/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has released the first trailer for its upcoming documentary series “Our Great National Parks,” which will feature narration from former U.S. President Barack Obama.
“Around the world, the more isolated the national park, the more unusual its creatures and the more extraordinary their behaviors,” Obama says at the beginning of the trailer before explaining a bright green jungle mammal. “This sloth has an entire microkingdom living in his fur.”
Obama also makes a physical appearance in the trailer. “Our Great National Parks” will release all five of its one-hour episodes on April 13.
The series will explore national parks across the globe, including the waters of Monterey Bay, California, the terrain of Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, the rainforests of Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park and the far south landscape of Chilean Patagonia. “Our Great National Parks” emphasizes both the importance of preserving natural environments and the opportunity...
“Around the world, the more isolated the national park, the more unusual its creatures and the more extraordinary their behaviors,” Obama says at the beginning of the trailer before explaining a bright green jungle mammal. “This sloth has an entire microkingdom living in his fur.”
Obama also makes a physical appearance in the trailer. “Our Great National Parks” will release all five of its one-hour episodes on April 13.
The series will explore national parks across the globe, including the waters of Monterey Bay, California, the terrain of Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, the rainforests of Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park and the far south landscape of Chilean Patagonia. “Our Great National Parks” emphasizes both the importance of preserving natural environments and the opportunity...
- 3/15/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: BBC Studios Natural History Unit has poached Netflix-backed indie Freeborne Media’s Laura Harris to run its development team alongside newly-promoted Jess Colman.
The pair replace Gavin Boyland as dual Heads of Development at the powerhouse BBC Studios division. Deadline revealed in November that Boyland is remaining with the unit to series-produce an unannounced landmark series, which it is understood will be revealed shortly.
Harris returns to BBC Studios following two-and-a-half years away, first with Seadog TV and then with Blue Planet exec James Honeyborne’s Netflix-backed studio Freeborne Media, where she was also Head of Development and worked on the likes of Netflix double Oceans and Great National Parks.
Colman is promoted from Development Executive and has helped shape projects including forthcoming BBC One landmark Asia and Apple TV+’s The Year Earth Changed. She is a former Head of Development at fellow Bristol natural history producer True to Nature.
The pair replace Gavin Boyland as dual Heads of Development at the powerhouse BBC Studios division. Deadline revealed in November that Boyland is remaining with the unit to series-produce an unannounced landmark series, which it is understood will be revealed shortly.
Harris returns to BBC Studios following two-and-a-half years away, first with Seadog TV and then with Blue Planet exec James Honeyborne’s Netflix-backed studio Freeborne Media, where she was also Head of Development and worked on the likes of Netflix double Oceans and Great National Parks.
Colman is promoted from Development Executive and has helped shape projects including forthcoming BBC One landmark Asia and Apple TV+’s The Year Earth Changed. She is a former Head of Development at fellow Bristol natural history producer True to Nature.
- 1/25/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions has unveiled its next round of projects in development at Netflix.
Among the new film and series projects in the works are an adaptation of the Mohsin Hamid novel “Exit West” starring Riz Ahmed, a science fiction film written by Ola Shokunbi, a docuseries about National Parks and a series adaptation of the forthcoming novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter.”
“We created Higher Ground to tell great stories,” the former president and first lady said in a statement. “This group of projects builds upon that goal and the incredible path forged by films like Crip Camp, Becoming, and the Oscar-winning American Factory. From science fiction to the beauty of our natural world to the relationships that define us, Higher Ground continues to strive for fresh perspectives, compelling characters, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud to team up with...
Among the new film and series projects in the works are an adaptation of the Mohsin Hamid novel “Exit West” starring Riz Ahmed, a science fiction film written by Ola Shokunbi, a docuseries about National Parks and a series adaptation of the forthcoming novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter.”
“We created Higher Ground to tell great stories,” the former president and first lady said in a statement. “This group of projects builds upon that goal and the incredible path forged by films like Crip Camp, Becoming, and the Oscar-winning American Factory. From science fiction to the beauty of our natural world to the relationships that define us, Higher Ground continues to strive for fresh perspectives, compelling characters, and a healthy dose of inspiration. We couldn’t be more proud to team up with...
