Plimsoll Productions, an ITV Studios company, has promoted veteran producer James Smith to head of adventure.
In his new position, Smith will focus on adventure programming and report to Martha Holmes, Plimsoll’s chief creative officer of natural history and science. Currently, Smith oversees “Free Solo” rock climber Alex Honnold’s series for Disney+ and National Geographic, including the Alaskan expedition quest “The Last Frontier” and the upcoming “Arctic Ascent.” Smith also worked on the Emmy-nominated docuseries “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World,” narrated by Pedro Pascal.
Previously, Smith headed Plimsoll’s special and live events department, executive producing National Geographic’s “Yellowstone Live” and “Earth Live.” Prior to Plimsoll, Smith worked in the BBC’s national history unit, where he directed the BAFTA-winning series “Tribe,” hosted by Bruce Parry. He also worked on the Parry-hosted “Amazon” and its follow-up series “Arctic,” as well as docuseries “Springwatch,” “Autumnwatch” and “Winterwatch.
In his new position, Smith will focus on adventure programming and report to Martha Holmes, Plimsoll’s chief creative officer of natural history and science. Currently, Smith oversees “Free Solo” rock climber Alex Honnold’s series for Disney+ and National Geographic, including the Alaskan expedition quest “The Last Frontier” and the upcoming “Arctic Ascent.” Smith also worked on the Emmy-nominated docuseries “Patagonia: Life on the Edge of the World,” narrated by Pedro Pascal.
Previously, Smith headed Plimsoll’s special and live events department, executive producing National Geographic’s “Yellowstone Live” and “Earth Live.” Prior to Plimsoll, Smith worked in the BBC’s national history unit, where he directed the BAFTA-winning series “Tribe,” hosted by Bruce Parry. He also worked on the Parry-hosted “Amazon” and its follow-up series “Arctic,” as well as docuseries “Springwatch,” “Autumnwatch” and “Winterwatch.
- 8/16/2023
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Forget Leonardo DiCaprio crawling on all fours in The Wolf of Wall Street; the funniest portrayal of drugs on film is an American black bear throwing famed character actor Margo Martindale from an out-of-control ambulance before hoovering up a mountain of blow. Within the space of a week, Elizabeth Banks’s comedy horror film Cocaine Bear has rampaged, gakked-up and bug-eyed, into the annals of drug-movie classics. And, if we’re being frank, it’s mostly because of the film’s title.
“We were definitely expecting a lot of resistance to the title,” says producer Chris Miller, who with his partner Phil Lord has helped shepherd into cinemas high-concept features such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie for more than a decade. “We were expecting a call at some point telling us that we couldn’t actually call it Cocaine Bear – it’d have to be ‘The...
“We were definitely expecting a lot of resistance to the title,” says producer Chris Miller, who with his partner Phil Lord has helped shepherd into cinemas high-concept features such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Lego Movie for more than a decade. “We were expecting a call at some point telling us that we couldn’t actually call it Cocaine Bear – it’d have to be ‘The...
- 3/4/2023
- by Adam White
- The Independent - Film
Wildlife presenter Chris Packham has shared a furious tweet railing against Shell’s record profits as households around the country struggle to pay energy bills.
Shell has recorded the highest profit in its 115-year history, after benefiting from soaring oil prices driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Responding to the news on Thursday (2 February), Packham, whose show Autumnwatch has just been cancelled by the BBC in a bid to cut costs, posted an article about the energy company’s profits on Twitter.
“We are being cooked, choked and taken to the cleaners,” he wrote. “If we ever become anyone’s ancestors they will ask, ‘What the hell were those mugs doing? They stood by and let them burn the world.’”
Shell’s profits increased by 53 per cent to £68.1bn in 2022, while earnings adjusted for taxes doubled to £32.2bn.
The numbers have sparked outrage, as well as calls for Rishi Sunak...
