The key to any great program is finding and following the subject. The trick is knowing where to look for one’s prey in the great outdoors before the budget runs out.
The same logic holds true for finding the appropriate natural history strand, especially in this period of higher competition for fewer slots. Knowing the details of a channel’s strand could mean the difference between a sure-shot and a wild goose chase. With that goal in mind, RealScreen has compiled a list of natural history/wildlife strands from the major factual-television territories.
In conducting the research, RealScreen approached over 40 broadcasters in 15 countries. Taken as a whole, the list offers a ready-at-hand directory of natural history strands, and provides a high-level view of the state of wildlife programming today. Arranged alphabetically by country, broadcaster and strand, each entry indicates what types of programs the broadcaster is seeking. In many cases, it also reports how much a buyer is willing to offer in terms of acquisition fees and doc-production funding. Happy hunting.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Based in: Sydney
Strand: ‘Richard Morecroft Goes Wild’
Description: ABC’s showcase natural history offering specializes in bringing the world’s wildlife to Australia.
When: Saturday 6:30 P.M.; 30 minutes
Program types: One-offs and series of up to six episodes
Program origin: Mainly acquisitions, with some in-house productions; no commissions
Money talk: Fees from AUS$5,000 to $8,000 (US$3,300 to $5,200)
Commissioning editor: Dione Gilmour, gilmour.dione@abc.net.au; (Acquisitions) Marena Manzoufas, manzoufas.marena@abc.net.au
Insider tip: ABC sometimes takes short, half-hour nat-history series specials and carries wildlife one-offs in its other primetime doc slots, as well as occasional ‘seasons’ (six to eight weeks long) – e.g., this December it’s planning a natural history season.
AUSTRIA
ORF
Based in: Wien
Strand: ‘Universum’
Description: Launched in 1987, ‘Universum’ concentrates on European environmental topics, but also pursues internationally focused stories about the wild world. It specializes in blue-chip wildlife programs on Tuesdays, and expedition, archaeology, history and nature on Thursdays.
When: Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 P.M.; 2 x 45 minutes
Program types: One-offs and mini-series. Series longer than 6 x 45 minutes tend to be transmitted one episode per month.
Program origin: Mostly coproductions, with acquisitions and commissions making up the balance
Money talk: The Incredible Hulik, a 2002 orf coproduction, had a US$400,000 budget.
Commissioning editor: Walter Koehler, walter.koehler@orf.at
CANADA
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
Based in: Toronto
Strand: ‘The Nature of Things’
Description: Specializes in programs relating to wildlife and the environment, plus science, technology and Third World issues.
When: Wednesday 7 P.M.; two versions – a 44-minute domestic and a 52-minute international
Program types: One-offs and mini-series of up to three episodes
Program origin: Acquisitions, as well as coproductions with independents and other broadcasters
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Michael Allder, Michael_Allder@cbc.ca
Insider tip: Wide-screen productions preferred. Now in its 44th season in Canada, ‘The Nature of Things’ is seen in over 70 countries.
Discovery Channel Canada
Based in: Toronto
Strand: ‘Wacky and Wild’
Description: This anthology targets kids and consists of fun, fast-paced and informative animal stories. ‘Wacky & Wild’ is the home for programs full of cute and cuddly critters.
When: Monday and Tuesday 6 P.M.; one hour, but will consider 30-minute episodes
Program types: One-offs, mini-series or series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: Financing for up to 30% of the production budget
Commissioning editor: (Acquisitions) Shannan LaMorre, slamorre@discovery.ca; (Copros) Sam Linton, slinton@discovery.ca
Strand: ‘Wild Discovery’
Description: Natural history with an edge. Fierce and ferocious predators are the focus – the more bites the better.
When: Wednesday and Thursday 8 P.M.; one hour, but will consider 30-minute episodes
Program types: One-offs, mini-series and series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: Financing for up to 30% of the production budget
Commissioning editor: (Acquisitions) Shannan LaMorre, slamorre@discovery.ca; (Copros) Sam Linton, slinton@discovery.ca
Insider tip: Discovery Canada says its natural history programming is struggling to deliver audiences, so it’s looking for new ways to present the genre. The channel wants programs that are strong in the two extremes: predators and lovable fuzzballs.
