Latest news with #FrozenPlanet
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Chill out with night of Antarctic films
Walter the Weddell seal is featured in documentary footage by Vanessa Wells, on show as part of the Antarctic Film Festival, in Gore, next week. Photo: Vanessa Wells For those with curiosity or keen interest in the coldest place on earth, a curated selection of short films showcasing Antarctica is playing next week at the Gore RSA. On Wednesday, August 20, the New Zealand Antarctic Society will be showing a series of short films from the heart of the South Pole. Alongside the selection will be a presentation exploring 20 facets of the Ice in 20 minutes. The programme is part of the Antarctic Film Festival's tour of the South Island and features documentary footage chosen by award-winning film-maker Anthony Powell. Taranaki-born Mr Powell's 2013 film Antarctica: A Year on Ice has won many accolades and he has spent more than 10 winters on the Ice. His footage has been featured in films, television shows and exhibitions, including National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and award-winning BBC series Frozen Planet. The films chosen revealed the continent's stark beauty, unforgiving conditions, climate change and penguin antics, according to a press release. The showcase also features "inventive and funny" entries from the Winter International Film Festival of Antarctica's 48-Hour Challenge. The challenge is billed as an annual showcase of creativity and resilience from those who winter over on the Ice, the release said. Antarctic society president Hubertien Wichers said the array of films was about bringing Antarctica to the people of New Zealand through science, art, humour and personal connection. So far, the tour had been successful in inspiring audiences and connecting people through Antarctica. For example, scouts who went to the frozen continent in the early 1960s had been connected with the current generation of scouts who were doing their Antarctic badges now, she said. It was also hoped the touring festival would raise awareness of the role Antarctica plays in the earth's climate. "Antarctica tells us about the history of the planet, the changes that are going on and what the future may hold for us and the next generations," she said. The films start at 6.30pm. Doors open at 6pm. — Allied Media
Metro
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
David Attenborough's next major documentary series has release date confirmed
A brand new documentary from Sir David Attenborough is coming, and fans don't have long to wait until it hits screens. Five-part series Parenthood will explore the trials and tribulations of parenting within the animal kingdom and how it can be a 'high-stakes game in which some animal parents must come up with extraordinary strategies to give their young a head start.' It was filmed over three years and across six continents, and will be narrated by Attenborough. Parenthood will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, beginning on August 3 at 7.20pm. It promises to show viewers never-before-seen animal behaviours while delivering a 'universal message about preserving the natural world.' Speaking to The Mirror, BBC head of specialist factual commissioning, Jack Bootle, described Parenthood as 'wonderful, warm, engaging, and surprising.' Available on BBC iPlayer: Planet Earth trilogy Blue Planet I and II Frozen Planet I and II Africa Asia Life (of Birds, on Earth) Zoo Quest in Colour Dynasties I and II The full collection can be found here. Available on Netflix: David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet Secret Lives of Orangutans Life in Colour Our Planet I and II Available on Disney+: Ocean with David Attenborough Secrets of Wild India He said that it is 'made by some of the very best wildlife filmmakers in the world,' adding: 'I'm thrilled Sir David is joining us again to narrate it.' Director Jeff Wilson added that the whole team is 'incredibly proud' that Sir Attenborough was involved in the series. 'Silverback Films did a deep dive into the subject over 2.5 years, uncovering extraordinary new behaviours and jaw-dropping dramas using the world's best wildlife cinematographers and directors,' he explained/ 'We are incredibly proud that Sir David was on board with us to bring to the screen a landmark series that has something for everyone – moments of heart-warming tenderness, high stakes narrative, and a timely guide from a huge cast of unbelievably engaging cast of characters on how to navigate the complex world of Parenthood.' It comes hot on the heels of his latest documentary, Ocean, which coincided with the broadcaster and biologist's 99th birthday. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Blue Planet creator explored 'the untold story of the ocean', and how we can make a huge difference in its preservation. Speaking about the series to Metro, Planet Earth III executive producer Mike Gunton hailed the 'unbridled curiosity' that the documentary exhibits, adding that 'he's still absorbing science, absorbing knowledge'. More Trending He also opened up about how Sir Attenborough reacts to being called a national treasure by the general public. 'He hates it, by the way,' Gunton revealed. 'I say hates it… If anybody says he's a national treasure, he sort of slightly raises his eyebrows and says, 'Really?' That's a generational thing.' View More » Parenthood begins on August 3 at 7.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Strictly Come Dancing confirms two new professionals after show scandals MORE: 'Masterpiece' 70s thriller with shocking twist now available to stream for free MORE: Strictly star recalls being confronted about full frontal nudity on OnlyFans
