‘Big Cats, Small World’ is greenlit

The WNET Group’s Nature series produced for PBS, Terra Mater Studios, and Love Nature, a wildlife and nature brand with linear and streaming channels available in over 145 countries, announced today the greenlight of a new original commission, BIG CATS, SMALL WORLD (1 x 60’; UHD & HDR). Produced by Camel Thorn Films, the one-hour program follows the fascinating lives of three iconic big cat species, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as they co-exist in a fiercely competitive habitat.

“Three majestic cat species sharing the same habitat in Africa is a nature fan’s dream,” said Fred Kaufman, Executive Producer for Nature. “Our partners on the project provide the best in wildlife filmmaking and we’re excited to be working with them.”

“The stunning visual storytelling in BIG CATS, SMALL WORLD offers a captivating account of the fierce competition and delicate balance that exists among Africa’s most magnificent predators,” says Carlyn Staudt, General Manager, Love Nature. “We’re excited to be partnering with The WNET Group on this stunning program and working with the talented team at Camel Thorn Films, and Terra Mater Studios.

“Cats, cats, cats – BIG CATS, SMALL WORLD is all about lions, leopards and cheetahs, their strategies and daily struggles to survive in one of Africa’s wildest places,” says Sabine Holzer, Head of Specialist Factual at Terra Mater Studios. “We’re delighted to announce this special and look forward to working together with the teams from The WNET Group, Love Nature and Camel Thorn Films.”

BIG CATS, SMALL WORLD is a production of Camel Thorn Films and The WNET Group in co-production with Terra Mater Studios and Love Nature. It will premiere in the U.S. on PBS, as part of the Nature series, and globally on Love Nature in 2024. The program will also air on Sky Nature in the UK and Italy as part of Love Nature and Sky’s expanded content partnership. Blue Ant International oversees pre-sales and licensing outside of commissioning territories.

Combining powerful storytelling with the latest scientific research, BIG CATS, SMALL WORLD delves deep into the lives of three rival species, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, to reveal the strategies each has evolved to coexist in their shared world. Brought together by the changing seasons, their distinctive skill sets are put to the test as they strive to avoid deadly conflict. While all three are at the top of the food chain, they must compete for prey and territory in one of the wildest places in Africa.

The special is produced by Adrian Bailey and written and directed by Robyn Keene-Young, from Camel Thorn Films. Executive Producer for The WNET Group is Fred Kaufman, and Series Producer is Bill Murphy. Executive Producers for Terra Mater Studios are Andrea Gastgeb and Sabine Holzer. Alison Barrat executive produces the documentary on behalf of Love Nature. Blue Ant International handles pre-sales and licensing opportunities in other available territories.