Production and distribution powerhouse All3Media has acquired leading natural history producer Silverback Films.
Founded in 2012 by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey (right), Silverback Films is the U.K.’s top natural history producer outside of the BBC Natural History Unit, and creates wildlife content for film and TV. Recent credits include the documentary “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”, which had a worldwide theatrical release at the end of September before launching on Netflix.
The deal is a tremendous coup for All3Media, which has been on the market for more production acquisitions in the last two years. The company’s portfolio spans 28 companies around the world, with key titles including “Fleabag,” “Call the Midwife” and “Liar.” While All3Media has a number of reputable unscripted production outfits in its wheelhouse, the acquisition of Silverback puts it firmly in the natural history space as a major contender going forward.
Founded in 2012 by Alastair Fothergill and Keith Scholey (right), Silverback Films is the U.K.’s top natural history producer outside of the BBC Natural History Unit, and creates wildlife content for film and TV. Recent credits include the documentary “David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet”, which had a worldwide theatrical release at the end of September before launching on Netflix.
The deal is a tremendous coup for All3Media, which has been on the market for more production acquisitions in the last two years. The company’s portfolio spans 28 companies around the world, with key titles including “Fleabag,” “Call the Midwife” and “Liar.” While All3Media has a number of reputable unscripted production outfits in its wheelhouse, the acquisition of Silverback puts it firmly in the natural history space as a major contender going forward.
- 12/3/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Last year, the Television Academy added a seventh category for music: composition for a documentary series or special, long sought by composers as music for non-fiction programming can have very different demands than that for dramatic narratives.
The streaming services offered numerous docs during the 2019-20 season, from explorations of nature to profiles of politicians. And, like last year, docs that were eligible for 2019 Oscars have been newly entered in this category.
Disney Plus debuted two Disneynature docs that were intended for theatrical release but sidelined because of the pandemic: “Elephant,” with a score by previous Emmy winner Ramin Djawadi (“Game of Thrones”), and “Dolphin Reef,” which featured music by Oscar winner Steven Price (“Gravity”).
Djawadi had not previously done a nature doc, but wanted to because he can’t allow his 6-year-old twins into the studio when he’s scoring violent or sexy scene for shows like “Thrones” or “Westworld.
The streaming services offered numerous docs during the 2019-20 season, from explorations of nature to profiles of politicians. And, like last year, docs that were eligible for 2019 Oscars have been newly entered in this category.
Disney Plus debuted two Disneynature docs that were intended for theatrical release but sidelined because of the pandemic: “Elephant,” with a score by previous Emmy winner Ramin Djawadi (“Game of Thrones”), and “Dolphin Reef,” which featured music by Oscar winner Steven Price (“Gravity”).
Djawadi had not previously done a nature doc, but wanted to because he can’t allow his 6-year-old twins into the studio when he’s scoring violent or sexy scene for shows like “Thrones” or “Westworld.
- 7/2/2020
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
The biopic “Clouds” on the life of Zach Sobiech, a teenage singer-songwriter who died when he was only 18 of a rare form of bone cancer, will make its premiere on Disney+ this fall, Disney announced Thursday.
“Clouds” is directed by Justin Baldoni. The film follows Zach’s journey over the course of his senior year as he navigates the complexities of love, friendship, family and leaving behind a musical legacy.
Also Read: Filmed Version of 'Hamilton' to Debut on Disney+ This Summer (Video)
The film is based on the memoir “Fly a Little Higher” as written by Zach’s mother, Laura Sobiech, and the film’s title is named for Sobiech’s charting single “Clouds,” which first gained popularity on YouTube and picked up steam thanks to Sobiech’s inspirational story.
“Clouds” also stars Madison Iseman and Thomas Everett Scott and Neve Campbell as Sobiech’s parents, Laura and Rob.
“Clouds” is directed by Justin Baldoni. The film follows Zach’s journey over the course of his senior year as he navigates the complexities of love, friendship, family and leaving behind a musical legacy.
Also Read: Filmed Version of 'Hamilton' to Debut on Disney+ This Summer (Video)
The film is based on the memoir “Fly a Little Higher” as written by Zach’s mother, Laura Sobiech, and the film’s title is named for Sobiech’s charting single “Clouds,” which first gained popularity on YouTube and picked up steam thanks to Sobiech’s inspirational story.
“Clouds” also stars Madison Iseman and Thomas Everett Scott and Neve Campbell as Sobiech’s parents, Laura and Rob.
