Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’: BBC Unveils First Look at Epic Prehistoric Revival – Global Bulletin
PREHISTORIC POWERHOUSE
BBC Factual‘s landmark dinosaur series “Walking With Dinosaurs” roars back to life in a new reimagining, 25 years after its original stomp across television screens. The upcoming six-part series, slated for BBC One and iPlayer, promises to revolutionize natural history storytelling through cutting-edge visual effects and forensic science.
Series producer BBC Studios, alongside co-producers PBS, ZDF, and France Télévisions, will transport viewers into the prehistoric world by following individual dinosaurs whose remains are actively being discovered by leading paleontologists. Each episode, running 50 minutes, weaves paleontological discoveries with cinematic storytelling, bringing to life creatures like the feathered Albertosaurus, a deadly T. rex relative, and the distinctive Pachyrhinosaurus lakustai, sporting its characteristic “unicorn” horn.
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The series is executive produced by Andrew Cohen and Helen Thomas, with Kirsty Wilson serving as showrunner. Jack Bootle, head of commissioning for specialist factual, greenlit the project for the BBC, with Bill Gardner consulting for PBS. BBC Studios handles worldwide distribution, targeting broadcast later this year.
CONTENT CAPTAIN
Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that José María Caro, the current director of local original production for Max in Spain, will now lead the development and production of Max’s original fiction projects in the country. This move comes after Max completed its European rollout in June 2024, marking a significant step as Warner Bros. Discovery strengthens its local language offerings in Spain and across Europe.
As the head of scripted local originals for Spain, Caro will oversee upcoming Max originals like “Cuando Nadie Nos Ve” and “Furia,” both set to premiere later this year. He will report directly to Laura Carafoli, SVP Content Networks & Streaming Local Productions Italy & Iberia at Warner Bros. Discovery. Bibiana González will continue to lead non-scripted original production projects for WBD and Max channels in Spain.
Caro brings over 25 years of experience in the creative and media sectors, having held positions at Amazon Studios, Middle East Broadcasting Center, and Originals Media Group. His extensive background includes roles as director of content, executive producer, and director, contributing to projects like “La Templanza,” “La Cocinera de Castamar” and “Señor Dame Paciencia”. Caro’s expertise is expected to drive the expansion of Max’s Spanish programming.
BOLLYWOOD BUZZ
Indian media and entertainment convention FICCI Frames has tapped Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana as its brand ambassador as the event gears up for its silver jubilee celebration. The annual Mumbai-based confab, which has previously hosted Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman, James Murdoch and National Geographic Partners chair Gary Knell, will center on the theme “RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence.”
Under the leadership of JioStar Entertainment CEO Kevin Vaz, who chairs the FICCI Media and Entertainment Committee, the convention continues its legacy of bridging global entertainment industry leaders. The event’s storied history includes appearances by Indian media mogul Mukesh Ambani and Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan.
The 25th edition will spotlight emerging technologies including AI, virtual reality and the metaverse, alongside traditional media sectors. The convention features keynote addresses, masterclasses, policy roundtables, the Best Animated FRAMES Awards, and cultural programming. The event currently operates with co-chairs Sandhya Devanathan of Meta India and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Arjun Nohwar.
KOREAN KNOCKOUT
Netflix has slated its upcoming Korean series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” for a March 7 premiere. The drama reunites “My Mister” director Kim Won-suk with star IU (“Hotel del Luna,” “Persona”), who leads alongside Park Bo-gum (“Reply 1988,” “Wonderland”).
Set against the backdrop of Jeju Island’s scenic landscapes, the series follows the intertwining stories of Ae-sun (IU), characterized as “the remarkable rebel,” and Gwan-sik (Park), known as “unyielding iron,” through the changing seasons of their lives.
The creative team brings together heavyweight talent, with Kim Won-suk (“Misaeng: Incomplete Life”) directing and Lim Sang-choon (“When the Camellia Blooms,” “Fight for My Way”) penning the script. Rounding out the ensemble cast are veteran performers Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon.
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