There was a moment when I realised that everything had changed. I’d sent a team to the Arctic to attempt to paddle the world’s largest fjord system two months earlier than would have been possible at the start of my career – because all the ice had melted.
Over 30 years, I’ve had a front-row seat as our rapidly changing climate pushes the natural world to the brink of collapse.
This year, RTS West of England partnered with Bristol UNESCO City of Film and welcomed 17 companies from the creative community to meet those hoping to break into the industry. Edinburgh TV Festival talent scheme The Network and BFI Network South West highlighted opportunities alongside indies such as Aardman, Icon Films, True to Nature, RDF West, as well as a range of post-production facilities.
This is the first investment Sky Studios has made, which is part of Sky’s plan to invest in more than double the original content across a range of genres over the next five years.
Founded in 2016 by Dr Wendy Drake, former head of the BBC natural history unit, TTN has produced a range of natural history series, including Dave’s ten-part series Expedition and BBC’s Undiscovered World with Steve Backshall.
Darke has enlisted former BBC colleagues Jody Bourton and Helena Berglund as Development Producer and Head of Production respectively.
Bourton's credits include River Monsters (Animal Planet) and Nature's Weirdest Events (BBC2) while Berglund has over 15 years experience in natural history production including managing the BBC's flagship Natural World strand.
As well as producing natural history content for the global market, True to Nature will aim to make shows in the specialist factual, drama, and entertainment genres.
Hosts Antoine de Caunes and Jean Paul Gaultier, will present the British public with a look at some of the best, worst and weirdest things that Europe has to offer.
Tim Carter, CEO Twenty Twenty Productions, who is producing the show in association with Rapido Television, said “Eurotrash is the reason most of us work in telly! I'm sure when it comes to the Referendum, it will be Eurotrash wot wins it ...for which side is anyone's guess.”
