Speaking at the Wildscreen Nairobi event, Sreya Biswas, BBC Head of Natural History, unveiled two captivating wildlife documentary commissions for BBC Two and iPlayer. The projects, titled Big Cats 24/7 and Orphan, aim to showcase African wildlife and landscapes, featuring remarkable talents from the continent.
Big Cats 24/7 takes viewers on an immersive journey into the lives of African lions, leopards, and cheetahs in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. This six-part series, produced by BBC Studios Natural History Unit, offers an unprecedented perspective by utilizing cutting-edge technology and a dedicated camera team led by renowned wildlife cinematographers Gordon Buchanan, Vianet Djenguet, and Anna Dimitriadis. The crew, including the award-winning local Botswanan camera team under the guidance of Brad Bestelink, faces the challenges of tracking the big cats through treacherous terrain and extreme weather conditions, capturing their behaviour day and night. With state-of-the-art tracking and low-light cameras, the series aims to reveal unseen nocturnal activities and provide viewers with a fresh understanding of these majestic creatures.
Orphan tells an extraordinary tale of a baby Kenyan elephant named Toto. Filmed over three years, the documentary explores the profound bond between Toto and Joseph, a man dedicated to saving the young orphan after his mother’s tragic death. As Toto grows, Joseph assumes the role of a surrogate mother, providing care, nurturing, and guidance. Through this unique relationship, viewers witness the challenges and triumphs of Toto’s journey to reintegrate with wild herds. Directed by Daniel Bogado, the Emmy-winning filmmaker of “9/11: One Day in America,” Orphan delves into the complexities of elephant behaviour while showcasing the inspiring work of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s neonatal unit.
Sreya Biswas expressed pride in these projects, stating, “Both are ambitious attempts to document African wildlife and landscapes, involving amazing African talent both on and offscreen. Working with some of the continent’s most trusted experts and accomplished cinematographers, we hope to create programs about African animals that reach a new level of authenticity and diversity.”
Big Cats 24/7, a six-part series, will be broadcast on BBC Two, iPlayer, and PBS. Orphan, a single film, will be shown on BBC Two and iPlayer. Both documentaries have been commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, with Sreya Biswas serving as the Commissioning Editor.
The announcement of these captivating wildlife documentaries underscores the BBC’s commitment to showcasing the wonders of nature and engaging audiences with extraordinary stories from around the world.
