\u201cArchaeology is still a big topic; anything in the history space that taps into the current day is hot property,\u201d says Loren Baxter, head of acquisitions at Off the Fence. \u201cHistory topics that blur into science and tell ![\"***Image***\"](\"http:\/\/i3.cmail19.com\/ei\/r\/1D\/B10\/D0D\/044928\/csimport\/2021-09-30-fantasticfriends_2.jpg\")
us about our past in a fresh and contemporary way are doing well internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n
Off the Fence\u2019s upcoming natural-history slate zeroes in on stories about the environment in addition to more traditional blue-chip wildlife shows. Presented by environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski and produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios, Eyes of the Orangutan<\/em> investigates the darker side of the wildlife tourism industry. Also produced by Terra Mater Factual Studios, along with Red Rock Films International, the documentary Wolverine: One Tough Mother<\/em> offers viewers a glimpse into the life of the eponymous species by following the journey of 3-year-old Freya. It is being produced for Smithsonian Channel and has been presold to ARTE, NRK and NHK.<\/p>\n The Stork Army: Women Fighting for the Hargila<\/em>, from Gruppe 5, centers on a group of women in Southeast Asia who are fighting for the protection of the endangered greater adjutant stork, locally known as the hargila. A six-episode limited series, Voices of Earth<\/em> spotlights 13 people who have preserved an ancestral pact to live among nature. Youth Unstoppable<\/em>, WaterBear\u2019s first original feature documentary, explores the youth climate movement. It is directed by Canadian filmmaker and climate activist Slater Jewell-Kemker.<\/p>\n \u201cNature and wildlife has really matured as a genre, and whilst pretty pictures of animals are still popular, we\u2019ve found nature documentaries with strong narratives with unique access or solution-driven conservation are the big winners,\u201d says Baxter. \u201cWe see a lot of feature docs doing well in this space, which plays into the need for a big story with beautiful visuals.\u201d<\/p>\n In travel content, Off the Fence has on offer Italy Made with Love<\/em>, which spotlights talented artisans across the region. Science titles on the slate include The Alternative Guide to Saving the Planet<\/em>, produced by Infield Fly Productions and commissioned by CBC for its The Nature of Things <\/em>documentary program series. Hosted and narrated by a yet-to-be-announced Hollywood actor, it will reveal surprising ways we can cut greenhouse gas emissions and help save the planet.<\/p>\n In relationships content, Off the Fence is continuing its close partnership with WE tv and is offering its newest reality series, Brat Loves Judy<\/em>, following the relationship of rapper Da Brat and her multimillionaire CEO girlfriend, Jesseca \u201cJudy\u201d Dupart.<\/p>\n Up ahead for Off the Fence is the launch of a development slate featuring projects produced by the company as well as by other international production outfits. \u201cOTF Originals will be pushing shows within its key content pillars of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, including a new returnable series in the science and engineering space,\u201d says Baxter. \u201cOTF Studios has recently set up agreements with Red Rock Films International on a new returnable history and science hybrid series, as well as with Canadian production company Markham Street Films, where OTF Studios will look to raise financing for its diverse mix of content in the science, history and current affairs space.\u201d<\/p>\n Off the Fence is also looking for partners for Fantastic Friends<\/em>, produced by Dash Pictures. It follows James and Oliver Phelps, who played the mischievous but loveable Weasley twins from the Harry Potter<\/em> franchise, on an adventure around the world to explore cities, meet guests and take on challenges. Additionally, the company is talking to broadcasters about Jagged Peak Films\u2019 new feature documentary Lions, Bones & Bullets<\/em>, in which author Richard Peirce investigates the lion farm trade in South Africa and sets out to explore what\u2019s being done to stop it. Off the Fence has other key projects on its slate, to be announced shortly.<\/p>\n As the business of distribution has become more complex with proliferating digital offerings, a need has grown for programming that can draw in younger and more global audiences\u2014while also retaining factual\u2019s loyal linear viewers, according to Baxter. \u201cThis is where the blurring of genres has become exciting and why the need for familiar stories with new angles really remains strong,\u201d she explains. \u201cLogistically for a distributor and producer, we need to differentiate between what works for this new global streamer world and what works for a more traditional co-production linear model, where there will often be rights left to sell. As ever, we\u2019re getting involved much earlier in projects in order to maintain business in territories where finished programs are less likely to be picked up in favor of co-productions or presales.\u201d<\/p>\n Off the Fence credits its longevity in the business and the strength of the relationships it has built over the years for the confidence that international broadcasters and producers have in its ability to deliver results. \u201cHaving both production and distribution offices, we\u2019re in a unique position to see the business from both sides, and as production and distribution becomes closer and closer, we\u2019re already one step ahead,\u201d says Baxter. \u201cWith our offices in North America, the U.K. and Europe, we\u2019re able to tap into the very best financing opportunities to get productions across the line.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking forward, the company has its sights set on solidifying its originals, studios and FAST business models. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing some incredible series into the marketplace from a truly stellar range of producers,\u201d says Baxter.<\/p>\n