Sky partners Netflix to track down Predators as it ramps up original factual

Predators is bound for Sky Nature in the UK, Germany and Italy

Pay broadcaster Sky is embarking on its first coproduction with Netflix in the shape of a blue-chip nature series as it continues to add originals to Sky Nature, Sky Documentaries and Sky Crime.

Produced by True to Nature and Sky Studios, in association with Netflix, Predators follow the stories of six apex predators at critical moments in their lives as they attempt to secure the future for the next generation.

Grappling with multiple responsibilities, these are deadly hunters, caring parents and cunning survivors who hold secrets and thrilling stories in their quest to survive.

The six-part series will premiere on Sky Nature in the UK, Germany and Italy this winter.

The Sky original series was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky’s MD of content, and Poppy Dixon, director of documentaries and factual. It will be directed by Dan Smith and executive produced by Wendy Darke, while the showrunner is Vanessa Coates.

Sky Documentaries, meanwhile, has lined up Gabon (working title), a feature doc exploring the story of a scientist from Manchester in the UK who became the environment minister of Central African country Gabon after forming an unlikely friendship with its president, Ali Bongo.

The country, also known as the ‘Earth’s second lung,’ is at the heart of the global fight against environmental destruction and climate change. The feature-length film will premiere on Sky Documentaries later this year.

Produced by Keo Films in association with Sky Studios, it was commissioned by Bennett, Dixon and commissioning editor Hayley Reynolds. Distribution will be managed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios. It is being directed by Gavin Searle, executive produced by Will Anderson and Adrian Pennick and produced by Jacky Sloane.

On Sky Crime, Death on The Beach will examine the tragic roll call of numerous young travellers who have died under mysterious circumstances on the remote backpacking Thai island of Koh Tao.

The doc will highlight the story of Chrissie Annesley, who travelled to the island in 2015 and was found dead in her beach hut two weeks later. It will be available on Sky Crime in March this year.

Produced by Blast! Films and Sky Studios, the three-part series was commissioned by Bennett and Dixon. Distribution is being managed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios. The series will be directed by Jack Warrender, executive produced by Edmund Coulthard and Lindsay Shapero and produced by Ellen Arnold.

Comcast-owned Sky said the new commissions reinforce its commitment to provide customers with a destination for premium and diverse factual content. Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature launched in 2020, while Sky Crime arrived in 2019.

Dixon said: “Across Sky Documentaries, Sky Nature and Sky Crime, our audiences will travel the globe, witnessing epic scenes as apex predators protect their position at the top of the food chain, meeting an environmental odd couple in a race to protect Gabon’s natural resources and searching for the truth behind mysterious deaths on a paradise island in South-east Asia.”

In other news Sky Kids has commissioned live-action, comedy drama mini-series, Little Darlings, adapted from the bestselling children’s book of the same name by author Dame Jacqueline Wilson.

Starring chart-topping artists, Lemar and Jamelia, with original music from Lemar, the four-part mini-series about 11-year-old Destiny who longs to meet her rock star dad, who doesn’t know she exists.

Available from February 11 on Sky Kids and streaming service NOW, this 4×22’ mini-series is adapted for screen by Nathan Bryon (co-creator and writer of Sky Max Bloods) and Jonny Wright.

Alongside the mini-series, Sky Kids will also release a partner series on the same day called On Tour: Little Darlings filmed by sisters Destiny and Sunset from a luxury tour bus whilst on tour with their dad.

Both series are produced by Kindle Entertainment, who have adapted many of Jacqueline Wilson’s books including Dustbin Baby and Four Kids and It for Sky Cinema. NBCUniversal Global Distribution will handle international sales of the series.