It was recently announced by BBC and PBS that they are to product together a live television and multimedia event, called Big Blue Live. It is a collaborative project between scientists, filmmakers, photographers and animal behaviorists. In late August and early September, they will come together in order to document the progress of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in California. It seems that this ecosystem that was once threatened, is now thriving.
When you watch “Big Blue Live,” you may expect to see one or several of the most fascinating marine creatures that include humpback whales, blue whales, sea lions, dolphins, elephant seals, sea otters, great white sharks, shearwaters and brown pelicans.
This 3-night special airs live on PBS from August 31- September 2, 2015 at 8:00-9:00 PM ET. Another live feed to the West Coast can be watched from 8:00-9:00 PM PT. Also available streaming online and on social media, “Big Blue Live” combines the latest filming technologies with live reports from air, sea and below the water. The week before it is live in the US, BBC will air its live broadcast in the UK.
The team of on-air correspondents for “Big Blue Live” includes Dr. M. Sanjayan, Liz Bonnin, Dr. Joy Reidenberg, Steve Backshall and Matt Baker.
Part of a new multi-title co-production deal between PBS, BBC and BBC Worldwide North America, “Big Blue Live” is one of many high-quality collaborations that are due to come about from this team.
Beth Hoppe of PBS explains the significance of “Big Blue Live.” She says “PBS continues to break new ground in science and nature programming with Big Blue Live. Through TV and other PBS platforms, viewers can experience and participate in the drama of the ultimate reality show as it unfolds in the natural world.”
Natalie Humphreys of the BBC says, “We’ve gathered an extraordinary team, on and off screen, to take us deep into the lives of a host of animals, from sea otters to humpback whales and we’re thrilled to be co-producing this event.”