FRANCE
ARTE
Based in: Strasbourg
Strand: As yet unnamed
Description: Profiles the plants and animals of specific regions around the world; presents exotic animals and what makes them unique; and probes the way humans and wildlife coexist in many parts of the world today.
When: As part of a scheduling shake-up, this strand will be integrated into a weekday 7 P.M. doc strand beginning in January 2004. So, nat-history will appear regularly, but not necessarily always on the same night. Currently it runs Monday 7 P.M.; 43 minutes.
Program types: One-offs, with occasional mini-series and series
Program origin: Copros and acquisitions are possible via ARD, ZDF and, in small numbers, ARTE G.E.I.E.
Money talk: ARTE can contribute between 50,000 euros and 60,000 euros (US$55,500 and $66,600) to a production’s budget.
Commissioning editor: Kornelia Theune, k-theune@arte-tv.com
Canal +
Based in: Paris
Strand: ‘Sunday Escape’
Description: Wildlife documentaries and some adventure docs
When: Sunday 5 P.M.; one hour
Program types: One-offs, with some series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Evi Fullenbach,
evi.fullenbach@canal-plus.com
Insider tip: Starting in September, the strand will feature a studio introduction by Stéfan Etcheverry, a rugby star turned journalist.
France 5
Based in: Paris
Strand: No name
Description: A family-oriented wildlife strand that features top-of-the-line blue-chip docs. The broadcaster says it is popular with parents of young children, because the images don’t require parental screening.
When: Monday to Friday 11 A.M., Saturday 3 P.M.; 50 minutes
Program types: One offs, mini-series and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, with a few copros
Money talk: Acquisition fees range from approximately 8,000 euros to 12,500 euros (US$8,900 to $13,900).
Commissioning editor: Ann Julienne, ajulienne@france5.fr
Planète
Based in: Paris
Strand: ‘Hour of the Beasts’
Description: Family-oriented wildlife programs
When: Daily 8:15 P.M.; 30 minutes
Program types: One-offs, mini-series and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and in-house productions
Money talk: Acquisition fees are 3,350 euros/hour (US$3,700).
Commissioning editor: Olivier Stroh, olivier.stroh@mth.net
Insider tip: Once a month, Planète programs 2 x 1-hour thematic evenings that generally focus on mammals and their family groups. With more than 260 slots to fill annually, the channel says it will consider series of virtually any length.
FINLAND
YLE
Based in: Helsinki
Strand: ‘Wide Nature’
Description: A weekly primetime family slot for the best wildlife films from around the world. Twenty years running, the strand shows blue-chip films and series with strong stories about wildlife species or habitats.
When: Saturday 6:40 P.M.; 45 to 55 minutes
Program types: One-offs; some mini-series of up to four episodes
Program origin: Foreign acquisitions, except for one or two Finnish indie productions per year
Money talk: Acquisition fees are 2,800 euros to 3,100 euros (US$3,100 to $3,400) per hour.
Commissioning editor: Katja Solla, katja.solla@yle.fi
Insider tip: YLE TV1 mainly looks for blue-chip films with no or little human interaction for its slots.
GERMANY
ARD
Based in: Hamburg
Strand: ‘Expedition into the Animal World’
Description: Programs range from classic wildlife films to cutting-edge natural history shows. They are meant to entertain and give information to people who love wildlife and nature, especially young and elder viewers.
When: Irregular, mainly on ‘festival days’ and public holidays, and occasionally Tuesday or Wednesday at 9:45 P.M.; 45 minutes
Program types: One-offs; some mini-series of up to four episodes
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and in-house productions
Money talk: Budget financing ranges from 50,000 euros to 500,000 euros (US$55,500 to $555,000).
