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RNZ News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Keith Scholey: 44 years working with David Attenborough
Over the past 100 years, oceans have progressed from being a complete mystery to being regarded as vital for our survival, according to Sir David Attenborough. That's almost Sir David's lifetime. The 99-year-old's latest film Ocean with David Attenborough showcases the beauty, life and wonder of the ocean, as well as the increasing threats it faces. But the film also provides hope and a glimpse at what a revived ocean could look like in just 50 years. The film was released in cinemas to coincide with David Attenborough's 99th birthday. Keith Scholey is an Emmy and Bafta award-winning natural history and environmental filmmaker who has worked with Sir David for 44 years. Keith directed Ocean with David Attenborough and speaks with Susie. Keith Scholey and David Attenborough on location while filming 'Ocean with David Attenborough'. (PHOTO: Supplied/Keith Scholey © Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios) A baitball still from Ocean with David Attenborough. (PHOTO: Supplied/Keith Scholey © Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios) Film poster for Ocean with David Attenborough. (PHOTO: Supplied) A sheepshead wrasse in a kelp forest in California. (PHOTO: Supplied / Olly Scholey) A blue whale mother and calf in the Gulf of California, Mexico. (PHOTO: Supplied/Olly Scholey) A pod of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins swimming across the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt. (PHOTO: Supplied / Olly Scholey) A clown anemonefish on a coral reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. (PHOTO: Supplied / Olly Scholey) A clown anemonefish on a coral reef in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. (PHOTO: Supplied / Olly Scholey)
Sunday World
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
David Attenborough's latest doc could be the 99-year-old's best yet
RALLYING CRY | This is one of the passionate documentaria most ambitious projects to date – and it is stunning Now in his 100th year after celebrating his 99th birthday this week, broadcasting legend David Attenborough has another story to share with us - and it might be one of his greatest yet. The passionate and no-nonsense documentarian is bringing one of his most ambitious projects to date to cinemas with this feature-length tale. Ocean is a rallying cry for action, a story of righteous anger in some of its details, but primarily a tale of hope in the power of nature. It helps that it features some of the most stunning and groundbreaking images of the natural world ever brought to our screens, and some highly entertaining, charismatic and knowledgeable contributors. Using the latest cutting-edge filmmaking technology, Ocean takes audiences deep below the surface of some of the world's most unchartered waters. Coral reefs, kelp forests, dolphins, sea turtles, krill and albatrosses practically line up on screen for their close-ups in images that are both jaw-dropping and intimate. A bait ball in the open ocean near Azores. (Credit: Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios/Doug Anderson) There is darkness, too. In a filmmaking first, we see the shocking impact of bottom-trawling on the ocean's sea bed, the colour of underwater life being drained from the screen before our eyes. A film on a mission without ever feeling preachy, Ocean is a no-holds-barred account of what humanity is at risk of losing - and a positive and hopeful rallying cry about how some of our oceans are already returning to their former glory. A humpback whale breaches. (Credit: Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios/Steve Benjamin) Ocean comes to our cinemas just as the UN moots the idea of getting countries to sign up to 30x30 - a plan to designate 30% of the world's oceans as protected areas by 2030. In some parts of the world, this is already being enacted - and the results, to Attenborough's joy, are remarkable. Several positive examples are cited but the most fascinating is the recovery of Papahanaumokuakea, north of Hawaii, currently the largest fully protected area on the planet. New footage recorded by the filmmaking team depicts an abundance of life above and below the waves, from whale sharks to the mōlī seabird, which went from being perilously close to extinction to becoming the largest albatross colony in the world. Read more Our oceans, Attenborough reckons, are tougher than we thought. 'After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,' he says. 'Wherever we have given the ocean time and space, it has recovered faster and on a greater scale than we dared to imagine possible. And it has the power to go even further. 'When I first saw the sea as a young boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.' The Verdict : One of the great documentaries - a stunning looking tale of the power of nature from one of the screen's greatest storytellers.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside David Attenborough's incredible career as he turns 99 – from deadly jungle brush to animals he fears will die out
