Channel 4 and Zandland explore extreme lifestyles in Life Uncovered
Ben Zand’s (centre) Life Uncovered includes episodes on Alex Reid (left) and Oli London
Channel 4 is gearing up to launch a factual series from filmmaker and journalist Ben Zand exploring extraordinary and alternative lifestyles on its documentary YouTube channel.
Five-part series Life Uncovered is produced by Zand’s documentary film company Zandland and sees him immerse himself in extraordinary worlds, trying to understand why these individuals live the way they do and how others react to their extreme lifestyles.
Among the people featured are a biohacker attempting to improve his health and ultimately live forever by increasingly extreme means and an adoptee of the little known and often controversial practice of ‘transmaxxing,’ in which young men embrace female identities, not because they identify as a woman but because they think it’ll make their lives better.
The series also examines those choosing to donate sperm via ‘physical donation’ and in episode one, launching on December 11 on YouTube, Zand meets notorious online personality, Oli London to learn more about his recent detransition and new, somewhat controversial identity.
Life Uncovered was executive produced by Zand and Josh Reynolds. It was commissioned by senior digital commissioning editor at Channel 4, Laura Marks.
Zand said: “We get into the homes and behind the scenes of some of the UK’s most controversial and fringe communities, while seeking to understand their lives and challenge their way of thinking.
“The series sets out to find the nuance that’s sometimes missed in hot-button issues and to have conversations in a way that will make the audience think differently. The result is a series that’s educational, entertaining and avoids being judgemental or overly opinionated.”
Marks added: “Life Uncovered offers an impartial and unparalleled look under the skin of some of the most hidden communities in modern society, driving conversations that are rarely had.
“Bold and deeply thought-provoking, we hope each film will encourage viewers to shape their own opinions as well as scrutinise the societal norms that inform their own life decisions.”