Shell has recorded the highest profit in its 115-year history, after benefiting from soaring oil prices driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Responding to the news on Thursday (2 February), Packham, whose show Autumnwatch has just been cancelled by the BBC in a bid to cut costs, posted an article about the energy company’s profits on Twitter.
“We are being cooked, choked and taken to the cleaners,” he wrote. “If we ever become anyone’s ancestors they will ask, ‘What the hell were those mugs doing? They stood by and let them burn the world.’”
Shell’s profits increased by 53 per cent to £68.1bn in 2022, while earnings adjusted for taxes doubled to £32.2bn.
The numbers have sparked outrage, as well as calls for Rishi Sunak...
- 2/3/2023
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - TV
The BBC has announced that Autumnwatch has been cancelled amid “challenging times financially”.
The news comes only a week after presenter Chris Packham announced he was taking a short break from TV work.
“These are challenging times financially,” a statement from the broadcaster reads. “We need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.”
“Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.
Hosted by the likes of Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Packham, Autumnwatch arrived on the BBC in 2005. It’s part of the seasonal wildlife programming aired by the broadcaster, which encompasses Winterwatch and Springwatch.
Last week, Springwatch presenter Packham announced that he is taking a career hiatus.
Packham, who is an eco-activist that also has commitments to various charities, said he is in...
The news comes only a week after presenter Chris Packham announced he was taking a short break from TV work.
“These are challenging times financially,” a statement from the broadcaster reads. “We need to make difficult decisions and focus our resources on content that has the highest impact.”
“Sadly, this means that Autumnwatch will not be continuing. Instead, we are investing more money into Springwatch and Winterwatch, as they are most popular with audiences.
Hosted by the likes of Michaela Strachan, Gillian Burke and Packham, Autumnwatch arrived on the BBC in 2005. It’s part of the seasonal wildlife programming aired by the broadcaster, which encompasses Winterwatch and Springwatch.
Last week, Springwatch presenter Packham announced that he is taking a career hiatus.
Packham, who is an eco-activist that also has commitments to various charities, said he is in...
- 2/2/2023
- by Ellie Muir
- The Independent - TV
Chris Packham has said he is taking a career hiatus following the conclusion of Winterwatch.
The Springwatch presenter’s latest show aired its final episode on Friday (27 January), marking the start of an absence from screens.
Packham, who is an eco-activist that also has commitments to various charities, said he is in need of “some brain space” having been working constantly for 40 years.
The 61-year-old said in a new interview: “I’m not having a midlife crisis – I’m too old for that I just need some brain space, get off the treadmill, take stock.
“To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of my burnout have been much exaggerated. But I do badly need some time just for me.”
He toldThe Telegraph that saying no to charity work is “the hard part for me” as he “spends more time campaigning than doing TV”.
Packham continued: “I have lots of good people asking...
The Springwatch presenter’s latest show aired its final episode on Friday (27 January), marking the start of an absence from screens.
Packham, who is an eco-activist that also has commitments to various charities, said he is in need of “some brain space” having been working constantly for 40 years.
The 61-year-old said in a new interview: “I’m not having a midlife crisis – I’m too old for that I just need some brain space, get off the treadmill, take stock.
“To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of my burnout have been much exaggerated. But I do badly need some time just for me.”
He toldThe Telegraph that saying no to charity work is “the hard part for me” as he “spends more time campaigning than doing TV”.
Packham continued: “I have lots of good people asking...
- 1/28/2023
- by Jacob Stolworthy
- The Independent - TV
BBC’s hit motoring entertainment show “Top Gear” is relocating from London to Bristol next year.
The move to the South West will take place in spring 2022. The show’s 33rd season will be the first to be produced solely from Bristol.
The BBC said the move would “create a number of openings for editorial and production management personnel based in the nations and regions,” in a statement.
BBC Studios Bristol is already the home to a number of the network’s best-known factual entertainment shows, including “Antiques Roadshow,” “Countryfile” and “DIY Sos.”