- 2/5/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground Productions has set its latest slate of film and TV projects for Netflix.
The streamer is developing two TV series and four feature films as part of the slate.
On the TV side, Reverie and Extant creator Mickey Fisher is adapting Firekeeper’s Daughter, the debut YA thriller from Angeline Boulley. The book follows an 18-year-old Native girl as she reluctantly goes undercover in a police investigation on her Ojibwe reservation. Fisher will serve as showrunner and co-write with Wenonah Wilms, the Horsehead Girls writer who is also from the Ojibwe tribe and will also act as exec producer.
Great National Parks is a natural history docuseries that comes from Blue Planet II filmmaker James Honeyborne. The series, which is produced with Wild Space Productions, will explore some of the most wondrous national parks and wild spaces on Earth...
The streamer is developing two TV series and four feature films as part of the slate.
On the TV side, Reverie and Extant creator Mickey Fisher is adapting Firekeeper’s Daughter, the debut YA thriller from Angeline Boulley. The book follows an 18-year-old Native girl as she reluctantly goes undercover in a police investigation on her Ojibwe reservation. Fisher will serve as showrunner and co-write with Wenonah Wilms, the Horsehead Girls writer who is also from the Ojibwe tribe and will also act as exec producer.
Great National Parks is a natural history docuseries that comes from Blue Planet II filmmaker James Honeyborne. The series, which is produced with Wild Space Productions, will explore some of the most wondrous national parks and wild spaces on Earth...
- 2/5/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix’s natural history push continues – setting a feature-doc about kangaroos as its latest trip into the wild.
Deadline understands that the streamer has ordered 90-minute doc Kangaroos from Ample Nature, the nascent natural history division of the 9 Months with Courteney Cox producer.
The film has started production in Australia and it will film down under over a lengthy period of time, as is usual with all major wildlife projects.
It is Netflix’s latest natural history project, having launched Our Planet, its David Attenborough-narrated series from Silverback Films, in 2019, as well as Night on Earth, the Samira Wiley-narrated series from Plimsoll Productions, and Absurd Planet from Conde Nast Entertainment and Love Productions USA.
The streamer has also ordered Oceans from Freeborne Media, the production company set up by Blue Planet II creator James Honeyborne, as part of an overall deal.
It marks the first commission for Ample Nature,...
Deadline understands that the streamer has ordered 90-minute doc Kangaroos from Ample Nature, the nascent natural history division of the 9 Months with Courteney Cox producer.
The film has started production in Australia and it will film down under over a lengthy period of time, as is usual with all major wildlife projects.
It is Netflix’s latest natural history project, having launched Our Planet, its David Attenborough-narrated series from Silverback Films, in 2019, as well as Night on Earth, the Samira Wiley-narrated series from Plimsoll Productions, and Absurd Planet from Conde Nast Entertainment and Love Productions USA.
The streamer has also ordered Oceans from Freeborne Media, the production company set up by Blue Planet II creator James Honeyborne, as part of an overall deal.
It marks the first commission for Ample Nature,...
- 1/28/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has ordered a multi-part natural history series on the world’s oceans from Freeborne Media, the production outfit of acclaimed natural-history producer James Honeyborne, who created “Blue Planet II.”
Each of the series’ episodes will focus on a different ocean, “combining the disciplines of oceanography, geography and earth sciences to experience these characteristics in new ways,” Netflix said in a statement. The series is the first project to spring from a multi-year deal signed by Freeborne with Netflix to create big-budget natural history programs.
The streaming giant is delving more deeply into the natural history space. It has already released on its platform “Our Planet,” a multi-part wildlife series narrated by BBC stalwart and acclaimed naturalist David Attenborough. That blue-chip series, four years in the making, was filmed in 50 countries and investigated different habitats across the globe, including the deep sea.
“Oceans” (working title) will range “from the tropical...
Each of the series’ episodes will focus on a different ocean, “combining the disciplines of oceanography, geography and earth sciences to experience these characteristics in new ways,” Netflix said in a statement. The series is the first project to spring from a multi-year deal signed by Freeborne with Netflix to create big-budget natural history programs.