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS Sir David Attenborough turns 99 today, fans from across the generations have hailed the world's most famous naturalist. Prince William said he and his children have been 'inspired' by the legendary broadcaster, while King Charles attended the London premiere of the star's latest film, Ocean, on Tuesday. 6 Sir David has been revealing the wonders of the natural world to TV audiences for more than 70 years Credit: Silverback Films 6 King Charles attended the London premiere of the star's latest film, Ocean, on Tuesday Credit: AP 6 Sir David laughing as endangered silverback gorillas got too close in 1978 Credit: Naturepl Meanwhile, US pop singer Billie Eilish described the telly icon as a 'living treasure'. One year shy of a century, Sir David's mission to save the planet continues through his documentaries. But he knows time is short. In a moving speech at the end of Ocean, released today, David says: 'Through the course of my life, we have been on a voyage of ocean discovery. Now, as I approach the end of my life, it's my greatest hope we come to see the ocean as the lifeblood of our home. 'I'm sure nothing is more important. If we save the sea, we save our world.' Sir David has been revealing the wonders of the natural world to TV audiences for more than 70 years. From a young lad collecting fossils in Leicester, he went on to study geology and zoology at Cambridge University in 1945. The rising star landed his first job in TV, as a trainee producer with the BBC, in the early Fifties. And over the decades, he has become a broadcasting institution. From laughing as endangered silverback gorillas got too close in 1978, to his excitement at seeing the fin of a blue whale rising from the depths in 2001, he has brought that heartfelt joy into our living rooms. His documentaries, including Planet Earth and Blue Planet, have also made him a global figure. Watch brilliant moment Wimbledon crowd rises and applauds TV legend Sir David Attenborough, 98, on centre court Former US president Barack Obama has said: 'I know from watching David's programmes that our eco-systems are all interconnected.' When Sir David has spoken at Parliament or at the United Nations, politicians listened. But at his age, it is no longer easy for him to travel abroad to film or campaign. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2013 and a double knee replacement two years later. While his scaled-back schedule is understandable, colleague Colin Butfield, 52, believes it is a huge loss as Sir David is irreplaceable. The Ocean co-director, who has known the broadcaster for 20 years, says: 'It seems hard to imagine even Charles Darwin or anybody else has had the ability to travel for so long. 'Passion is genuine' 'Very few people have ever seen as much of the world as he has, giving him the ability to talk with such authority. I don't know how anyone would ever replicate that.' Sir David had been pondering a film about how to save our under-threat oceans for a while — but had feared time would run out. Colin reveals: 'David said, 'If you're gonna do it, we should probably get on with it' . . . So we did.' Ocean charts the voyage of discovery that David and scientists have made about the waters that cover 70 per cent of Earth's surface, particularly since improvements in technology led to better underwater exploration. David recalls: 'The first time I tried scuba diving, I was so taken aback I forgot momentarily to breathe.' Research has revealed the damage being done by 'bottom trawlers', the most common method of catching fish. An area the size of the Amazon rainforest is being ploughed every year. 6 Attenborough prepares for a dive while filming Life on Earth, 1979 Credit: BBC 6 Ocean charts the voyage of discovery that David and scientists have made about the waters that cover 70 per cent of Earth's surface, Credit: Silverback Films 6 Ocean is not an anti-fishing movie — and he insists restoring the ocean is 'for everyone on Earth' Credit: Silverback Films Sir David is worried that they are now overfishing the krill in Antarctica, which are an essential source of food for other marine species. But Ocean is not an anti-fishing movie — and he insists restoring the ocean is 'for everyone on Earth'. He adds: 'After a lifetime recording the natural world, I can't recall a more exciting time.' If Sir David retires from film-making, the question is: who will pick up the baton? Colin doesn't see an obvious heir, though he hails the King and Prince William as powerful voices for the environment. Having worked with the younger royal on the Earthshot Prize, which helps funds projects aimed at saving the planet, he says: 'David was on the Earthshot Prize council for the first few years. I'm sure there must have been some inspiration coming to Prince William from David.' Unfortunately, as heir to the throne, William is not likely to be filling Sir David's shoes as a documentary maker. But Colin says: 'The passion is very genuine from Prince William. I've filmed him and seen him at projects, and you know he really cares. 'But he's obviously got his day job.' Ocean with David Attenborough, rated PG, is out today.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside David Attenborough's incredible career as he turns 99 – from deadly jungle brush to animals he fears will die out