The Natural History Unit, which produces series such as “Blue Planet II” and “Springwatch” is also based there.
“Top Gear” fans can rest assured, however, that the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey — which the BBC calls the show’s “spiritual home” — will still be used.
“Top Gear,” which is currently in production on its 31st season, regularly films around the U.
The move to the South West will take place in spring 2022. The show’s 33rd season will be the first to be produced solely from Bristol.
The BBC said the move would “create a number of openings for editorial and production management personnel based in the nations and regions,” in a statement.
BBC Studios Bristol is already the home to a number of the network’s best-known factual entertainment shows, including “Antiques Roadshow,” “Countryfile” and “DIY Sos.”
The Natural History Unit, which produces series such as “Blue Planet II” and “Springwatch” is also based there.
“Top Gear” fans can rest assured, however, that the Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey — which the BBC calls the show’s “spiritual home” — will still be used.
“Top Gear,” which is currently in production on its 31st season, regularly films around the U.
- 8/4/2021
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
The BAFTA Film Awards took place on April 11, and now the time has come for the BAFTA Television Awards to take centre stage. On April 27, the Virgin Media must-see moment award nominees were announced, which saw the likes of Gogglebox, Bridgerton, and Britain's Got Talent featured on the list.
On April 28, the full list of nominees were announced, with The Crown nominated for 10 awards, Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You nominated for eight awards, and Steve McQueen's Small Axe leading the charge with an impressive 15 nominations. On June 6, the full BAFTA Television Awards ceremony took place on BBC One, with I May Destroy You leading the charge after winning two awards.
Comedy Entertainment Programme:
Winner: The Big Narstie Show
Charlie Brooker's Antiviral Wipe
Rob & Romesh Vs
The Ranganation
Daytime
Winner: The Great House Giveaway
Jimmy McGovern's Moving
Richard Osman's House Of
The Chase
Drama...
On April 28, the full list of nominees were announced, with The Crown nominated for 10 awards, Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You nominated for eight awards, and Steve McQueen's Small Axe leading the charge with an impressive 15 nominations. On June 6, the full BAFTA Television Awards ceremony took place on BBC One, with I May Destroy You leading the charge after winning two awards.
Comedy Entertainment Programme:
Winner: The Big Narstie Show
Charlie Brooker's Antiviral Wipe
Rob & Romesh Vs
The Ranganation
Daytime
Winner: The Great House Giveaway
Jimmy McGovern's Moving
Richard Osman's House Of
The Chase
Drama...
- 6/7/2021
- by Navi Ahluwalia
- Popsugar.com
Michaela Coel’s “I May Destroy You” won two BAFTAs in a year where there was no single dominant winner at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ (BAFTA) Television Awards on Sunday.
The BBC/HBO show won best mini-series and leading actress for Coel, who dedicated the award to the production’s director of intimacy Ita O’Brien.
“Thank you for your existence in our industry, for making the space safe for creating physical, emotional, and professional boundaries so that we can make work about exploitation, loss of respect, about abuse of power, without being exploited or abused in the process,” Coel said.
Paul Mescal won leading actor for BBC/Hulu show “Normal People.”
In the coveted drama series category, Lennie James’ Sky Atlantic show “Save Me Too” won over fancied rivals “The Crown,” “Gangs of London” and “I Hate Suzie.”
At the BAFTA TV Craft Awards that were announced in May,...
The BBC/HBO show won best mini-series and leading actress for Coel, who dedicated the award to the production’s director of intimacy Ita O’Brien.
“Thank you for your existence in our industry, for making the space safe for creating physical, emotional, and professional boundaries so that we can make work about exploitation, loss of respect, about abuse of power, without being exploited or abused in the process,” Coel said.
Paul Mescal won leading actor for BBC/Hulu show “Normal People.”
In the coveted drama series category, Lennie James’ Sky Atlantic show “Save Me Too” won over fancied rivals “The Crown,” “Gangs of London” and “I Hate Suzie.”