The streaming giant is delving more deeply into the natural history space. It has already released on its platform “Our Planet,” a multi-part wildlife series narrated by BBC stalwart and acclaimed naturalist David Attenborough. That blue-chip series, four years in the making, was filmed in 50 countries and investigated different habitats across the globe, including the deep sea.
“Oceans” (working title) will range “from the tropical...
- 7/16/2019
- by Henry Chu
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix is heading out to sea with the first high-end wildlife documentary series from its deal with Blue Planet II creator James Honeyborne. The Svod service has ordered Oceans (w/t) from his indie Freeborne Media.
This comes after Deadline revealed in January that Honeyborne had inked a multi-year deal with Honeyborne to produce nature and science series.
Oceans will tell the stories of the oceans of the planet, which cover 70% of the globe yet so little is known about each ocean’s unique character. Each episode will focus on a different ocean, combining the disciplines of oceanography, geography and earth sciences to experience these characteristics in new ways. From the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, to the raging wildness of the Atlantic, from the deceptively peaceful waters of the Pacific that are surrounded by a ring of fire, to the freezing isolation of the Southern and Arctic Oceans...
This comes after Deadline revealed in January that Honeyborne had inked a multi-year deal with Honeyborne to produce nature and science series.
Oceans will tell the stories of the oceans of the planet, which cover 70% of the globe yet so little is known about each ocean’s unique character. Each episode will focus on a different ocean, combining the disciplines of oceanography, geography and earth sciences to experience these characteristics in new ways. From the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, to the raging wildness of the Atlantic, from the deceptively peaceful waters of the Pacific that are surrounded by a ring of fire, to the freezing isolation of the Southern and Arctic Oceans...
- 7/16/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Apple has greenlit “Prehistoric Planet,” a natural-history series that will use CGI to recreate the last days of the dinosaurs. Jon Favreau and “Planet Earth II” producer Mike Gunton are teaming on the series for Apple’s soon-to-launch streaming service. It will be produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit.
Confirming the series order, BBC Studios said the show will use “breathtaking CGI to take us back to the last days of the dinosaurs, experiencing the unique wonders of planet Earth 66 million years ago.”
Double Academy Award winner Andrew R. Jones (“Avatar”) is also on the production team, as is producer Tim Walker.
The big-ticket natural history order comes after Apple unveiled a starry slate for its upcoming Apple TV Plus streaming service, which launches this fall. News of its international plans, however, has been thin on the ground. Former Channel 4 programming boss Jay Hunt is spearheading the international lineup from London,...
Confirming the series order, BBC Studios said the show will use “breathtaking CGI to take us back to the last days of the dinosaurs, experiencing the unique wonders of planet Earth 66 million years ago.”
Double Academy Award winner Andrew R. Jones (“Avatar”) is also on the production team, as is producer Tim Walker.
The big-ticket natural history order comes after Apple unveiled a starry slate for its upcoming Apple TV Plus streaming service, which launches this fall. News of its international plans, however, has been thin on the ground. Former Channel 4 programming boss Jay Hunt is spearheading the international lineup from London,...
- 5/8/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
James Honeyborne, the creator of “Blue Planet II,” has inked an overall deal with Netflix.
Honeyborne is an internationally acclaimed producer of blue-chip natural history programming. He recently left U.K. pubcaster the BBC’s Natural History Unit to set up his own banner, Freeborne Media, with director Renee Godfrey. They have inked a multiyear deal to make natural history and science programming for Netflix, the streamer said Wednesday.
Netflix is pushing more deeply into natural history originals. It has already greenlit “Our Planet,” a huge-scale eight-part wildlife series that will be voiced by the naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough. It is being produced by another well-known ex-bbc natural history producer from the U.K., Alastair Fothergill, through his Silverback banner.
In a long career at the BBC’s vaunted Natural History Unit, Honeyborne made more than 30 shows including “Blue Planet II” and “Africa.” Godfrey’s credits include “Tribe” and “Human Planet.
Honeyborne is an internationally acclaimed producer of blue-chip natural history programming. He recently left U.K. pubcaster the BBC’s Natural History Unit to set up his own banner, Freeborne Media, with director Renee Godfrey. They have inked a multiyear deal to make natural history and science programming for Netflix, the streamer said Wednesday.
