MIPCOM, Cannes – The high-end factual production company, announces it has been commissioned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises LTD (ZEEL) and Smithsonian Channel to produce Life of Earth: From Space and Life of Earth: The Age of Humans. This spectacular two-hour 4K/UHD feature documentary delves into the planet’s extraordinary 4.5 billion-year old history as never seen before, from the unique vantage point of space.
This is a world-first collaboration between Talesmith, ZEEL and the Smithsonian Channel. This is the first foray for ZEEL into the blue-chip specialist factual genre. Based in Mumbai, India, ZEEL is one of the world’s largest content producers with a presence in over 172 countries and a global reach of over 1 billion people. Smithsonian Channel is a recognized leader in quality, factual 4K programming.
Harnessing Talesmith’s expertise in producing visually stunning and captivating storytelling, this ambitious film merges the latest scientific discoveries with human relevance, 4k cinematography, and world-class CGI. Three main themes are explored: the origins and evolution of Earth; the life it harbours; and the ‘Anthropocene’ (the modern age). The incredible journey is full of surprise and wonder – from the moon’s influence imprinted within our DNA to the dust storms that shape weather, and of course the surprising ways humanity has influenced the planet in the last few million years.
The past is brought to life through the combination of incredible footage and cutting-edge CGI, ranging from thermal imaging of the first humans crossing the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, to views from the International Space Station, which have been transformed to show Earth as it would have been seen thousands of years ago during the Ice Age.
Sunita Uchil, ZEEL’s Chief Business Officer, International Production, Global Syndication and Ad Sales, says “ZEEL is proud to be part of this brilliant project, showcasing the history of Earth from the very beginning to present day. This unique view of the Earth is one that needs to be seen — to understand where the planet are going, we need to fully understand the past.
Martin Williams, Executive Producer, Talesmith adds: “We’re thrilled to be at the heart of a brand new partnership with two giants of broadcasting. Innovative science communication and compelling story telling are in Smithsonian’s DNA. They set the international benchmark for quality factual programming and with Zee’s global pedigree and unbridled ambition; we’ll be able produce a film of the highest possible quality. And what bigger factual story to tell than that of the Life of Earth itself? Exciting times!”
David Royle, Executive Vice President of Programming and Production, Smithsonian Channel, adds: “What could possibly be more epic than the story of our world from the Big Bang to the formation of our planet? This is an enormously ambitious co-production that combines talents from three continents. Talesmith creates extraordinarily imaginative television and we are delighted to be teaming with Zee Entertainment.” Life of Earth from Space is produced by Ruth Roberts and directed by Luke Wiles. Martin Williams serves as Executive Producer.