At the BAFTA TV Craft Awards that were announced in May,...
- 6/6/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
BBC Studios, the principal commercial arm of the BBC, will extend its use of the U.K. government’s furlough scheme for fixed-term contract and pay-as-you-earn freelancers through Aug. 31.
BBC Studios has furloughed some 600 fix-term contract and pay-as-you-earn freelancers working on 70 productions that were paused under government rules, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
It will be reducing the number of those on furlough before the end of July “by bringing them back to work on several productions planned to restart over the coming weeks and months,” BBC Studios said in a statement.
Among the shows that continued were “The One Show,” “Gardeners’ World,” “Countryfile” and “Springwatch” as well as one-off live events like the Ve Day 75th Anniversary and “Trooping the Color,” as the official birthday of the British sovereign is known. “Top Gear” has recommenced production and “EastEnders” will begin filming again over the coming weeks with “other...
BBC Studios has furloughed some 600 fix-term contract and pay-as-you-earn freelancers working on 70 productions that were paused under government rules, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
It will be reducing the number of those on furlough before the end of July “by bringing them back to work on several productions planned to restart over the coming weeks and months,” BBC Studios said in a statement.
Among the shows that continued were “The One Show,” “Gardeners’ World,” “Countryfile” and “Springwatch” as well as one-off live events like the Ve Day 75th Anniversary and “Trooping the Color,” as the official birthday of the British sovereign is known. “Top Gear” has recommenced production and “EastEnders” will begin filming again over the coming weeks with “other...
- 6/16/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
This intriguing doc details the maverick landscape gardener’s visions in all their florid glory
Piet Oudolf is the 74-year-old Dutch landscape gardener who made his name by designing New York’s High Line project in 2006, in which a derelict viaduct section of the railroad in the west of Manhattan, abandoned since 1980, was repurposed as a brilliant rus in urbe adventure: an overhead urban quasi-wilderness that became one of the city’s biggest attractions.
Oudolf is an intriguing figure, a gardener who prizes not flowers or decorative features or even colour but the muscularforms and textures of plants and grasses. His gardens are so fascinating that they almost assume the status of abstract art (although this is not an idea closely examined in this documentary) and they could be described as site-specific installations where the garden itself is the site. He also designed the Battery Gardens in New York and the Lurie Garden in Chicago,...
Piet Oudolf is the 74-year-old Dutch landscape gardener who made his name by designing New York’s High Line project in 2006, in which a derelict viaduct section of the railroad in the west of Manhattan, abandoned since 1980, was repurposed as a brilliant rus in urbe adventure: an overhead urban quasi-wilderness that became one of the city’s biggest attractions.
Oudolf is an intriguing figure, a gardener who prizes not flowers or decorative features or even colour but the muscularforms and textures of plants and grasses. His gardens are so fascinating that they almost assume the status of abstract art (although this is not an idea closely examined in this documentary) and they could be described as site-specific installations where the garden itself is the site. He also designed the Battery Gardens in New York and the Lurie Garden in Chicago,...
- 6/13/2019
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Author: Colin Hart
Chris Packham is a TV presenter, conservationist and all round wildlife enthusiast who has presented TV’s The Really Wild Show and more recently BBC’s Springwatch plus its assorted offshoots. With his enthusiasm and unapologetic focus on propagating the outcomes of good science he can count a lifetime achievement award by the Wildscreen wildlife film festival, dubbed “The Green Oscars” amongst his various awards and has written many books on wildlife across the years.
Now he’s featuring in the presenting team, alongside Emmy award winners Phil Keoghan and Jane Lynch, for the new Nat Geo Wild show “Earth Live” which will connect to live cameras across the globe to present a compelling live view of important wildlife habitats. Describing it as “ground breaking” Chris will provide the factual support for the team and describes being part of it as being “an enormous privilege.
We ranged...