Netflix is pushing more deeply into natural history originals. It has already greenlit “Our Planet,” a huge-scale eight-part wildlife series that will be voiced by the naturalist and broadcaster David Attenborough. It is being produced by another well-known ex-bbc natural history producer from the U.K., Alastair Fothergill, through his Silverback banner.
In a long career at the BBC’s vaunted Natural History Unit, Honeyborne made more than 30 shows including “Blue Planet II” and “Africa.” Godfrey’s credits include “Tribe” and “Human Planet.
- 1/30/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix is doubling down on big-budget natural history – signing an overall deal with Blue Planet II creator James Honeyborne. The Svod service has inked a multi-year deal with Honeyborne to produce nature and science series through his production company Freeborne Media.
This comes less than a month after Honeyborne left the BBC’s Natural History Unit to launch Freeborne Media with director Renée Godfrey.
It is Netflix’s latest move into the big-budget natural history world – it is launching Our Planet, from the creators of Planet Earth, later this year.
The pair established Freeborne Media to produce “powerful” and “impactful” nature and science documentaries. The company will be based in Bristol in the UK – widely seen as the center of wildlife film-making and the home of Honeyborne’s former employer, the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Honeyborne has worked at the Nhu since the early 1990s and has overseen 35 films for the division.
This comes less than a month after Honeyborne left the BBC’s Natural History Unit to launch Freeborne Media with director Renée Godfrey.
It is Netflix’s latest move into the big-budget natural history world – it is launching Our Planet, from the creators of Planet Earth, later this year.
The pair established Freeborne Media to produce “powerful” and “impactful” nature and science documentaries. The company will be based in Bristol in the UK – widely seen as the center of wildlife film-making and the home of Honeyborne’s former employer, the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Honeyborne has worked at the Nhu since the early 1990s and has overseen 35 films for the division.
- 1/30/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Blue Planet II creator and exec producer James Honeyborne and director Renée Godfrey have launched their own production company. The pair have established Freeborne Media to produce “powerful” and “impactful” nature and science documentaries.
The company will be based in Bristol in the UK – widely seen as the center of wildlife film-making and the home of Honeyborne’s former employer, the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Honeyborne has worked at the Nhu since the early 1990s and has overseen 35 films for the division. In addition to ratings hit Blue Planet II, which launched last year, he produced BBC’s Big Blue Live, which was a co-production with PBS, and Wild New Zealand with Nat Geo. He also series produced BBC and Discovery co-pro Africa.
He also directed feature film Meerkats the Movie, which was narrated by Paul Newman.
Meanwhile, Godfrey, a trained anthropologist, has worked on BBC series such as...
The company will be based in Bristol in the UK – widely seen as the center of wildlife film-making and the home of Honeyborne’s former employer, the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Honeyborne has worked at the Nhu since the early 1990s and has overseen 35 films for the division. In addition to ratings hit Blue Planet II, which launched last year, he produced BBC’s Big Blue Live, which was a co-production with PBS, and Wild New Zealand with Nat Geo. He also series produced BBC and Discovery co-pro Africa.
He also directed feature film Meerkats the Movie, which was narrated by Paul Newman.
Meanwhile, Godfrey, a trained anthropologist, has worked on BBC series such as...
- 1/8/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Among new members are Maren Ade, Hugh Grant and Hayley Squires.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2018 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the 386 new members are actors Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe and Hayley Squires, directors Maren Ade (Toni Erdmann), Daniel Kokotajlo (Apostasy) and Michael Pearce (Beast), film execs Shana Eddy-Grouf (Studiocanal) and Katie Goodson-Thomas (Fox Searchlight), and La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger.
Former UK and Ireland Screen Stars of Tomorrow in the new intake include producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly and actor Jessie Barden.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has revealed its 2018 intake of new members drawn from the film, TV and games industry.
Among the 386 new members are actors Hugh Grant, Willem Dafoe and Hayley Squires, directors Maren Ade (Toni Erdmann), Daniel Kokotajlo (Apostasy) and Michael Pearce (Beast), film execs Shana Eddy-Grouf (Studiocanal) and Katie Goodson-Thomas (Fox Searchlight), and La La Land producers Jordan Horowitz and Fred Berger.
