ABC gets Back To Nature

 

Filming has started on Back To Nature, a new ABC factual lifestyle series hosted by Aaron Pedersen and author Holly Ringland (The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart).

In the 8×30 min series they will guide viewers through the Australian landscape, exploring the unexpected stories that reconnect the audience with the land. ABC describes it as having “gorgeous flowing cinematography, immersive soundscapes, and compelling emotional stories” for audiences  to reconnect with nature.

Produced by Media Stockade and Threshold Pictures, commissioned by ABC and funded in association with Screen NSW and The People and Parks Foundation, the series will be filmed throughout Australia, from the rainforests of Gondwana in the South East of Queensland, the High Country of the Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales, to the volcanic landscape of the Macedon Ranges, Victoria and Larapuna, the Bay of Fires, on Tasmania’s North East Coast.

Aaron Pedersen said, “Nothing like this has been done before. We’re all connected to all of life. Most nature shows feel like they sit above the earth, like they’re separate from it. This series feels like we’re part of it – there’s a relationship. Back To Nature is medicine for all of us. And it’s medicine for me. I need to do this.”

“One of my greatest passions is sharing the magic of the natural world through story. Stories cultivate empathy and understanding; nature offers us stories that reflect our common experience of what it is to be alive. Being in nature, and connecting to nature through story, is how we come home to ourselves and each other,” says Holly Ringland.

Media Stockade’s Rebecca Barry said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with ABC on this series. With all that is going on in the world today, Back To Nature will find the common ground across the spectrum of the audience. This series will be the tonic of hope we all need.”

“We hope this unique and beautiful series will be a balm for the soul and a pleasure for the senses, enhancing the audience’s love of being outdoors and connection to the landscape around them,” says Jane Manning from Threshold Pictures.

Head of ABC Entertainment & Factual, Josie Mason-Campbell said: “The ABC is excited to be collaborating with Media Stockade, Threshold Pictures, Aaron Pedersen and Holly Ringland as they take us on a stunning journey into some of Australia’s most inspiring landscapes. This series will inform and delight Australians and allow us all to slow down, connect to nature and further appreciate the unique beauty of our land.”

Head of Screen NSW Grainne Brunsdon said: “Back To Nature’s compelling format promises to deliver a visually-stunning and immersive educational experience for all audiences, and we’re particularly pleased that Aaron Pedersen with Holly Ringland will front authentic and fascinating storytelling about the Indigenous history, mythology and ancient wisdom underpinning our land.

“Media Stockade has assembled an acclaimed team and we’re proud to support a project that not only boasts such strong female NSW-based key creatives but delighted that 100% of its post-production will also be completed here in NSW,” she said.

Holly Ringland’s The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart was previously optioned by producer Bruna Papandrea (Big Little Lies) for a drama.

Back To Nature is a Media Stockade and Threshold Pictures production. The series was commissioned by ABC TV and funded in association with Screen NSW and The People and Parks Foundation. Series Producer and Director: Jane Manning (Threshold Pictures), Producers: Rebecca Barry and Madeleine Hetherton (Media Stockade), ABC Executive Producer: Frances O’Riordan. ABC Head of Factual and Entertainment: Josie Mason-Campbell. Back To Nature’s International Sales Agent: Escapade Media.