- 5/14/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
April 22, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and as the global community comes together to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the event serves as a reminder that we’re all living on this planet together.
From family-friendly features to critical conservationist documentaries, here’s a list of educational Earth Day programs to watch.
Disney+
The Disney streaming service has a slew of options, including the Disneynature Meghan Markel-narrated documentary “Elephant” and Natalie Portman’s “Dolphin Reef.”
There’s also conservation-minded feature films including “Avatar,” “Bambi” and “Pocahontas” — something for everyone in the family.
Earth Day also coincides with National Parks Week, and National Geographic has its eight-part “America’s National Parks” series, which highlights sites like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone — places we’d definitely want to visit instead of sheltering at home. National Geographic also has over a dozen documentaries, including the premiere of Jane Goodall’s “The Hope.
From family-friendly features to critical conservationist documentaries, here’s a list of educational Earth Day programs to watch.
Disney+
The Disney streaming service has a slew of options, including the Disneynature Meghan Markel-narrated documentary “Elephant” and Natalie Portman’s “Dolphin Reef.”
There’s also conservation-minded feature films including “Avatar,” “Bambi” and “Pocahontas” — something for everyone in the family.
Earth Day also coincides with National Parks Week, and National Geographic has its eight-part “America’s National Parks” series, which highlights sites like The Grand Canyon and Yellowstone — places we’d definitely want to visit instead of sheltering at home. National Geographic also has over a dozen documentaries, including the premiere of Jane Goodall’s “The Hope.
- 4/22/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Disney+ finally launched in the UK during the last week of March with a fairly robust library that included a massive collection of The Simpsons from its recently-acquired Fox catalogue, but there was a little rough with the smooth, as the streaming service decided to include just two episodes of its flagship Star Wars live-action series, The Mandalorian, and there were some clear discrepancies between the bonuses of being a Us and UK subscriber – there hasn’t yet been a peep out of Disney+ on the whereabouts of Frozen 2, nor has there yet been any news of a premiere date for Pixar’s Onward or Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Also in the wind is the possibility that Marvel’s Black Widow, which has been removed from the theatrical release schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic, might end up streaming on Disney+. As it stands, this...
Also in the wind is the possibility that Marvel’s Black Widow, which has been removed from the theatrical release schedule due to the Covid-19 pandemic, might end up streaming on Disney+. As it stands, this...
- 4/2/2020
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
Since 2008, Disneynature has released near a dozen and a half documentaries that focus on various ecosystems and the creatures who inhabit them. Traditionally, these movies arrive in theaters around Earth Day. But this year, Disney is bringing nature into your home with two new feature-length Disneynature documentaries arriving on Disney+ this week. Elephant shines […]
The post Disneynature’s ‘Elephant’ and ‘Dolphin Reef’ Trailer Brings the Wild into Your Home appeared first on /Film.
The post Disneynature’s ‘Elephant’ and ‘Dolphin Reef’ Trailer Brings the Wild into Your Home appeared first on /Film.
- 4/2/2020
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Of the two Disneynature nature documentaries that arrive on Disney + on April 3, “Dolphin Reef” is the shorter and breezier of the two, and the one that doesn’t carry the news value of having Meghan Markle as a narrator, the way “Elephant” does. The film has also followed a meandering path to its release, coming out two years ago in France under the title “Blue” and changing its narrator from Cecile de France (for the French version) to Owen Wilson to Natalie Portman along the way.
And yet despite the delays and detours, “Dolphin Reef” is a satisfying entry in the Disneynature slate, albeit one where the dolphins in the title are upstaged by some of their supporting cast, and the reef itself is even more spectacular than the creatures who get the most screen time.
Think of it, maybe, as the “Goodfellas” of nature docs, with the peacock mantis...
And yet despite the delays and detours, “Dolphin Reef” is a satisfying entry in the Disneynature slate, albeit one where the dolphins in the title are upstaged by some of their supporting cast, and the reef itself is even more spectacular than the creatures who get the most screen time.
Think of it, maybe, as the “Goodfellas” of nature docs, with the peacock mantis...
- 4/1/2020
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Out of the vast universe of nature documentaries, I don’t think I’m alone in finding films about life under the sea to occupy a special place. The very fact that they exist, of course, is amazing — though when you watch one, part of the wonder is that you’re not thinking about how aquamarine filmmakers actually hovered in the ocean depths to shoot this stuff. Jacques Cousteau, the pioneer of the genre, liked to place himself at the center of things, but the creators of “Dolphin Reef,” a Disneynature doc that drops on Disney Plus on April 3, simply get out of the way and let the ancient creatures of the sea seduce us with their surreal evolutionary form-follows-function wild splendor.
