London – Atlantic Productions, producer of the triple-Emmy-Award winning First Life (Discovery/ BBC), has concluded a number of key international sales for its new landmark series David Attenborough’s Rise of Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates (2 x 50’).

Commissioned by the BBC in the UK, David Attenborough’s Rise of Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates tells the story of the evolution of back-boned animals. Using the latest science and all-new filming techniques, the series shows how a chain of amazing developments in a huge variety of animals over millennia formed the basis for our own highly sophisticated anatomy and brainpower. 

Attenborough’s journey takes the viewer to latest discoveries including a region that has become the modern frontier of paleontological and evolutionary research, China. This series marks the first time Attenborough has filmed in the country.

Each encounter is a step in a journey through the past of a particular species or individual animal, which are then tied into the wider evolutionary story. Combining CGI from the Emmy- and BAFTA-winning company ZOO VFX with real natural history footage, David Attenborough’s Rise of Animals: Triumph of the Vertebrates connects the most ancient creatures with the incredible animals we find on Earth today – including ultimately, ourselves. 

John Morris, Commercial Director at Atlantic Productions says: “The story of how vertebrates evolved is truly fascinating and we are thrilled to be taking this series to new audiences globally through key deals with NGCI, ABC Australia and TNVZ. We look forward to securing further broadcast partners at MIPCOM.”