Wild Planet: North America
Wild Horizons is currently producing this landmark series for the Discovery Channel. In May 2009 the Discovery Channel released the following statement;
Using the full power of cutting-edge film technology, Discovery Channel is teaming with Wild Horizons and Keith Scholey, formerly head of the BBC’s Natural History Unit, in a multiyear production deal to capture the world, continent by continent in high definition, as its never been seen before. Fully commissioned by Discovery Channel for premiere on its networks worldwide, WILD PLANET: NORTH AMERICA (wt), which begins filming in 2009,will kick off the project. This ambitious seven-part documentary takes an all-encompassing view of the North American continent from the arctic to Mexico and covers topics including mountains, forests, deserts, plains, coasts and rivers.
North America is one of the most captivating continents on the planet. Stretching from the polar ice caps to the subtropics, it contains diverse habitats and even more varied wildlife. Employing cutting-edge technology formerly reserved for blockbuster Hollywood films, Discovery and Wild Horizons will capture iconic landscapes and enable viewers to experience unforgettable locations for themselves. High-definition cameras will be hoisted to the tops of mammoth sequoias, the largest living things on earth, and lowered down into Carlsbad Cavern, one of the deepest caves on the planet. In addition, the use of high-speed cameras specially designed to move or fly with animals will enable the producers to capture animals in the most dramatic fashion, from leaping humpback whales to flying squirrels soaring through the forests at night.
“Embarking on a project of this magnitude is a jewel in the crown at Discovery Channel,” said John Ford, president and general manager of Discovery Channel. “WILD PLANET: NORTH AMERICA embarks on an epic journey to highlight the beauty and majesty of the continent and its diversity. Having Keith at the helm is guaranteed to deliver a series that will ignite our viewers’ passion for the world around them.”
Keith Scholey, director of Wild Horizons, states, “North America has everything; majestic scenery, spectacular wildlife and vast areas of pristine wilderness. Discovery has given us the resources to do this magnificent continent justice, showing it to the American people in the most spectacular fashion. It’s a huge privilege to be making such an important series.”
WILD PLANET: NORTH AMERICA (wt) is produced for Discovery Channel by Wild Horizons. Keith Scholey is executive producer. For Discovery Channel, Paul Gasek is executive producer.