Shot around an idyllic chain of small Polynesian islands, “Dolphin Reef” does indeed trace the rituals, movements, and sheer shining beauty of a pod of bottlenose Pacific dolphins.
Shot around an idyllic chain of small Polynesian islands, “Dolphin Reef” does indeed trace the rituals, movements, and sheer shining beauty of a pod of bottlenose Pacific dolphins.
- 3/31/2020
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
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
"Two powerful stories that show just how far family can take you." Disneynature has debuted one trailer for two of their upcoming nature documentaries: Elephant and Dolphin Reef. With the current situation, Disney has decided to release both directly to Disney+ for streaming next week. Usually they release a new Disneynature movie in theaters (and IMAX) once a year in April, but now they're releasing two right away. By now, everyone knows what to expect with these nature docs. Elephant, narrated by Meghan Markle, follows an African elephant named Shani and her son Joao as their heard make an epic journey across the Kalashnikov Desert. Dolphin Reef, narrated by Natalie Portman, follows Echo, a bottlenose dolphin who can't quite decide if it's time to grow up and take on new responsibilities – or give in to his silly side and just have fun. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef...
- 3/27/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Actress and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle will be narrating the Disneynature documentary "Elephants".
The show will debut on April 3 on Disney Plus, the studio announced Thursday.
This will be Meghan's first project for Markle in show business after she and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, officially step away from their roles within the British Royal Family on March 31, reports variety.com.
In support of "Elephants," Disneynature and the Disney Conservation Fund are donating to Elephants Without Borders, an organisation working to protect the elephants living in Botswana.
Earlier this year, news broke that Markle had partnered with Disney on an unspecified project after she and her husband revealed they would be stepping back from their royal duties.
In the announcement, Disneynature's credits Markle as "Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex", rather than including her previous royal title of "Hrh". "Elephant" will premiere on Disney Plus the same day...
The show will debut on April 3 on Disney Plus, the studio announced Thursday.
This will be Meghan's first project for Markle in show business after she and her husband, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, officially step away from their roles within the British Royal Family on March 31, reports variety.com.
In support of "Elephants," Disneynature and the Disney Conservation Fund are donating to Elephants Without Borders, an organisation working to protect the elephants living in Botswana.
Earlier this year, news broke that Markle had partnered with Disney on an unspecified project after she and her husband revealed they would be stepping back from their royal duties.
In the announcement, Disneynature's credits Markle as "Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex", rather than including her previous royal title of "Hrh". "Elephant" will premiere on Disney Plus the same day...
- 3/27/2020
- GlamSham
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is the narrator of the upcoming Disneynature documentary “Elephant” that will stream on Disney+ beginning April 3.
Disney+ announced the news on a poster for the film on Thursday that read that the film is narrated by “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.”
“Elephant” is one of two Disneynature docs premiering that date. “Dolphin Reef,” narrated by actress Natalie Portman, will also be available to stream. You can watch a joint teaser trailer for both films above, but Markle’s narration is not heard in the trailer.
Also Read: Here's Why Meghan Markle Probably Won't Show Up on 'The Crown'
The Times UK reported in January that Markle had signed a voiceover deal with Disney in exchange for a contribution to the wildlife charity Elephants Without Borders, which protects the animals from poaching. The news came shortly on the heels of Markle and Prince Harry...
Disney+ announced the news on a poster for the film on Thursday that read that the film is narrated by “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.”
“Elephant” is one of two Disneynature docs premiering that date. “Dolphin Reef,” narrated by actress Natalie Portman, will also be available to stream. You can watch a joint teaser trailer for both films above, but Markle’s narration is not heard in the trailer.
Also Read: Here's Why Meghan Markle Probably Won't Show Up on 'The Crown'
The Times UK reported in January that Markle had signed a voiceover deal with Disney in exchange for a contribution to the wildlife charity Elephants Without Borders, which protects the animals from poaching. The news came shortly on the heels of Markle and Prince Harry...
- 3/26/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The streaming space is a crowded one. Between Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Apple TV+ and the 2020 launches of NBCUniversal’s Peacock and WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, the competition for your money and attention is fierce.
Now Disney has made the splashiest entrance into the streaming landscape with Disney+. The service’s library features Disney live-action and animated classics, and content from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic.
Disney+ is more than just the greatest hits from the House of Mouse. The service is set to roll out original feature films, TV shows, and documentaries. For instance, more episodes of The Clone Wars season 7 are set to arrive this month.