AS Sir David Attenborough turns 99 today, fans from across the generations have hailed the world's most famous naturalist. Prince William said he and his children have been 'inspired' by the legendary broadcaster, while King Charles attended the London premiere of the star's latest film , Ocean, on Tuesday. 6 Sir David has been revealing the wonders of the natural world to TV audiences for more than 70 years Credit: Silverback Films 6 King Charles attended the London premiere of the star's latest film, Ocean, on Tuesday Credit: AP 6 Sir David laughing as endangered silverback gorillas got too close in 1978 Credit: Naturepl Meanwhile, US pop singer One year shy of a century, Sir David's mission to save the planet continues through his documentaries. But he knows time is short. In a moving speech at the end of READ MORE ON ATTENBOROUGH 'I'm sure nothing is more important. If we save the sea, we save our world.' Sir David has been revealing the wonders of the natural world to TV audiences for more than 70 years. From a young lad collecting fossils in Leicester, he went on to study geology and zoology at Cambridge University in 1945. The rising star landed his first job in TV, as a trainee producer with the BBC, in the early Fifties. And over the decades, he has become a broadcasting institution. Most read in News TV From laughing as endangered silverback gorillas got too close in 1978, to his excitement at seeing the fin of a blue whale rising from the depths in 2001, he has brought that heartfelt joy into our living rooms. His documentaries, including Planet Earth and Blue Planet, have also made him a global figure. Watch brilliant moment Wimbledon crowd rises and applauds TV legend Sir David Attenborough, 98, on centre court Former US president Barack Obama has said: 'I know from watching David's programmes that our eco-systems are all interconnected.' When Sir David has spoken at Parliament or at the United Nations, politicians listened. But at his age, it is no longer easy for him to travel abroad to film or campaign. He had a pacemaker fitted in 2013 and a double knee replacement two years later. While his scaled-back schedule is understandable, colleague Colin Butfield, 52, believes it is a huge loss as Sir David is irreplaceable. The Ocean co-director, who has known the broadcaster for 20 years, says: 'It seems hard to imagine even Charles Darwin or anybody else has had the ability to travel for so long. 'Passion is genuine' 'Very few people have ever seen as much of the world as he has, giving him the ability to talk with such authority. I don't know how anyone would ever replicate that.' Sir David had been pondering a film about how to save our under-threat oceans for a while — but had feared time would run out. Colin reveals: 'David said, 'If you're gonna do it, we should probably get on with it' . . . So we did.' Ocean charts the voyage of discovery that David and scientists have made about the waters that cover 70 per cent of Earth's surface, particularly since improvements in technology led to better underwater exploration. David recalls: 'The first time I tried scuba diving, I was so taken aback I forgot momentarily to breathe.' Research has revealed the damage being done by 'bottom trawlers', the most common method of catching fish. An area the size of the Amazon rainforest is being ploughed every year. 6 Attenborough prepares for a dive while filming Life on Earth, 1979 Credit: BBC 6 Ocean charts the voyage of discovery that David and scientists have made about the waters that cover 70 per cent of Earth's surface, Credit: Silverback Films 6 Ocean is not an anti-fishing movie — and he insists restoring the ocean is 'for everyone on Earth' Credit: Silverback Films Sir David is worried that they are now overfishing the krill in Antarctica, which are an essential source of food for other marine species. But Ocean is not an anti-fishing movie — and he insists restoring the ocean is 'for everyone on Earth'. He adds: 'After a lifetime recording the natural world, I can't recall a more exciting time.' If Sir David retires from film-making, the question is: who will pick up the baton? Colin doesn't see an obvious heir, though he hails the King and Prince William as powerful voices for the environment. Having worked with the younger royal on the Earthshot Prize, which helps funds projects aimed at saving the planet, he says: 'David was on the Earthshot Prize council for the first few years. I'm sure there must have been some inspiration coming to Prince William from David.' Unfortunately, as heir to the throne, William is not likely to be filling Sir David's shoes as a documentary maker. But Colin says: 'The passion is very genuine from Prince William. I've filmed him and seen him at projects, and you know he really cares. 