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Trump's new tariffs 'could see BBC licence fee scrapped'
The US President is proposing a 100% tariff on foreign-made films and television programmes, potentially dealing a hammer blow to BBC Studios - the commercial arm of the national broadcaster BBC viewers could be hit in the pocket by Donald Trump's aggressive policy to bolster Hollywood, with ministers being warned of possible repercussions. There's concern in Westminster about the US President's suggestion of slapping a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films and TV shows. This potential move could seriously harm BBC Studios – the corporation's money-making wing that banked £454million from its American audience last year, with the USA being a crucial source of money. One expert has said that could mean a move away from the licence free to a "different model". Shows like Doctor Who and Frozen Planet are huge across the pond, but it's not yet clear if these tariffs would impact only the big screen or the telly side of things as well. MPs believe the effect on the BBC's wallet might be dire, with the licence fee cash already getting thinner. The Conservative Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew voiced his concern in the House of Commons, pressing the government for clarity: "What assessment have they made on the potential drastic cut in the BBC Studios profits, that sells into the US market, could have on the licence fee?" Brit households might have to pay more to keep their current services going as fewer people splash out on licences and more make the jump to streaming giants like Netflix. Culture Minister Sir Chris Bryant said the government was "already in active discussions with the top of the US administration on this subject". BBC Studios raked in more than £1.8billion globally last year, a dip from £2.1billion the previous year – highlighting the broadcaster's increasing dependence on overseas sales to bolster domestic services. When asked about how the broadcaster might fill the void if US sales plummet, the BBC declined to comment. Mr Andrew also said: "They wasted five months when they could have been negotiating. They need to highlight [to President Trump] that tariffs will hurt US businesses as they have invested in UK facilities." Trade talks are now understood to be ramping up as ministers scramble to shield UK exporters from Trump's incoming trade regime, which could slap blanket 10% tariffs on a wide range of British goods. Hollywood insiders have reportedly urged the US administration to target overseas film producers. Among them is actor Jon Voight – Angelina Jolie 's father – who is said to have lobbied for tariffs on non-US content. Media experts say the row could trigger a fundamental rethink of the licence fee, currently set at £174.50 per year. Professor Patrick Barwise, of London Business School, told the Telegraph: 'This will further feed into a sense that it is going to damage BBC Studios' ability to generate revenue from [the US] market. The contributions from BBC Studios are used to subsidise the licence fee. My hunch is that we'll end up with a different model from the licence fee.' He added: 'This is going to hit its exports, but also it will hit other UK studios. It hits the whole distribution system and it will increase costs.' The BBC's Royal Charter, which underpins the licence fee model, expires in 2027. Talks to agree on a new funding model are expected to begin later this year. Current Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has already described the model as 'unenforceable', raising speculation that Britain could be heading for a radical overhaul of how the national broadcaster is funded. A Government spokesperson said: 'Talks on an economic deal between the US and the UK are ongoing – but we are not going to provide a running commentary on the details of live discussions or set any timelines because it is not in the national interest. We will continue to take a calm and steady approach to talks and aim to find a resolution to help ease the pressure on UK businesses and consumers.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's tariffs could push up BBC licence fee, Tories warn
