BBC One Commissions Africa Wildlife Series

LONDON: BBC One has commissioned a new series on African wildlife and landscapes from the pubcaster’s Natural History Unit for a 2012 premiere.

The six-parter promises to explore previously unseen landscapes from across the continent, using the latest in filming technology. "The series combines the epic power of Africa’s landscapes with intimate and dramatic moments in the lives of individual creatures that struggle to survive there," said executive producer Mike Gunton.

"Each episode focuses on a different region, unearthing the elements that have given each place its own unique character," Gunton continued. "With this series we have the chance to bring about a step-change in the way we use new photographic technology to enhance the intensity of the audience’s experience and offer new perspectives on this amazing continent. That means there’s everything from previously unseen landscapes filmed from the air; 700 day time-lapses; joining vultures as they soar over equatorial glaciers; following camels to an oasis hidden inside an extinct volcano; or capturing the microscopic detail of the strange behavior of sand grains."

Kim Shillinglaw, commissioning editor for science and natural history, added that the series, called Africa, "is going to look different and is going to be special. The BBC’s Natural History Unit is thriving by innovating, creating the very best wildlife filming which viewers love and remember for years to come."