'But he's obviously got his day job.' Ocean with David Attenborough, rated PG, is out today. SALUTE TO FRIENDS By Caroline Iggulden IT was a moment that brought the audience to their feet in applause. King Charles and Sir David Attenborough entering London's Royal Festival Hall together for the premiere of new film Ocean. It felt truly special to see these two remarkable men – one a sovereign, the other a national treasure – chatting and laughing together as they took their seats. It is astonishing to think Charles was just nine when he first met Sir David at the BBC's studios, where the royal was introduced to the broadcaster's pet cockatoo. Decades on, the pair are said to be firm friends, united by their unstinting passion for conserving the planet. In the week Sir David turns 99, it was striking to see the natural historian – dapper in a tux – defy his years by striding into the theatre. Astonishingly, Ocean shows David still active, and filming on a windswept beach. It blends in black-and-white footage from his early career to offer hope that there is still time to protect our oceans. It is little wonder the film earned the veteran star a second rousing ovation as the credits rolled.
The Herald Scotland
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Sir David Attenborough's new documentary
It also highlights the wonder of natural habitats, from kelp forests to coral reefs, and the need to protect them. Here is all you need to know about the new film and how to watch it. What is the new David Attenborough documentary? Sir David Attenborough's new documentary is entitled Ocean With David Attenborough. It is a Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production that "delivers his greatest message of hope". A tease for the film reads: "Ocean with David Attenborough takes viewers on a breathtaking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. "In the film, the celebrated broadcaster and filmmaker reveals how his lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. 🎬🍿💙 Rolling out the blue carpet… This evening, The King attended the Film Premiere of 'Ocean with David Attenborough'. The film highlights how the ocean has shaped the world, and why the future of the planet is intertwined with the health of the ocean. 🌊His Majesty, as… — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 6, 2025 "Through spectacular sequences featuring coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing." It will feature the ocean as it has "never been seen before", showcasing the "wonder of life under the seas" as well as the "challenges facing our ocean". On the new film, Sir David said: 'My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. "Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man. "In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health. "This could be the moment of change. Nearly every country on Earth has just agreed, on paper, to achieve this bare minimum and protect a third of the ocean. Together, we now face the challenge of making it happen.' The film premiere took place on a 'blue carpet' at the Southbank Centre in London on Tuesday. King Charles was one of many who attended, and said he 'can't believe' Sir David Attenborough's age, adding that it was 'always a pleasure' to see him. King Charles III and Sir David Attenborough at the film premiere (Image: Alistair Grant/PA) The King is a patron of the Marine Biological Association and has advocated for protecting the environment and sustainability, including in the oceans, for more than five decades. How to watch the new David Attenborough documentary David Attenborough's new documentary film is set for release as a global cinema event from May 8, which also coincides with the iconic broadcaster's 99th birthday. The film will be available globally on National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu later this year. The release is also timed ahead of World Ocean Day, on June 8 and ahead of a major UN ocean conference in France from June 9 to 13, where world leaders decide the fate of our ocean. All of David Attenborough's documentaries and how to watch Sir David has created a vast number of documentaries that were celebrated and recognised with numerous awards, including multiple BAFTA and Emmy awards. Many of these are available to watch online on BBC iPlayer, including his iconic Blue Planet and Planet Earth series. Recommended reading: The BBC added a number of Sir David Attenborough's iconic shows from the archive to mark World Oceans Day in 2022. These included Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives, Attenborough's series about fossils and palaeontology, which has not been shown on the BBC since 1989, as well as seminal 1990 series The Trials Of Life. David Attenborough's new documentary film Ocean With David Attenborough will be in cinemas from May 8.
