Channel Four Television Corporation has acquired Orangutan Jungle School (10×60’;4K) for the UK market in a pre-sale brokered by Blue Ant International
@blueantmedia @lovenature @nhnzmedia
(Toronto, ON – May 22, 2018) – Blue Ant International, a transatlantic distributor of premium content and division of Blue Ant Media, announced today a pre-sale for NHNZ’s Orangutan Jungle School (10×60’;4K) to UK media company, Channel Four Television Corporation for Channel 4. Currently in production, the 10-part docu-soap follows the hilarious antics, triumphs and tragedies of a group of orphaned orangutans as they progress through a unique forest school system. The series is filmed at Nyaru Menteng, in Borneo, Indonesia, where the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) manages the largest primate rescue and rehabilitation project in the world. The deal was brokered by Alex Maldini of Blue Ant International and Polly Scates and Nick Lee at Channel Four Television Corporation. The series is scheduled for production in June 2018.
“From dramatic relationships to relatable coming-of-age moments to hilarious pranks and surprises, Orangutan Jungle School truly delights with its rich cast of characters who remind us all how hard it is to grow up and find one’s place in the world,” said Solange Attwood, EVP, Blue Ant International. “Our award winning 4K nature and wildlife library continues to attract high profile pre-sales and acquisitions internationally, and the pre-sale of this stunning docu-soap to Channel 4 is evidence of that.”
Orangutan Jungle School introduces audiences to BOSF’s highly skilled team who rescues orangutans that have been displaced from their habitat because of forest destruction, separated from their mothers or kept illegally as pets, and teaches them the skills necessary to return to the wild. Once in the care of BOSF, they have the chance for a future of freedom – but the road back to the wild is long as they embark on the various stages of their education. The nursery, five stages of forest school and pre-release islands teach the orangutans essential lessons for survival. The charismatic and intelligent orangutans have distinct characters and viewers are guaranteed to become emotionally invested in their journey to freedom. The docu-series is an entertaining and fascinating insight into the world of orangutans, which will foster awareness for the plight of this endangered species and the fragile ecosystem in which these charismatic apes lead their lives.
Orangutan Jungle School is created, executive produced and written by Judith Curran. Kyle Murdoch serves as Executive in Charge in Production and Anya Durling is Head of Development. Anna Sand is the Executive Producer for Blue Ant Media.
Orangutan Jungle School was originally commissioned by Love Nature, a joint venture between Smithsonian Networks and Blue Ant Media. The series is set to launch in the US market on 4K digital streaming service, Smithsonian Earth; and Love Nature on its 4K linear and international streaming video platform later this year.
Blue Ant International will showcase Orangutan Jungle School and more at Sunny Side of the Doc this June at booth B17.
Blue Ant International is a leading content distribution company with the largest slate of native 4K nature and wildlife content globally. Its diverse catalog of over 3,000 hours includes award-winning factual, factual entertainment, kids and family, lifestyle, reality, documentary series, high impact docs, blockbuster formats. With offices in the UK and Toronto, the company’s library includes Best Cake Wins (Architect Films; 10×30’ HD), Teddies (Beach House Pictures Kids and Northern Pictures Kids; 90×30’HD) and Orangutan Jungle School (NHNZ; 10 x 60′ HDR + 4K + HD). Blue Ant International is a division of Blue Ant Media. blueantinternational.com
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