Big Wave & Cantina Media Team for Canada-U.K. Treaty Co-Pro

Big Wave Entertainment and Cantina Media, a Serial Maven Studios company, have started production on Baby Elephant School, commissioned by Channel 4 and CBC as a Canada–U.K. treaty co-production.

“From the outset, Baby Elephant School has embodied everything we stand for: access-driven storytelling, global collaboration and deep respect for the natural world,” said Kirstie Mclure, executive producer and managing director at Big Wave Entertainment. “What began as a passion project in Sri Lanka grew through close relationships on the ground and a commitment to telling these stories with care and authenticity. The series demonstrates how values-led storytelling can travel globally and inspire a deeper connection to conservation.”

The natural history series follows the rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in Sri Lanka. Matthew Shaw and Roberto Verdecchia serve as the directors. It has been secured by ARTE as a presale.

The 4×60 U.K. version for Channel 4 is hosted by Welsh biologist and elephant researcher Lizzie Daly, while the one-hour Canadian version for CBC’s The Nature of Things is hosted by Anthony Morgan. Both versions follow the rehabilitation of 60 orphaned elephant calves preparing for their return to the wild.

“Baby Elephant School is a wonderful example of the kind of work we’re excited to be building at Serial Maven Studios: premium, collaborative projects that bring together exceptional creative partners from the outset,” said Julie Chang, executive producer and COO of Serial Maven Studios. “Co-produced with Big Wave and commissioned by Channel 4 and CBC, the series reflects our studio-led approach and our focus on supporting ambitious, globally resonant storytelling. Projects like this come to life through creative deal-making, strong international partnerships and a shared commitment to getting bold, important stories off the ground, and we’re proud to be part of a co-production that brings together such an outstanding group of partners.”

The executive producer for Cantina Media is Chang. Betty Orr serves as producer for Cantina Media. Executive producers for Big Wave Productions are Kristie McLure and Emma Ross. Matthew Shaw also serves as series producer.