October Films in production on Levison Wood: Walking with… (w/t) for Channel 4

Leading UK/US producer October Films is in production on a three-part series for Channel 4 which sees explorer and writer Levison Wood track down some of the most iconic and endangered animals on the planet.

Levison Wood: Walking with… (w/t (3x60’) follows Levison to Borneo to encounter Orangutans; to Namibia to track down the last remaining Desert Lions; and to East Greenland to get as close as possible to Polar Bears.

Travelling into some of the most remote and physically challenging environments on Earth, Levison enters their worlds as the locals do, to get as up close and personal as possible. Learning more about the unique lives of the animals and their environment in the company of indigenous guides and naturalists, he gets a better understanding of how they are surviving, against worsening odds caused by the increasing threat of human activity and climate change.

Each expedition sees Lev meeting - and living with - the people who come face-to-face with these animals in their daily lives. He experiences first hand some of the same dangers from the increased contact between humans and wildlife, the conflict between tradition and modernity and how climate change is affecting both human and animal survival. Encountering numerous other animal species along the way - in the wild and in rescue and rehabilitation centres - Levison also explores the benefits that they can bring to communities through identity, spirituality, conservation and tourism.

Levison Wood says: “This extraordinary quest took me to some of the harshest and most awe-inspiring environments on Earth. I experienced the deep connection between local people and animals who are struggling to co-exist amid increased environmental destruction. This series is a testament to the beauty and fragility of our planet's wildest corners, and I trust it will inspire action to help save these animals and their habitats before it's too late. Join me as I explore the incredible worlds of Orangutans, Desert Lions and Polar Bears.”

Daniel Fromm, Commissioning Editor, Channel 4 says: “Levison Wood is a remarkable adventurer, and we are thrilled to have him back on our screens, with this revealing and poignant new series.”

Adam Bullmore, Executive Producer, October Films adds: “In each episode, Lev embraces the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with both the people and the wildlife inhabiting some of the most remote, hostile and breathtakingly beautiful places on earth – often spending weeks trekking to reach them. We’re thrilled to be working with him and Channel 4 again on this new series.”

Levison Wood: Walking With… (w/t) is co-produced by October Films and Blackmane Media. It is directed by Neil Bonner, the line producer is Martin Long, and the series is executive produced by Adam Bullmore, with Dave Luke as executive producer for Blackmane Media. The series was commissioned by Daniel Fromm at Channel 4 and is being distributed by Blue Ant International. Levison Wood is represented by Wolfsong Media.

Levison Wood’s previous critically acclaimed hit series for Channel 4 include Walking with Elephants, From Russia To Iran: Crossing The Wild Frontier, Walking The Americas, Walking The Himalayas and Walking The Nile.