UKTV has partnered with Fremantle for a second series of "Expedition with Steve Backshall" (4x60’) for Dave channel. Produced by True to Nature, the ambitious show will see naturalist and TV presenter Steve Backshall, along with his crew of adventurist experts, exploring parts of the globe that have rarely been seen and documenting their ‘natural world’ first discoveries.
UKTV will also produce and air "Expedition Unseen" (1x60’), taking viewers further and deeper into each of the four new expeditions and revealing unforeseen physical challenges and additional wildlife encounters, giving new and exciting insights into the unknown.
Steve Backshall said: “I’m delighted to be continuing on the Expedition journey, heading further and deeper into the unknown, but this time putting the spotlight on the wildlife. The ambition is big and – on our rapidly changing planet – the stakes have never been higher.”
"Expedition with Steve Backshall" is produced by True to Nature, commissioned for UKTV by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning and ordered by Luke Hales, Dave channel director and Steve North genre general manager for comedy and entertainment. "Expedition with Steve Backshall" is executive produced by Watsham and Wendy Darke, CEO at True to Nature and internationally distributed by Fremantle.
Series one was UKTV’s first ever carbon neutral production and series two will be following in its footsteps. To become certified as sustainable, the new series will comply with standards required by Albert, the authority on environmental sustainability for film and TV industries. The production team will calculate the predicted carbon footprint for the series and pledge to reduce carbon emissions during filming, with the remaining carbon foot-print to be offset.
Richard Watsham said: “The success of 'Epedition with Steve Backshall' is proof that Dave can deliver quality, premium factual, that combines high drama and, as UKTV’s first carbon neutral production, social responsibility. Packed with extraordinary sights that have never been seen before and the incredible endeavours undertaken to uncover them, these unforgettable journeys shine a light on sustainability but do so in an exciting and engaging way.”
Wendy Darke said, “Following on from our ten world first discoveries in series one, I'm thrilled to be continuing this premium global brand with conservation and adventure at the heart of the narrative. The goal of our world class team is to reveal new insights to deepen our understanding and connection with the natural world.”
Angela Neillis, SVP Non Scripted Content, International, Fremantle, said, “'Expedition with Steve Backshall' has been loved by varied audiences both in the UK and internationally. With the first series having sold to over 140 countries, we’re excited to re-join Steve and his brilliant team as they travel around our beautiful planet, looking at its shifting landscape and the impact on our living creatures, as they make even more incredible discoveries.”
In the first series, Steve and his team documented several world firsts, venturing into unmapped rainforest and unrun rivers, descending into unexplored canyons and diving into undiscovered underwater caves.