Former UK and Ireland Screen Stars of Tomorrow in the new intake include producer Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly and actor Jessie Barden.
- 12/12/2018
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
“Who would have thought marine biology and oceanography could engage such an audience?,” “Blue Planet II” executive producer James Honeyborne asks in an interview with Gold Derby (watch the exclusive video above). The BBC documentary miniseries was the United Kingdom’s most-watched television program of 2017. He continues, “But it’s part of our world and it’s the world that we don’t know.… the scale of this place — there’s still so much to explore and it’s so important to us.”
With scores of 97 on Metacritic and 9.4 on IMDb, “Blue Planet II” is among the best-reviewed programs in television history. It is now nominated at the main BAFTA ceremony for Best Nonfiction Series and Best Must-See Moment, having won Best Nonfiction Cinematography and Best Nonfiction Sound at the craft ceremony last month out of seven total nominations. “Blue Planet II” follows 2001’s “The Blue Planet,” which was also presented by David Attenborough.
With scores of 97 on Metacritic and 9.4 on IMDb, “Blue Planet II” is among the best-reviewed programs in television history. It is now nominated at the main BAFTA ceremony for Best Nonfiction Series and Best Must-See Moment, having won Best Nonfiction Cinematography and Best Nonfiction Sound at the craft ceremony last month out of seven total nominations. “Blue Planet II” follows 2001’s “The Blue Planet,” which was also presented by David Attenborough.
- 5/11/2018
- by Riley Chow
- Gold Derby
“Planet Earth II” allowed us to soar with eagles, scramble with iguanas, and dance with flamingos. But despite taking a perilous dip with penguins, the nature series kept to mainly dry realms. Instead, “Planet Earth: Blue Planet II,” the sequel to the 2001 series, is taking the plunge into the ocean’s depths to reveal the mysterious world that exists under the waves.
Filming in water poses its own challenges though, but fortunately, technology and mankind’s insatiable curiosity and determination have prompted innovations that have made it easier to film in the murky depths, under intense pressure, and in other inhospitable or tricky conditions. IndieWire spoke to executive producer James Honeyborne, as well as producers Mark Brownlow and Orla Doherty, to learn which devices and techniques were used to capture the series’ stunning aquatic footage of the phenomena and denizens of the sea.
1. Taking Deep Breaths
“A bit of technology...
Filming in water poses its own challenges though, but fortunately, technology and mankind’s insatiable curiosity and determination have prompted innovations that have made it easier to film in the murky depths, under intense pressure, and in other inhospitable or tricky conditions. IndieWire spoke to executive producer James Honeyborne, as well as producers Mark Brownlow and Orla Doherty, to learn which devices and techniques were used to capture the series’ stunning aquatic footage of the phenomena and denizens of the sea.
1. Taking Deep Breaths
“A bit of technology...
- 1/18/2018
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
“Blue Planet II” is one of the most ambitious nature documentary series ever produced, with some never-before-seen footage of the planet’s ocean-dwellers. But capturing that awe-inducing footage came with some risks. Appearing at the Television Critics Association press tour on Friday to discuss the series, executive producer James Honeyborne shared a story of the time a sperm whale nearly killed a cameraman. But the near-death encounter was a simple misunderstanding, he explained. Sperm whales, like dolphins, are playful creatures. “ one of those behaviors you only see with the most intelligent creatures,” Honeyborne said. Also Read: Radiohead, Hans Zimmer Team for 'Planet Earth: Blue...
- 1/12/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
AMC Networks will premiere “Planet Earth: Blue Planet II” with a scheduling roadblock on all of its channels. The first episode of the seven-part series bows Saturday, Jan. 20, on BBC America, AMC, IFC, We TV and Sundance TV; after that, the remaining six episodes will run weekly on BBC America.
“Blue Planet II” has already aired in the UK, where it is the highest-rated show of 2017. More than 14 million viewers tuned in to the premiere, making it the country’s most-watched natural history program in at least 15 years. “Blue Planet II” is also a massive hit in China, where it recently premiered.
“Blue Planet II” will also debut in Canada on Jan. 20, on the BBC Earth Channel.