Commissioning editor: (NDR) Wolf Lengwenus, w.lengwenus@ndr.de
Insider tip: ‘Expedition’ is open to a variety of programming styles, including presenter-led shows, reenactments (e.g., the natural world of the Middle Ages in Salamanders Secret) and pure wildlife.
JAPAN
NHK
Based in: Tokyo
Strand: ‘The Global Family’
Description: As the name suggests, the focus of ‘The Global Family’ is wide open: it is geared to all age groups, presenting new facts, evidence or discoveries about a topic in detail.
When: Monday 8 P.M.; 43 minutes
Program types: Single-subject one-offs only
Program origin: About six programs are coproduced per year. The rest are produced in-house or commissioned to Japanese indies.
Money talk: The 6 x 1-hour NHK copro The Equator, slated for delivery in late 2004, is budgeted at about US$800,000 per hour.
Commissioning editor: Masaru Ikeo, ikeo.m-gq@nhk.or.jp
SOUTH AFRICA
South African Broadcasting Corporation
Based in: Johannesburg
Strand: No name
Description: Referred to internally as SABC3′s blue-chip slot, it predominantly runs family-oriented nat-history programs. The audience is defined as high-income urban dwellers, so the broadcaster strives to provide a variety of cutting-edge and trend-setting docs ‘that will make for talked-about television.’
When: Sunday 6 P.M.; one hour, or sometimes 2 x 30 minutes
Program types: One-offs and series in English only (no subtitles)
Program origin: Almost exclusively foreign acquisitions
Money talks: US$3,000 to $5,000 per hour for foreign acquisitions
Commissioning editor: (Acquisitions) Hanka Sonnekus-Roos, sonnekushr@sabc.co.za
Insider tip: The SABC says it is currently ‘very selective’ because ‘there is an oversupply of product’ in the market. They are particularly interested in one-offs that take a unique look at the natural world. The broadcaster told RealScreen it does not offer commissions, but might look at coproductions in the future.
SWEDEN
SVT2
Based in: Stockholm
Strand: ‘Naturfilm’
Description: ‘The most exquisite nature docs’ available internationally. It transmits nat-history programs of almost any style and focus, including sea-life docs. The broadcaster inserts a short studio intro into acquired films.
When: Tuesday 8 P.M.; one hour
Program types: One-offs and series of up to 10 episodes
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and a few in-house
Money talk: Varies between SEK 4 million and 7 million (US$480,000 and $836,400).
Commissioning editor: Eugen Plym-Forshell,
eugen.plym-forshell@svt.se
UNITED KINGDOM
British Broadcasting Corporation
Based in: London
Strand: ‘The Natural World’
Description: The Beeb touts this strand as ‘celebrating the many wonders of nature with some of the finest wildlife photography on television today’.
When: At press time, was on a scheduling break – season runs October to March; normally 50 minutes long
Program types: Mainly one-offs
Program origin: In-house productions, copros and commissions
Money talk: About £930,000 to £1.2 million (US$1.5 million to $1.9 million) per program
Commissioning editor: Mike Gunton, mike.gunton@bbc.co.uk
Strand: ‘Wildlife on One’
Description: Through ‘Wildlife on One’ the Beeb experiments with the genre, seeking out stories that surprise, intrigue and have humor, as well as increased levels of information.
When: At press time, was on a scheduling break – season runs October to March; primarily 30 minutes
Program types: One-offs
Program origin: In-house productions, copros and commissions
Money talk: About £930,000 to £1.2 million (US$1.5 million to $1.9 million) per program
Commissioning editor: Sara Ford, sara.ford@bbc.co.uk
Strand: ‘Wildlife Specials’
Description: Created to mark the 40th anniversary of the BBC Natural History Unit in 1997, ‘Wildlife Specials’ programs feature well-known doc-makers, such as Neil Nightingale, capturing animal ‘superstars’ in creative ways. Recent and upcoming titles include Bear: Spy in the Wood, Elephants: Spy in the Herd and Chimpanzee.
