Sky takes 3D flight with Attenborough

UK satcaster BSkyB has tapped BBC natural history icon Sir David Attenborough to front the first original commission for its upcoming 3D channel.

Attenborough will write and present Flying Monsters 3D – his first documentary for Sky – which will premiere on Sky 3D later this year. It will also be released in Imax cinemas around the world.

The feature film, produced by Atlantic Productions, explores the prehistoric world from the perspective of pterosaurs – flying vertebrates with wingspans of up to 45 feet that lived 200 million years ago.

Sky’s first nationwide 3D broadcast took place at the weekend, with 1,000 pubs around the UK screening a Premier League soccer clash between the tournament’s frontrunners Chelsea FC and Manchester United.

Attenborough added his distinctive and distinguished voice to Sky’s 3D push, saying that it was to the company’s credit that it has taken on the challenge to be the first to broadcast in 3D. “This film will enable us to fly in 3D with the largest flying creatures the world has ever seen,” he said.

Sky head of factual and features Celia Taylor commissioned Flying Monsters 3D, with Atlantic CEO Anthony Geffen producing.