Discovery, BBC copro “Winged Planet” takes flight

September 7, 2012 by Kelly Anderson

Discovery Channel is to host the U.S. premiere of two-hour special Winged Planet, from natural history filmmaker John Downer, on October 6.

The Discovery Channel/BBC coproduction shows audiences a bird’s eye view, using spy cameras to capture a 3D view on the backs of eagles, cranes, pelicans and snow geese as they fly above America, Africa and Europe.

Director Downer, who was also behind Elephants: Spy in the Herd, Tiger: Spy in the Jungle, and Polar Bears: Spy on the Ice, offers up an entirely different perspective of the world in his latest special.

“We are once again thrilled to invite the world to join us in witnessing some of wildlife’s greatest spectacles, only this time from the wings of our feathered friends,” said Eileen O’Neill, president of Discovery Channel and TLC Networks. “In Winged Planet our viewers will get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures thanks to cutting edge technology and sophisticated filming techniques. If you think you know birds, think again.”

For the BBC, Cassian Harrison is executive producer, Rob Pilley is producer and Downer is the director and series producer. For Discovery Channel, Robert Zakin is executive producer and Christine Weber is VP of production.

Tags: BBC, Discovery Channel, John Downer, Winged Planet