BBC One Goes To The Ends of The Earth

Wednesday 8 October 2008
For the first time the BBC Natural History Unit (NHU) and BBC Entertainment will be joining forces to create To The Ends Of The Earth – a gripping format for BBC One combining cutting-edge natural history filming techniques with high entertainment values.

Presented by Nick Knowles, eight individuals who are passionate about wildlife compete to prove that they have what it takes to become part of the BBC's award-winning Natural History Unit.

Judged by knowledgeable and skilled experts, only one will win this opportunity of a lifetime.

The candidates have to track down and film extraordinary animals in extraordinary places. Each week they will face ever tougher physical, mental and emotional challenges.

They will be judged on what footage they get and, just as importantly, how they get it.

Peter Salmon, Chief Creative Officer, BBC Vision, says: "This is an exciting collaboration. The first of its kind in the BBC, a marriage of two in-house centres of excellence, responsible for current hits Last Choir Standing and Lost Land Of The Jaguar.

"Further proof, if any were needed, that our programme-makers will go anywhere to win a commission, even To The Ends Of The Earth..."

Nick Shearman, Commissioning Editor, In-house, BBC Knowledge, adds: "This is a thrilling, innovative and distinctive format joining some of the brightest talents in the BBC from world leading production units – Entertainment and the NHU.

"It's also a fascinating look behind the scenes at what goes into making some of the best natural history films in the world."

To The Ends Of The Earth has been commissioned by Nick Shearman; the Executive Producer for the Natural History Unit is Fiona Pitcher; and Clare Pizey is the Executive Producer for BBC Entertainment.

This eight-part series of 60-minute programmes will broadcast on BBC One in 2009.


Notes to Editors
Anyone wishing to apply to take part in To The Ends Of The Earth should email their name to endsoftheearth@bbc.co.uk and an application form will be sent.

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