ITV Studios Global Entertainment, the leading distribution arm of ITV PLC, Japan's public broadcaster NHK and Oxford Scientific Films, the BAFTA and Emmy-award winning producer of natural history, contemporary factual, science and history productions, part of ITV Studios, are partnering on the production of the new 4K “blue chip” natural history programme Wild Tokyo (1 x 60’), in the lead up to the Olympics in Tokyo next summer.

Situated on Japan’s largest island, Honshu, Tokyo is the largest and busiest metropolitan area in the world. But behind Tokyo’s concrete curtain are natural refuges where wildlife has adapted and learnt to co-habit in Earth’s most human-dense territory. Home to 38 million people, a quarter of Japan’s population, this is a land where Earth’s tallest towers and busiest streets accommodate some of the rarest animals in the world - and scientists are pouring more time, energy and money than ever before into studying these human-animal cohabitations.

From the mountainous forests of Tokyo’s Okutama region, along the Tama River, through the wild sanctuaries of Tokyo’s city centre and out to its network of volcanic islands - Wild Tokyo features stunning 4K photography, shot by the world’s best natural history cinematographers, this film will reveal an unseen side of Japan’s capital city.

Masa Hayakawa, Executive Producer at NHK, said “I'm delighted to be producing Wild Tokyo in this special Olympic year. With OSF's help I'm confident this film will be visually stunning and will reveal wildlife and behaviour rarely seen in Tokyo”

Ruth Berry, Managing Director of ITV Studios Global Entertainment said, “Wild Tokyo is set to be a dazzling look at a city steeped in history, culture and beauty. As the world’s media turns its interest to the Tokyo Olympics in summer 2020, it offers context about the area’s unique landscape and wildlife for potential visitors. Wild Tokyo is a great indication of what’s to come as we ramp up our non-scripted portfolio in line with global demand.”

Clare Birks, CEO of Oxford Scientific Films said, “We were delighted to have the opportunity of co-producing a blue-chip natural history film with NHK, one of the world’s most respected public service broadcasters. We feel privileged to be entrusted with showcasing their iconic city and its extraordinary wildlife and we are looking forward to working with the NHK natural history team. ITV's support is confirmation of the genre's increasing commercial appeal."

[end]

About ITV Studios Global Entertainment

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is one of the world’s leading international TV distribution, home entertainment, publishing, merchandising and licensing businesses. ITVS GE distributes more than 45,000 hours of celebrated content across all genres from both its in-house production business, ITV Studios, and in collaboration with leading producers from around the world.

Part of ITV PLC, which includes the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV Studios Global Entertainment has offices in London, Hong Kong, Paris, Germany, Nordics, Los Angeles and Sydney.

About NHK

NHK, Nippon Hoso Kyokai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), is Japan’s sole public broadcaster. Funded by the fees it receives from Japanese households, it has a reputation for high-quality programming through its six channels. Known as the pioneer of HD, it has recently launched two new channels, one in 4K and the other in 8K.

About Oxford Scientific Films

Oxford Scientific Films (OSF) is a BAFTA and Emmy-award winning producer of natural history, contemporary factual, science and history productions, known for outstanding and innovative programmes that rate. It is majority owned by ITV Studios, the UK's biggest production company.

Founded in 1968 OSF is the oldest production company in the UK and from the start was creatively driven specialising in natural history. OSF made it possible to see so many things in the natural world for the first-time, pioneering macro, time-lapse and snorkel photography bringing hidden worlds to life. Many commissions followed including The Elephant, the Emperor and the Butterfly Tree which won the Golden Panda at Wildscreen.

OSF created the ground-breaking global hit Meerkat Manor which applied drama story telling tropes to natural history and made stars of a family of meerkats. Coveted BBC Natural World commissions included Wild Ladies of Viramba, Honey Badgers: Masters of Mayhem and Meerkats: secrets of an animal superstar. Pandas: The Journey Home for National Geographic and Sky marked OSF’s move into the theatrical space and the beginning of a collaboration with Chinese partners. More recently the company returned to its blue-chip roots with Wild Korea (Terra Mater Factual Studios, CJ E&M and BBC) and Australia: Earth’s Magical Kingdom (aka The Magical Land of Oz) - the first blue chip natural history of Australia series for over 10 years, co-produced with Northern Pictures for the BBC, ABC and PBS.