Chris Packham is a TV presenter, conservationist and all round wildlife enthusiast who has presented TV’s The Really Wild Show and more recently BBC’s Springwatch plus its assorted offshoots. With his enthusiasm and unapologetic focus on propagating the outcomes of good science he can count a lifetime achievement award by the Wildscreen wildlife film festival, dubbed “The Green Oscars” amongst his various awards and has written many books on wildlife across the years.
Now he’s featuring in the presenting team, alongside Emmy award winners Phil Keoghan and Jane Lynch, for the new Nat Geo Wild show “Earth Live” which will connect to live cameras across the globe to present a compelling live view of important wildlife habitats. Describing it as “ground breaking” Chris will provide the factual support for the team and describes being part of it as being “an enormous privilege.
We ranged...
- 7/7/2017
- by Colin Hart
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Michaela Strachan has said that The Great British Bake Off makes her sick and called its celebration of sweet things "obsessive and obscene".
The cake competition may be a massive hit with viewers, but that hasn't stopped the TV host from sticking the boot in.
"I don't understand why this is so popular," Strachan told Metro.
"I tried to watch it to see what the fuss was about, but I just really didn't care how the cakes turned out.
"I can understand the creativity that goes into it, but I don't understand how this can go on for weeks on end."
The 49-year-old presenter added: "We're at a time when you can't open a paper without being told about the dangers of sugar, and yet here they are making Black Forest gateaux that are a foot high.
"Do people really want to eat that stuff? It made me feel sick.
The cake competition may be a massive hit with viewers, but that hasn't stopped the TV host from sticking the boot in.
"I don't understand why this is so popular," Strachan told Metro.
"I tried to watch it to see what the fuss was about, but I just really didn't care how the cakes turned out.
"I can understand the creativity that goes into it, but I don't understand how this can go on for weeks on end."
The 49-year-old presenter added: "We're at a time when you can't open a paper without being told about the dangers of sugar, and yet here they are making Black Forest gateaux that are a foot high.
"Do people really want to eat that stuff? It made me feel sick.
- 9/17/2015
- Digital Spy
TV presenter Kate Humble and comedian Jason Byrne have been confirmed as presenters for Sky1's new wildlife-themed entertainment programme Wild Things.
The gameshow, which was commissioned in August, features couples or pairs of relations undertaking challenges on a huge woodland obstacle course in order to win a fortune of gold coins buried within the Wild Wood.
However, there is a twist in that one member of the team must become the Wild Thing, meaning they must wear a woodland protection suit which is designed to look like an animal native to the area, such as an owl, a duck or a mole.
This means that they cannot see anything and will need their partner to guide them to victory.
Humble said of her role: "Wild Things is one of the most gloriously silly, side-splittingly funny programmes I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with. Wildlife has never behaved so badly.
The gameshow, which was commissioned in August, features couples or pairs of relations undertaking challenges on a huge woodland obstacle course in order to win a fortune of gold coins buried within the Wild Wood.
However, there is a twist in that one member of the team must become the Wild Thing, meaning they must wear a woodland protection suit which is designed to look like an animal native to the area, such as an owl, a duck or a mole.
This means that they cannot see anything and will need their partner to guide them to victory.
Humble said of her role: "Wild Things is one of the most gloriously silly, side-splittingly funny programmes I have ever had the pleasure of being involved with. Wildlife has never behaved so badly.
- 12/1/2014
- Digital Spy
Michaela Strachan had both her breasts removed after being diagnosed with cancer. The 'Springwatch' presenter has revealed the upsetting news after being told the news following a routine mammogram earlier this year, and it changed how she looked at her body. She told the Mail on Sunday newspaper's You magazine: ''The tears started to roll as my doctor tried to tell me what would happen next but I only took in every fifth word or so. ''The only work that registered was cancer ... My breasts have never been a big part of my personality - they have always been rather average 34Bs. ''I...
- 10/5/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Chris Packham has returned to the UK after being questioned by police in Malta.