Read More:BBC America Orders Nature Series ‘Blue Planet II,’ Exploring the World’s Oceans
Like the recent hit “Planet Earth II,” “Blue Earth II” is presented by Sir David Attenborough and...
“Blue Planet II” has already aired in the UK, where it is the highest-rated show of 2017. More than 14 million viewers tuned in to the premiere, making it the country’s most-watched natural history program in at least 15 years. “Blue Planet II” is also a massive hit in China, where it recently premiered.
“Blue Planet II” will also debut in Canada on Jan. 20, on the BBC Earth Channel.
Read More:BBC America Orders Nature Series ‘Blue Planet II,’ Exploring the World’s Oceans
Like the recent hit “Planet Earth II,” “Blue Earth II” is presented by Sir David Attenborough and...
- 12/5/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
AMC Networks is set to make a big splash next month, airing the first episode of nature documentary sequel series Planet Earth: Blue Planet II on five its channels next month. BBC America, AMC, IFC, We tv and SundanceTV will air the initial installment of the seven-part series on at 9 Pm Saturday, January 20. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, scored by Hans Zimmer and produced by James Honeyborne, Blue Planet II will bow day-and-date in Canada on BBC Earth. It already…...
- 12/5/2017
- Deadline TV
On the heels of “Planet Earth II” airing its finale on BBC America, the network announced that the musical team behind its breathtaking score will be back for “Blue Planet II.”
The legendary Oscar winner Hans Zimmer had put his talents to work for the first time in the natural history genre by composing the theme for “Planet Earth II,” while Bleeding Fingers’ co-composers Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe tackled the stirring score. For their new venture, the team will score the seven-part series that takes place in each of the world’s oceans.
Read More: ‘Planet Earth II’ Soundtrack: Listen to Hans Zimmer’s Breathtaking Score
“It’s an incredible opportunity and privilege to be working again with the BBC’s Natural History Unit on such a globally important project,” Zimmer said in a statement. “It’s a joy to compose to such beautiful, powerful and inspiring picture. Once more...
The legendary Oscar winner Hans Zimmer had put his talents to work for the first time in the natural history genre by composing the theme for “Planet Earth II,” while Bleeding Fingers’ co-composers Jacob Shea and Jasha Klebe tackled the stirring score. For their new venture, the team will score the seven-part series that takes place in each of the world’s oceans.
Read More: ‘Planet Earth II’ Soundtrack: Listen to Hans Zimmer’s Breathtaking Score
“It’s an incredible opportunity and privilege to be working again with the BBC’s Natural History Unit on such a globally important project,” Zimmer said in a statement. “It’s a joy to compose to such beautiful, powerful and inspiring picture. Once more...
- 3/27/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Hot off the premiere of “Planet Earth II,” BBC America is returning to the oceans for its next epic nature series.
The cable network announced Sunday that it will air “Blue Planet II,” which also comes from the BBC Natural History Unit. The seven-part nature series will explore the world’s oceans, and will be presented by broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
“I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known,” Attenborough said in a statement.
Read More: ‘Planet Earth II’ Review: A Revival With Greater Purpose Than Meets the Eye
“Blue Planet II” will serve as a sequel to “The Blue Planet,” which was broadcast in 2001 and also featured Attenborough’s narration.
“Like ‘Planet Earth II,’ this is a remarkable and relevant sequel – this time plunging us into an awe inspiring...
The cable network announced Sunday that it will air “Blue Planet II,” which also comes from the BBC Natural History Unit. The seven-part nature series will explore the world’s oceans, and will be presented by broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
“I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known,” Attenborough said in a statement.
Read More: ‘Planet Earth II’ Review: A Revival With Greater Purpose Than Meets the Eye
“Blue Planet II” will serve as a sequel to “The Blue Planet,” which was broadcast in 2001 and also featured Attenborough’s narration.
“Like ‘Planet Earth II,’ this is a remarkable and relevant sequel – this time plunging us into an awe inspiring...
- 2/20/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Blu-ray & DVD Release Date: Feb. 26, 2013
Price: Three-Disc DVD $24.98, Two-Disc Blu-ray $34.98
Studio: BBC/Warner
The BBC’s acclaimed nature documentary series explores more wildlife in the six-hour TV show Africa.
