by Thinus Ferreira
National Geographic has commissioned David Attenborough: Ocean (working title) as a new feature film documentary in which the famed natural history conservationist will be the presenter looking at "how we can, and must restore the glory of Earth's vast, interconnected waters".
National Geographic says "After nearly a hundred years filming every aspect of the natural world, Attenborough delivers his most powerful message yet".
David Attenborough: Ocean is produced by Silverback with the backing of All3Media International and National Geographic. The film will premiere in some theatres around the world before then premiering on linear television on National Geographic and then moving to Disney+.
David Attenborough: Ocean will be directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield.
It's produced by Toby Nowlan for Silverback and the executive producers are Louise Pedersen and Rachel Job for All3Media International, Tom McDonald and Janet Han Vissering for National Geographic.
"In this feature-length special, he draws on his lifetime of knowledge and experience to take us on a journey of wonder through the planet's most spectacular undersea habitats, revealing that we are currently living in the greatest age of ocean discovery, and showing beyond doubt that it is the most important place on Earth," says National Geographic.
"Cameras will film across the Americas, Europe, Africa and Oceania, capturing the practical and affordable solutions to reversing harmful human activity along coral reefs, mangroves, coastal communities, fish farms, marine sanctuaries and many other habitats in order to return the ocean to its most pristine and vibrant."
"While Attenborough exposes the biggest problems facing our ocean, his story is one of hope, and that in front of us is an opportunity for marine life to recover on a scale no one alive has ever seen before."
"It is clear without doubt that we can only stabilise the climate by restoring the ocean. David Attenborough: Ocean will amplify the solutions that are already at hand and ready to be immediately implemented to help turn the tide."
Sir David Attenborough, in the prepared statement, says "My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man".
"In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life."
Tom McDonald, National Geographic's executive vice president of global factual and unscripted content, says "ThereThere is no-one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David".
"I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with him many times over the past decade, and so I am, of course, personally and professionally thrilled that he has agreed to work with National Geographic for the very first time on a subject that is timely and close to his heart".
The underwater cinematographer Doug Anderson responsible for the BBC's Blue Planet and Our Planet will be the director of underwater photography of David Attenborough: Ocean.
