Drive to share Planet with buyers

Drive launched Prince William: A Planet for Us All earlier this year

UK-based distribution and funding business Drive is continuing its push into the natural history genre with the acquisition of a documentary series being developed with Canadian pubcaster CBC.

Drive is currently securing coproduction financing for Shared Planet (4×60′), which has CBC attached to provide development funding.

The docuseries tells untold stories of people and wildlife flourishing together, showcasing a blend of photography, action sequences and observational documentary storytelling.

The four episodes cover forests, water, cities and grassland and feature stories that centre on a charismatic animal character and a human whose actions improve life for both people and wildlife.

The series is executive produced by Neil Nightingale, former head of the BBC’s Natural History Unit, and produced by veteran filmmaker Jeff Turner (Planet Earth, Frozen Planet) of River Road Films. The director of photography is Justin Maguire.

Drive’s move into the natural history, climate and environmental space follows the company’s recent first-look deal with UK-based natural history producer Big Wave Productions.

It also comes after Drive launched Reef Rescue, produced by Merit Motions Pictures in association with CBC and Vulcan Productions, and Prince William: A Planet for Us All, from Oxford Film & Television for UK broadcaster ITV, earlier this year.

Drive was also appointed by ITN Productions to globally distribute Australia on Fire: Climate Emergency, a documentary for UK broadcaster Channel 4 about the battle to save Australia from the bushfires ravaging the country. In addition, Drive is currently working with other producers on a number of blue-chip natural history projects.