Trump's proposed 100pc tariff on foreign films could push up the cost of the BBC licence fee, the shadow culture secretary has warned. The UK government said it was in 'active discussions' with the White House after the US president suggested he may apply tariffs to foreign-made films to revive America's movie industry. The move could cripple the revenue of BBC Studios, the corporation's commercial arm, which last year made £454m by selling productions to the American market, according to its annual report. Some of its most notable exports include Doctor Who and David Attenborough's Frozen Planet films. It is unclear whether Trump's tariffs will be applied solely to films or also television series. Either way, shadow culture secretary, Stuart Andrew, warned the loss of income could leave British licence fee payers footing the bill. In an urgent question to the Government on Wednesday, he asked: 'What assessment have they made on the potential drastic cut in the BBC Studios profits, that sells into the US market, could have on the licence fee?' Sir Chris Byrant, the culture minister, said in response that Labour was 'already in active discussions with the top of the US administration on this subject'. More than £1.8bn was made by BBC Studios last year by selling its popular British film and television productions to audiences around the world, down from £2.1bn in 2023. The money is a lifeline for the corporation as more viewers cancel their licence fees and turn to streaming services like Netflix instead. When asked by The Telegraph how it planned to deal with the impact of the tariffs should they come into effect, the BBC declined to comment. Mr Andrew said it was proof Labour should have begun trade negotiations with President Trump sooner. He told The Telegraph: 'They wasted five months when they could have been negotiating. They need to highlight [to President Trump] that tariffs will hurt US businesses as they have invested in UK facilities.' The Government is racing to seal a trade deal with President Trump to reduce the impact of his tariff regime – under which UK exporters will pay a blanket 10pc tariff. Last month, Trump initiated a 90-day pause before the regime was implemented. On Tuesday, it was reported Angelina Jolie's father, Jon Voight, had advised the White House to include films produced outside of the US in its tariff war in a bid to save Hollywood. However, the President appeared to soften his stance late on Tuesday, telling CNBC: 'I'm not looking to hurt the industry, I want to help the industry.' Experts said it may spark a total overhaul of the £174.50 annual licence fee scheme. Patrick Barwise, emeritus professor of management and marketing at London Business School, said: 'This will further feed into a sense that it is going to damage BBC Studios ability to generate revenue from [the US] market. 'The contributions from BBC Studios are used to subsidise the licence free. My hunch is that we'll end up with a different model from the licence fee.' He added it was 'another blow on top of the massive funding cuts since 2010. This is going to hit its exports but also it will hit other UK studios. It hits the whole distribution system and it will increase costs'. The BBC's charter, which authorises it to administer the licence fee to generate profit, is due to end in 2027, with discussions between the corporation and the Government starting this year and its renewal thereafter. Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, previously criticised the model as 'unenforceable'. A government spokesman said: 'Talks on an economic deal between the US and the UK are ongoing – but we are not going to provide a running commentary on the details of live discussions or set any timelines because it is not in the national interest. 'We will continue to take a calm and steady approach to talks and aim to find a resolution to help ease the pressure on UK businesses and consumers.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Age
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
David Attenborough has a new film for his 99th birthday – and it's surprisingly optimistic
David Attenborough is doing what he does best for his 99th birthday next Thursday … presenting a new film. The legendary British natural historian, broadcaster and documentary filmmaker, who has hosted such landmark series as Life on Earth, The Living Planet and Frozen Planet over more than 70 years, is still hard at work. His latest documentary, Ocean with David Attenborough, opens in cinemas around the world on his birthday. 'He's remarkable,' co-director Colin Butfield says on a Zoom call from England. 'He's coming to the premiere, he's in fantastic form. I've just written a book with him, which is tiring enough for me, and I'm 52. I don't think he's ever going to stop working.' Ocean has Attenborough reflecting – in that famously authoritative voice – on what he has learnt over his lifetime. 'After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,' he says. 'To this day, we have seen more of other planets than we have of the ocean. Now we are making discoveries that completely change our understanding and could offer a better future for everyone on Earth forever.' The film shows some alarming threats to the ocean's vitality, including industrial bottom-trawling. A chain or metal boom is dragged across the seabed, turning it into an underwater desert, to catch a single species, with almost everything else caught in a net discarded. 'Lines of baited hooks 50 miles long reel in millions of sharks every year,' Attenborough adds. 'We have now killed two-thirds of all large predatory fish.' Also concerning are huge trawlers harvesting krill in Antarctica, threatening the food supply of almost every creature there, to supply fish farms, health supplements, and pet food. Another bad sign is mass coral bleaching in Florida, the Caribbean, the Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef, attributed to heatwave conditions around the world.