When: Sunday 9 P.M. (BBC 1); 50 minutes
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: In-house productions, copros and commissions
Money talk: Monkey Mafia, a recently completed one-hour one-off coproduced by the Beeb and a number of French partners, carried a budget of approximately 1 million euros (US$1.1 million).
Commissioning editor: Sara Ford, sara.ford@bbc.co.uk
UNITED STATES
Animal Planet U.S.
Based in: Silver Spring
Strand: ‘Animal Planet Safari’
Description: Emphasizes programs that chronicle the full spectrum of animal life on Earth; past doc subjects include arctic wildlife migrating across the tundra and Africa’s big cats.
When: Saturday 8 P.M.; three-hour block
Program types: One-offs, mini-series or series, including two-hour specials
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and in-house productions
Money talk: The Most Extreme, a 12 x 60-minute series for AP, had a budget of $2.3 million.
Commissioning editor: Chris Lara, chris_lara@discovery.com
Insider tip: Overall, AP is trying to create theme nights for better audience flow from hour to hour, and so is open to new and innovative ideas on how to present natural history to its target demographic, viewers 25 to 54 years of age.
Strand: ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom’
Description: Spotlights one-offs and blue-chip docs. Titles include Danger Under the Ice and Cave Elephants.
When: Quarterly specials, Sunday 7 P.M.; one hour
Program types: One-offs only
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and in-house productions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Chris Lara, chris_lara@discovery.com
Strand: ‘Growing Up….’
Description: Follows baby wild animals in their first year of existence. Each episode focuses on a different species.
When: Weekly time slot to be decided; one hour
Program types: One-offs only
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and in-house productions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Chris Lara, chris_lara@discovery.com
Insider tip: Seeking programs that are ‘warm and fuzzy’ and feature Hollywood celebrities as hosts.
Animal Planet International
Based in: Silver Spring
Strand: ‘Animal Planet Showcase’
Description: The broadcaster’s top-draw slot, primarily for major premieres of one-offs. Its target age group is 25 to 54.
When: Monday 10 P.M.; one hour
Program types: Mainly one-offs
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: State of the Great Ape, a 120-minute upcoming special for AP/API, is budgeted at about US$630,000.
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: AP is currently seeking only acquisitions for ‘Showcase’.
Strand: ‘Fame’
Description: Highlights both rising animal actors and novices, from their training for feature movies to crazy pet behavior. Strand anchors include The Planet’s Funniest Animals and Wild on the Set.
When: Tuesday 8 P.M.; two one-hours, usually
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: At press time, AP was not actively seeking new content for ‘Fame.’
Strand: ‘On the Edge’
Description: Adventures between people and wildlife ‘at their wildest.’ The broadcaster is relying on its inventory of hosted series, such as The Crocodile Hunter and The Jeff Corwin Experience.
When: Monday 8 P.M.; two one-hours, usually
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: At press time, Animal Planet was not actively seeking content for ‘On the Edge’.
Strand: ‘The Protectors’
Description: A close-up look at ‘everyday heroes’ who work to help animals in distress or suffering abuse. Programs such as Animal Precinct and Miami Animal Vice profile rescues and the rescuers.
When: Wednesday 8 P.M.; two one-hours, usually
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: At press time, AP was not actively seeking content for ‘The Protectors’.
Strand: ‘Revealed’
Description: Programs probe the psychology of animal behavior. For instance, are some famously aggressive beasts, such as the coral snake, really so bold or is their reputation built on perception alone?
When: Friday 8 P.M.; two one-hours, usually
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: At press time, AP was not actively seeking content for this strand.
Strand: ‘Unexplained and Unexplored’
Description: Apparently, humans aren’t the only ones who have paranormal experiences. This strand takes a look at both the legends and the hidden truths behind what seem like otherworldly animal attributes. Feature programs include Weird Nature, Twisted Tales and Supernatural: the Unseen Powers of Animals.