The Springwatch host was quizzed by authorities after he was caught trying to film the illegal hunting of migrating birds in the country.
According to BBC News, he has described the situation in Malta as an "avian apocalypse".
The 52-year-old was questioned after hunters demanded authorities investigate his alleged defamation against them.
Packham said: "Ultimately I want something positive to come out of this. The police seemed to me to be keen to develop a more co-operative working relationship with NGOs such as BirdLife Malta and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (Cabs).
"If that happens as a result of this questioning, then it will be a good outcome as it will lead to more successful prosecutions of illegal hunting activities."
He added: "The situation on Malta is a very difficult working environment for all parties. Emotions...
The Springwatch host was quizzed by authorities after he was caught trying to film the illegal hunting of migrating birds in the country.
According to BBC News, he has described the situation in Malta as an "avian apocalypse".
The 52-year-old was questioned after hunters demanded authorities investigate his alleged defamation against them.
Packham said: "Ultimately I want something positive to come out of this. The police seemed to me to be keen to develop a more co-operative working relationship with NGOs such as BirdLife Malta and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (Cabs).
"If that happens as a result of this questioning, then it will be a good outcome as it will lead to more successful prosecutions of illegal hunting activities."
He added: "The situation on Malta is a very difficult working environment for all parties. Emotions...
- 4/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Keith Duffy's 10m T-start forward pike fall: Score - (7-7.5-7) 21.5
Jo: "You're a courageous man."
Leon: "There was over-rotation and it was a simple dive, so that is going to cost you."
Danielle Lloyd's forward one and a half somersault from 3m springboard: Score - (6.5-7.5-6) 20
Leon: "You completely overcooked it; you went miles over-rotation."
Andy: "Your take off was brilliant, but then you buried your head and the entry went over."
Michaela Strachan's forward one and a half somersault piked from 3m springboard: Score - (7.5-8-7) 22.5
Jo: "I've watched you on Springwatch, and I just watched a brilliant spring."
Leon: "Very well executed, but just a touch over-rotated."
Perri Kiely's 7.5m inward one and a half somersault with tuck: Score - (9.5-9-9) 27.5
Jo: "I look forward to your next dive where you're fired out of a canon."
Andy: "The tuck to...
Jo: "You're a courageous man."
Leon: "There was over-rotation and it was a simple dive, so that is going to cost you."
Danielle Lloyd's forward one and a half somersault from 3m springboard: Score - (6.5-7.5-6) 20
Leon: "You completely overcooked it; you went miles over-rotation."
Andy: "Your take off was brilliant, but then you buried your head and the entry went over."
Michaela Strachan's forward one and a half somersault piked from 3m springboard: Score - (7.5-8-7) 22.5
Jo: "I've watched you on Springwatch, and I just watched a brilliant spring."
Leon: "Very well executed, but just a touch over-rotated."
Perri Kiely's 7.5m inward one and a half somersault with tuck: Score - (9.5-9-9) 27.5
Jo: "I look forward to your next dive where you're fired out of a canon."
Andy: "The tuck to...
- 2/1/2014
- Digital Spy
BBC presenter Simon King has captured a potential burglar on camera.
Springwatch star Simon King's camera recorded images of a man climbing over a fence and running across a garden.
Police now want to speak to the man in question in connection with a nearby burglary.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said that the footage was recorded at around 3.45am on January 12 at a home in Herne Hill, south London.
King recorded the footage using his 'fox camera', which streams live on his personal website.
The wildlife expert said: "I understand that a neighbour of our urban fox family residence was burgled and our cameras captured the possible suspect.
"Anyone can view our network of webcams live through our website and they will often see animals doing the strangest of things - but this is taking it one stage further.
"I hope the police are able to make use of...
Springwatch star Simon King's camera recorded images of a man climbing over a fence and running across a garden.
Police now want to speak to the man in question in connection with a nearby burglary.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said that the footage was recorded at around 3.45am on January 12 at a home in Herne Hill, south London.
