BBC Studios and China's Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade sign co-production and co-distribution deal for 3D giant screen version of Asia

BBC News

02-03-2025

BBC Studios and China's Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd have signed a co-production and co-distribution deal to create Asia: Wildlife at the Extremes (working title), a giant screen adaptation of the landmark BBC's Natural History series, Asia.
The widely acclaimed Asia natural history series took audiences on a breathtaking journey across vast deserts, rich seas and soaring mountains, exploring many of the incredible animals that have adapted to survive in the continent's most extreme environments, where life is often pushed to the limit.
Across the frigid peaks of the Himalayas, the turbulent waves of the Indian Ocean and arid deserts of Central Asia, the series revealed extraordinary footage of nature in the most challenging of environments. Filmmakers were able to capture breathtaking sights, including the adorable red pandas of the Himalayas, the deadly sea bunny of the Pacific Ocean and even a never-before-seen shark feeding frenzy, highlighting the unbelievable fight for survival that Asia's incredible animals face every day of their lives.
Now adapted by the world-renowned wildlife storytellers of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, Asia: Wildlife at the Extremes (working title), will soon launch as a thrilling 3D giant screen experience. Filmed using a variety of cutting-edge cameras, viewers will truly be able to immerse themselves in Asia's stunning wildlife and spectacular scenery, being able to choose from either the 40-minute giant screen, IMAX, CINITY option, or the 20-minute Dome version.
BBC Studios and Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd will co-distribute the film globally, with BBC Studios using SK Films to distribute on its behalf.
Jonny Keeling, Head of Natural History Unit, BBC Studios said: 'We are really excited to now expand our decade-long partnership with Orient International for giant screen films into co-production. Asia was much-loved by viewers in the UK, performed very well for our partners in China, as well as across the globe. We believe that Asia: Wildlife at the Extremes, as the bespoke giant screen adaptation of our landmark natural history series, will delight even more audiences in China'.
Mr. Wang Haitao, General Manager of Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade said: 'Together with BBC Studios, we've brought seven giant screen films to China's science museums, providing an immersive viewing experience to younger generations. We are pleased to partner with BBC Studios, who will bring their innovative production skills and compelling storytelling capabilities to natural history programming, and we can't wait to immerse ourselves in this incredible continent on giant screen'.
About BBC Studios
The main commercial arm of BBC Commercial Ltd, BBC Studios generated revenues in the last year of £1.8 billion and a third consecutive year of profits of over £200 million. Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on two operating areas: the Content Studio, which produces, invests and distributes content globally and Media & Streaming, with BBC branded channels, services including bbc.com and Britbox International and joint ventures in the UK and internationally. The business made more than 2,800 hours of award-winning British programmes last year for a wide selection of public service and commercial broadcasters and platforms, both in the UK and across the globe. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, and includes world-famous brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, the Planet series, Bluey and Doctor Who.
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