When: Thursday 8 P.M.; two one-hours, usually
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions and coproductions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Andrea Vieira, andrea_vieira@discovery.com
Insider tip: At press time, AP was not actively seeking content for ‘Unexplained and Unexplored.’
Discovery Networks International
Based in: Silver Spring
Strand: ‘Wild Discovery’ (multiterritory)
Description: Flora and fauna from around the globe are profiled in each program. From the Serengeti to the outback, from the Komodo dragon to the praying mantis, this strand spotlights them all.
When: Monday to Friday; one hour. Time varies by region: Australia/New Zealand, 6:30 P.M.; India, 7 P.M.; Italy, 5 P.M.; Japan, 6 P.M. (rest of Asia, 9 P.M.); Latin America, Spain and Portugal, 7 P.M.
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Varies by territory
Discovery Channel U.S.
Based in: Silver Spring
Strand: ‘Wild Discovery’
Description: Distinctive, original, captivating portraits of the topic covered. Discovery Networks wants to present innovative and compelling natural history docs.
When: Daily, one hour
Program types: One-offs and mini-series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Maureen Lemire, maureen_lemire@discovery.com
Insider tip: Discovery’s natural history special series and mini-series, such as the BBC coproductions Life of Mammals and Blue Planet, are handled separately from ‘Wild Discovery’.
National Geographic Channels International
Based in: Washington, D.C.
Strand: N/A
Description: NGCI doesn’t package or promote any particular nat-history strand, says Bryan Smith, executive VP of programming and production for the Washington, D.C.-based company. NGCI helps commission and acquire natural history programming for each of the Nat Geo channels that serve 145 countries worldwide. As a result, Nat Geo wildlife strands vary from territory to territory.
When: Weekdays, varies by time zone; 30 minutes or one hour
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: Wild Orphans, a 6 x 30-minute series commissioned for NGCI, had a budget of US$30,000 per episode.
Commissioning editor: Varies from territory to territory
Insider tip: Nat Geo works with producers to find additional funding if it does not cover the full budget. Additionally, Nat Geo International notes natural history one-offs are present in region-specific ‘anthologies’ and slotted throughout Nat Geo U.S.’s primetime grid and on theme nights or weeks.
National Geographic Channel U.S.
Based in: Washington, D.C.
Strand: ‘Living Wild’
Description: Fascinating stories of animal behavior and the remarkable experts who share this behavior with the viewer.
When: Friday 8 P.M.; two one-hours
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Mike Mavretic, mmavretic@natgeochannels.com
Insider tip: A presenter-led, experiential approach to showing animal behavior is preferred. Presenters, where used, should be experts in the field. Nat Geo maintains a ‘liberal’ mandate for this strand, and is open to proposals.
Strand: ‘Nature’s Nightmares’
Description: An anthology that features the creatures that can make your skin crawl. Sewer rats, hairy spiders, carnivorous bats – you get the picture.
When: Tuesday 9 P.M., one hour
Program types: One-offs and series
Program origin: Acquisitions, copros and commissions
Money talk: N/A
Commissioning editor: Mike Mavretic, mmavretic@natgeochannels.com
Insider tip: As with ‘Living Wild’, a presenter-led, experiential approach to showing animal behavior is preferred. Presenters, where used, should be an expert in the field. Nat Geo is open to proposals for this strand.
Public Broadcasting Service
Thirteen/WNET
Based in: New York
Strand: ‘Nature’
Description: Broadly covers natural history topics, but with an emphasis on wildlife in all parts of the world. Thirteen seeks ‘rich and meaningful programs about the natural world with strong storylines and stunning cinematography, while embracing emerging technologies.’
When: Sunday 8 P.M.; one hour
Program types: One-offs and mini-series of no more than three parts
Program origin: Primarily copros and commissions
Money talk: Program budgets range from US$300,000 to $500,000 per hour. Larger budgets for blue-chip films
Commissioning editor: Fred Kaufman, Kaufman@thirteen.org
Insider tip: ‘Nature’ is the only place on PBS’s national schedule for indie-produced wildlife docs.