Projects In Pre-Production

 

A series of elephants have been in captivity in zoos and circuses for many years from a time when few would question these practices.  It is now understood that elephants are social animals who need the company of others of their species in the same way as humans. 

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Not only have they been in confinement for decades, but they have often been in isolation for much of that time. Some have decent, if lonely accommodation, but some have very inappropriate conditions.  

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We have had to find a way to tell their stories that is tonally cohesive despite the extreme mood changes of the material. The answer is to give our presenters the task of telling the individual stories and learn as we watch them find out about the elephants. 

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There are a variety of outcomes to date. There are heart-warming tales of rescue and being taken to sanctuaries. There are others who are still on their own, the subject of ongoing battles between their owners and campaigners. 

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We will use the limitations of meeting the requirements of lockdown and social distancing as an advantage. Our presenters will communicate with each other as they choose 8 elephants to be the focus of our show from the many examples around the world.

 

They will contact activists and campaigners, witnesses and sanctuaries, zoos, and circuses.  As they discuss their work and choices, we learn with them both the history of the individual animals and the issues involved.

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We will respect both sides of the arguments, and everyone can give their opinions so viewers can decide for themselves. 

 

We will combine the conventions of both structured reality and documentary to provide a unique viewing experience. The focus of the team is to tell the different stories throughout the series and show their outcomes in a special feature THE ELEPHANT MOVIE.