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Pernel Media to Produce Natural History Series ‘Butterflies: Superheroes of Nature’ for ARTE
Pernel Media today announces a commission by ARTE GEIE to produce a new nature and science documentary mini series and a blue chip one-off revealing the extraordinary abilities of the butterfly.
‘Butterflies: Superheroes of Nature’ (3 x 52’ and 1 x 52’) explores the insect’s incredible capabilities including its ability to fly over thousands of kilometres, survive extreme environments and metamorphose in shape and colour. Butterflies can thrive in every ecosystem, from the hottest to the coldest, from the driest to the wettest. These colourful camouflage kings are also highly skilled at hiding from predators.
Using the latest technology, scientists will reveal their ‘superpowers’ and present these remarkable insects in a new light and in a fresh, accessible format for digital audiences. The series will be shot in South America, Northern and Southern Europe and Africa.
'Butterflies: Superheroes of Nature’ was commissioned by Christian Cools and Nadine Zwick for ARTE GEIE. Executive Producers for Pernel Media are Céline Payot Lehmann and Samuel Kissous.
“Butterflies are seen as beautiful, enchanting and fragile yet they have conquered every continent. By utilising stunning graphics and offering comparisons between butterflies and the codes of superhero culture, Pernel Media is offering viewers a fresh approach to natural history. The series follows ‘Who’s afraid of the Giant Hamster?’ and ‘Meet the Vulture Families’ (both for France TV) in our fresh take on the genre. You will never look at a butterfly the same way again!” said Céline Payot Lehmann, International Executive Producer at Pernel Media.
Loren Baxter, Head of Acquisitions at Off the Fence says “It’s not often we get to take a closer look at these marvellous and clever creatures, and this series aims to dive deep into the science behind what makes them a vital part of our planet. This combined with beautiful filming techniques and Pernel’s track record for great storytelling and fresh style, will make it a hit amongst our international clients’’
Founded in 2009 by former M6 commissioner Samuel Kissous, Pernel Media has become one of the top factual production companies in Europe, with several international hit series such as ‘The Real War of Thrones’, ‘Ancient Superstructures’, ‘20 Years on Death Row’, ‘4 Babies a Second’ and ‘Legends of the Pharaohs’.
One of France’s most internationally-focused content businesses, Pernel Media now produces genres including natural history, archeology, history, science, true crime, human interest, consumer investigation and access based documentaries as well as scripted series. Over the years, the company has received original commissions from more than 30 broadcasters and platforms in France, the UK and the US.
International distribution for the world outside France and Germany will be handled by Off The Fence.