BBC orders 3 new series from Natural History Unit
February 21, 2023
BBC Factual has announced three new series from BBC Studios Natural History Unit – Mammals, Big Little Journeys and Wild Scandinavia – that will air on BBC One, BBC Two and iPlayer.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, commented: “2022 was a brilliant year for Natural History on the BBC: Frozen Planet II became the highest rating factual show of the year, the daringly innovative Green Planet won a series of major awards, and Our Changing Planet spoke to millions of viewers about the impacts of climate change across the globe. Now, with Mammals, Big Little Journeys and Wild Scandinavia, the world-famous Natural History Unit continues to push at the boundaries of what’s possible in wildlife filmmaking. The arrival of game-changing technology combined with exciting new storytelling techniques means this genre has never felt more confident, creative and ambitious. I’m proud that the BBC continues to be the home of Natural History, and I know viewers are going to fall in love with these series as soon as they see them.”
Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing three original series to BBC television, in collaboration with our co-production partners. With compelling new stories and new behaviours in Mammals, fresh and different perspectives of the tiniest animals in Big Little Journeys, and spectacular landscapes in Wild Scandinavia – collectively they showcase the creative range of emotional and innovative natural history programmes we are proud to be making at the NHU.”
Mammals, a 6 x 60’ series for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and co-produced by France Televisions, ZDF and BBC America. It was commissioned by Bootle and Sreya Biswas, Head of Natural History, BBC Commissioning. The Executive Producer is Roger Webb and the Series Producer is Scott Alexander.
Big Little Journeys, a 3 x 60’ series for BBC Two and iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and co-produced by PBS. It was also commissioned by Bootle. The Executive Producer is Rosemary Edwards and the Series Producer is Paul Williams. The Commissioning Editor is Sreya Biswas.
Wild Scandinavia, a 3 x 60’ series for BBC Two and iPlayer, is made by BBC Studios Natural History Unit and co-produced by PBS and Sveriges Television (SVT). It was again commissioned by Bootle with Edwards serving as Executive Producer, Series Producer and Director is Tuppence Stone. The Commissioning Editor is Sreya Biswas. Diana El-Osta is the executive in charge for PBS. Mikael Osterby, Head of Factual, is the executive in charge for SVT.
BBCS is handling international distribution and will present Mammals, Big Little Journeys and Wild Scandinavia to international customers at BBC Studios Showcase taking place on February 27th and 28th.