Love Nature 4K Teams with Plimsoll Productions on Lion Docu-Soap

Love Nature 4K, a joint venture from Blue Ant Media and Smithsonian Networks, is partnering with Plimsoll Productions on Big Cat Country, a new lion docu-soap.

Big Cat Country will air on Love Nature 4K’s linear and streaming video platforms internationally and via Smithsonian Channel in the U.S. It is executive produced by Andrew Jackson and Kate Beetham and produced by Beth Brooks. The six-part series is due to be delivered in early 2019. Blue Ant International oversees its licensing.

The docu-soap is shot in Zambia’s Luangwa Valley and takes an in-depth look at three dynasties of lions that are in peril. Nathan Pilcher, a native of Zambia who has been filming in the country for more than 15 years and focusing on the Luangwa prides for the last three, will co-host the series alongside Sam Davies, who has worked in Africa her whole life and will also serve as second camera. Production launched last September.

Carlyn Staudt, executive VP of programming and development for Love Nature, said: “Love Nature 4K is focused on commissioning content that creates human connections to the natural world. Nathan Pilcher has been following the lions of Luangwa Valley for over three years and has a unique vantage point to bring Love Nature 4K viewers closer to the action. This series is the beginning of introducing faces to the Love Nature brand. I’m committed to showcasing passionate talent who are immersed in nature in a legitimate way, as well as real experts in their field.”

Andrew Jackson, president of international production for Plimsoll Productions, added: “We’re delighted to be continuing to film the lions of Luangwa with Love Nature 4K. It has been a wonderful experience to follow the individual lives of these incredible creatures, watching them grow up and take on the world. Their stories are fascinating and we know they’ll capture the hearts and admiration of our audience as well.”