Cannes – NHK and BBC Worldwide announced the signing of a new deal at MIPCOM that will see both parties co-producing new natural history series, Wild Japan.
This three-part, blue-chip documentary series – Wild Japan –will explore the diverse and untamed regions in Japan, revealing the creatures that inhabit them, and showing how the Japanese have learned to live in unpredictable landscapes. From the freezing northern island of Hokkaido, the seismically volatile main island of Honshu, and the subtropical Nansei islands in the far southwest, the series will give viewers’ access to the wild side of Japan that they might never have imagined. Wild Japan will also capture the exquisite beauty of Japan’s seasonal changes and the subtle yet dynamic aspects of life.
The series which will be co-produced by the BBC’s renowned Natural History Unit and NHK, will see the two parties contribute equally in terms of editorial staff, film crews, and equipment. Leading the production are Executive Producer for NHK, Tomonori Take of NHK Enterprises, and Series Producer, Mary Summerill of BBC’s Natural History Unit.
Wild Japan will be shot largely in 4K, and with the help of the latest technologies. Post-production will be done in 4K and 2K, and the series will be available in both formats.
“We have had a long and fruitful relationship with NHK for over 30 years. NHK has broadcast many of the award-winning programmes from BBC’s Natural History Unit,” said David Weiland, EVP, BBC Worldwide Asia. “We are very excited to be collaborating with them again. Wild Japan promises to be a very unique project and we are delighted to have NHK’s local knowledge and expertise on board for what we hope will reveal many fresh discoveries of this fascinating country.”
Gen Sasaki, Head of Natural History Programmes, NHK Enterprises, expressed his excitement. “We’re delighted to be partnering with the BBC on a series that will reveal the wild side of Japan,” he said. “The BBC’s excellence in natural history and NHK’s deep knowledge of the Japanese islands will make Wild Japan a high point in nature programming. And as preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics push Japan further into the spotlight, the series is sure to attract great interest.”
Wild Japan will air globally in 2015/16.