Grab a Free Trial of Disney+, on us, right here!
Below we have details on the new content that will be available to stream this April 2020. We’ll continue to update this article each month when Disney+ announces its new programming slate.
Now Disney has made the splashiest entrance into the streaming landscape with Disney+. The service’s library features Disney live-action and animated classics, and content from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic.
Disney+ is more than just the greatest hits from the House of Mouse. The service is set to roll out original feature films, TV shows, and documentaries. For instance, more episodes of The Clone Wars season 7 are set to arrive this month.
Grab a Free Trial of Disney+, on us, right here!
Below we have details on the new content that will be available to stream this April 2020. We’ll continue to update this article each month when Disney+ announces its new programming slate.
- 3/19/2020
- by Chris Longo
- Den of Geek
Though it’s yet to launch in the UK and other parts of Europe, Disney+ has already proven itself to be a major player in North America – thanks in large part to its suite of digital content, which ranges from Marvel Studios to Star Wars and everything in between.
And much like its online peers, Disney+ is still to roll out a fresh wave of content for April 2020, beginning with Doctor Dolittle on April 1st – not to be confused with the recent remake starring McU mainstay Robert Downey Jr.
What’s more, April marks Earth Month, so you can expect plenty of eco-friendly documentaries to air via National Geographic. Indeed, it’s fair to say that the Disney+ lineup has fast become one of the most diverse on the market. From new episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to age-old classics like Doctor Dolittle, there’s really something for everyone.
And much like its online peers, Disney+ is still to roll out a fresh wave of content for April 2020, beginning with Doctor Dolittle on April 1st – not to be confused with the recent remake starring McU mainstay Robert Downey Jr.
What’s more, April marks Earth Month, so you can expect plenty of eco-friendly documentaries to air via National Geographic. Indeed, it’s fair to say that the Disney+ lineup has fast become one of the most diverse on the market. From new episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars to age-old classics like Doctor Dolittle, there’s really something for everyone.
- 3/18/2020
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Natalie Portman has signed on to narrate Dolphin Reef, the next feature film from Disneynature. The pic will have its debut on Disney+, Disney’s new streaming service that launches November 12.
Dolphin Reef will continue Disneynature’s storytelling style as the film introduces Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy. But Echo has a tough time resisting the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
Keith Scholey, who helms Disneynature’s Bears, directs.
Disney’s wildlife-centered label last week released Penguins in theaters. It has grossed $2.3 million to date. Penguins will be available on the Disney+ platform in 2020.
Disney revealed earlier this month that Disney+, its entry into the crowded streaming fray,...
Dolphin Reef will continue Disneynature’s storytelling style as the film introduces Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy. But Echo has a tough time resisting the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
Keith Scholey, who helms Disneynature’s Bears, directs.
Disney’s wildlife-centered label last week released Penguins in theaters. It has grossed $2.3 million to date. Penguins will be available on the Disney+ platform in 2020.
Disney revealed earlier this month that Disney+, its entry into the crowded streaming fray,...
- 4/22/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Natalie Portman will narrate the Disney feature film Dolphin Reef, to be released on Disney+, the studio's upcoming streaming service.
Created by Disneynature, the new Disney-branded film label, and directed by Keith Scholey, the pic centers on Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. That is, until he can't resist the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
"Disneynature takes audiences to spectacular and remote places to share remarkable wildlife stories captured by our award-winning film crews,” Paul Baribault, vice president ...
Created by Disneynature, the new Disney-branded film label, and directed by Keith Scholey, the pic centers on Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. That is, until he can't resist the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
"Disneynature takes audiences to spectacular and remote places to share remarkable wildlife stories captured by our award-winning film crews,” Paul Baribault, vice president ...
- 4/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Natalie Portman will narrate the Disney feature film Dolphin Reef, to be released on Disney+, the studio's upcoming streaming service.
Created by Disneynature, the new Disney-branded film label, and directed by Keith Scholey, the pic centers on Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. That is, until he can't resist the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
"Disneynature takes audiences to spectacular and remote places to share remarkable wildlife stories captured by our award-winning film crews,” Paul Baribault, vice president ...
Created by Disneynature, the new Disney-branded film label, and directed by Keith Scholey, the pic centers on Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. That is, until he can't resist the many adventures the ocean has to offer.
"Disneynature takes audiences to spectacular and remote places to share remarkable wildlife stories captured by our award-winning film crews,” Paul Baribault, vice president ...
- 4/22/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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