King recorded the footage using his 'fox camera', which streams live on his personal website.
The wildlife expert said: "I understand that a neighbour of our urban fox family residence was burgled and our cameras captured the possible suspect.
"Anyone can view our network of webcams live through our website and they will often see animals doing the strangest of things - but this is taking it one stage further.
"I hope the police are able to make use of...
- 1/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Bill Oddie has claimed that his axe from BBC Two series Springwatch left him in hospital for a year.
The broadcaster left the wildlife series back in 2008, and was later treated for depression and bipolar disorder in hospital until the end of 2009.
Oddie described his time in hospital as "probably the worst 12 months of [his] life".
Speaking to Radio Times, Oddie said he was given a "waffly statement" about his firing.
He said: "The BBC just said, 'We won't be asking you to do it again'. That put me in hospital for a year, basically."
He added: "When I look back, I think during that autumn period I was on a high because I was very edgy and tetchy.
"There was an autumn of mania going on and I was probably giving signals out which I didn't realise. I imagine they were reported back."
Bill Oddie will make a return...
The broadcaster left the wildlife series back in 2008, and was later treated for depression and bipolar disorder in hospital until the end of 2009.
Oddie described his time in hospital as "probably the worst 12 months of [his] life".
Speaking to Radio Times, Oddie said he was given a "waffly statement" about his firing.
He said: "The BBC just said, 'We won't be asking you to do it again'. That put me in hospital for a year, basically."
He added: "When I look back, I think during that autumn period I was on a high because I was very edgy and tetchy.
"There was an autumn of mania going on and I was probably giving signals out which I didn't realise. I imagine they were reported back."
Bill Oddie will make a return...
- 8/13/2013
- Digital Spy
With the success of horror pic Mama, which he adapted from his own short, Andy Muschietti is now a hot property in Hollywood. Universal in particular seems keen to keep working with him, even if he’s not that interested in a sequel to the chiller. He is now in negotiations to helm post-apocalyptic adaptation Bird Box for the studio.Despite the title, it will not in fact be a big-budget overhaul of Springwatch in which Bill Oddie fights the zombie menace with the help of Kitten Kong.It's actually based on an upcoming book by rocker-turned-writer Josh Malerman, which follows a woman and two children who are blindfolded and sent down a river in a seemingly dark future. Comparisons have already been drawn to Children Of Men, which bodes well even if it’s far too early to tell. The book won’t even hit stores until next year.
- 2/27/2013
- EmpireOnline
The BBC has unveiled the showreel for its new slate of natural history programming. Among the series the broadcaster unveiled today is BBC Two's Wild Arabia, which features the first HD images of wild Arabian leopards. BBC Two will also air The Dark, which focuses on nocturnal creatures, while How Life Works will see Springwatch presenter Chris Packham explore how different species rely on each other. Elsewhere, BBC One announced a new six-part series called Survival, which follows the difficulties faced by some of the most unusual animals in the world. Also featured in the showreel is David Attenborough's new series Frozen Planet, which examines life in the Arctic and Antarctic. The slate also includes Attenborough's Life Stories, which explores the broadcaster's 60-year-old career. The BBC's natural (more)...
- 7/8/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Here at Digital Spy, we love the Manic Street Preachers, but perhaps not as much as Springwatch presenter Chris Packham - who smuggled in the name of a career-spanning setlist of Manics classics into the series gone by. (He's done the same in the past for The Smiths and The Cure). From massive hits ('A Design For Life') to rare 7" singles ('Feminine Is Beautiful'), number ones ('If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next') to B-Sides ('Dead Trees & Traffic Islands'), thanks to Manic Street Mania for capturing and listing the whole lot! (In full: 'A Design For Life', 'So Why So Sad', 'Some Kind Of Nothingness', 'From Despair To Where', 'Die In The Summertime', 'Feminine Is Beautiful', 'Leviathan', 'Indian Summer', 'You Can't (more)...