Filmed by the team behind BBC’s Life, Africa is narrated by the awesome Sir David Attenborough and showcases some of the most extreme habitats in the world.
Among the footage is the last great gathering place of the rhinoceros, male leaf-folding frogs kick-boxing for their dominance in the Gola Forest, chimps hunting for honey in the Congo, and lizards hunting for flies from the backs of sleeping lions in the Serengeti. Africa also looks at the largest penguin colony in the continent and Dragon’s Breath Cave, the largest underground lake in the world.
The filmmakers used 553 cameras, spent 100 days on horseback, carried about 50 tons of kit and took 6,526 anti-malarial tablets over four years and 27 countries to shoot Africa.
The...
Price: Three-Disc DVD $24.98, Two-Disc Blu-ray $34.98
Studio: BBC/Warner
The BBC’s acclaimed nature documentary series explores more wildlife in the six-hour TV show Africa.
Filmed by the team behind BBC’s Life, Africa is narrated by the awesome Sir David Attenborough and showcases some of the most extreme habitats in the world.
Among the footage is the last great gathering place of the rhinoceros, male leaf-folding frogs kick-boxing for their dominance in the Gola Forest, chimps hunting for honey in the Congo, and lizards hunting for flies from the backs of sleeping lions in the Serengeti. Africa also looks at the largest penguin colony in the continent and Dragon’s Breath Cave, the largest underground lake in the world.
The filmmakers used 553 cameras, spent 100 days on horseback, carried about 50 tons of kit and took 6,526 anti-malarial tablets over four years and 27 countries to shoot Africa.
The...
- 2/5/2013
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Paris -- The 19th Dinard Festival of British Film will open with the 1999 movie "My Life So Far," as part of a tribute to director Hugh Hudson.
Hudson is due in the Brittany beach resort to introduce a retrospective of his films including the multiple Oscar-winning Olympic tale "Chariots of Fire" and the Tarzan adaptation "Greystoke." There also will be a retrospective on the films based on Daphne Du Maurier's work, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca" and "The Birds" and Nicolas Roeg's "Don't Look Now."
Six independent British films will compete for Dinard's Golden Hitchcock Trophy. The Anglo-French jury this year is presided over by Gallic actor Lambert Wilson.
Other French premiere screenings scheduled include "The Duchess," directed by Saul Dibb and starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes; Steve McQueen's hard-hitting Bobby Sands prison drama, "Hunger"; and Terence Davies' poetic ode to Liverpool, "Of Time and the City.
Hudson is due in the Brittany beach resort to introduce a retrospective of his films including the multiple Oscar-winning Olympic tale "Chariots of Fire" and the Tarzan adaptation "Greystoke." There also will be a retrospective on the films based on Daphne Du Maurier's work, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Rebecca" and "The Birds" and Nicolas Roeg's "Don't Look Now."
Six independent British films will compete for Dinard's Golden Hitchcock Trophy. The Anglo-French jury this year is presided over by Gallic actor Lambert Wilson.
Other French premiere screenings scheduled include "The Duchess," directed by Saul Dibb and starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes; Steve McQueen's hard-hitting Bobby Sands prison drama, "Hunger"; and Terence Davies' poetic ode to Liverpool, "Of Time and the City.
- 9/8/2008
- by By Charles Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Quick Links > The Weinstein Co. > The Meerkats The bros. specialize in the horror genre with Dimension films, they are trying to claim a stake in animation category and now, it looks like there is a buck to made with nature-related docs as a sound family film investment that began back with Winged Migration and has since become somewhat of a phenomenon with March of the Penguins. Teaming with BBC Films, The Weinstein Co. have agreed to co-finance the African wildlife feature. James Honeyborne a producer/director who has made several nature-themed doc will direct the project simply titled The Meerkats. This furry little animal who hangs out in large groups and creates an underground habitat just about as complex as the New York subway system. Neil Nightingale and David M. Thompson will serve as executive producers, with Joe Oppenheimer and Trevor Ingman producing. Michael Cole, co-president of production, and Rhodri Thomas,
- 11/2/2006
- IONCINEMA.com
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