- 6/20/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Hello everyone! So, there's some pretty exciting stuff to talk about today. My oh my, what programmes we've been watching on TV lately!
Pajiba Readership: Tell us! Tell us, Caspar! What programme have you seen? Should we watch it too?
Caspar: Ssshhhh. Come a little closer, my dears. Let me tell you what I watched this week.
Various Pajiba readers (to each other): Oooh, this is going to be good. I can't wait to find out what Caspar's been watching. It's going to be the new "Misfits"! Rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb!
Caspar (huddling with the Pajiba readership; whispering): Ok. The programme I'll mostly be discussing this week...
Pajiba Readership: Yes?
Caspar: ...is.....
Pajiba Readership (breathlessly): Fucking tell us!
Caspar (whispering, excitedly): It's "Springwatch"!!!!!!!
Pajiba Readership (stepping back, rolling its eyes, and doing a 'black body language' hand-sign): Yo sister, say what now?
Caspar: I'm here to...
Pajiba Readership: Tell us! Tell us, Caspar! What programme have you seen? Should we watch it too?
Caspar: Ssshhhh. Come a little closer, my dears. Let me tell you what I watched this week.
Various Pajiba readers (to each other): Oooh, this is going to be good. I can't wait to find out what Caspar's been watching. It's going to be the new "Misfits"! Rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb!
Caspar (huddling with the Pajiba readership; whispering): Ok. The programme I'll mostly be discussing this week...
Pajiba Readership: Yes?
Caspar: ...is.....
Pajiba Readership (breathlessly): Fucking tell us!
Caspar (whispering, excitedly): It's "Springwatch"!!!!!!!
Pajiba Readership (stepping back, rolling its eyes, and doing a 'black body language' hand-sign): Yo sister, say what now?
Caspar: I'm here to...
- 6/17/2011
- by Dustin Rowles
Chris Packham has been criticised after making a joke about dogging on Springwatch. Speaking on Monday's live show, the presenter referred to a clip which showed him with some dogs in Kensington Gardens. He said: "I can do a bit of dogging and bird-watching at the same time." According to The Mirror, six viewers complained to the BBC after hearing the quip while others criticised the comment on the website. One person reportedly said: "Sexual innuendo is not acceptable... you make reference to dogging (more)...
- 6/16/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
The British Soap Awards 2010 helped ITV1 dominate primetime on Wednesday night, according to the latest viewing figures. Coverage of the awards ceremony, which was held in London on May 9, averaged 5.43m (24.8%) for ITV1 from 7.30pm to 10pm. Spinoff show The British Soap Awards 2010: Let's Party drew 595k to ITV2 from 10pm and 62k (0.7%) on timeshift. On BBC One, Junior Apprentice continued to struggle, attracting just 3.83m (16.5%) in the 9pm hour, down 200k on last week's debut episode. Earlier on the channel, Holby City was watched by 4.32m (19.8%) from 8pm. BBC Two's Springwatch: City Living With Simon King had 2.09m (9.6%) in the 8pm hour. It was followed by Monty Halls' Great Hebridean Escape with 2.13m (9.1%), up an impressive 820k week-on-week. On Channel 4, B&B reality (more)...
- 5/21/2010
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
The Culture Show | Springwatch High Seas With Gordon Buchanan | Outnumbered | Behind The Scenes At The Museum | Alaska State Troopers | Warehouse 13
The Culture Show
7pm, BBC2
His hair will flop in the spring heat, but somehow you doubt whether that will stop Mark Kermode enjoying himself as he heads for the 63rd Cannes film festival. Elsewhere, as the art series returns, Miranda Sawyer visits the Brighton festival to meet playwright Simon Stephens, who has written a musical, Marine Parade, with American Music Club mainman Mark Eitzel. There's also an interview with the festival's artistic director, Brian Eno. Plus Sue Perkins on an unusual production of Benjamin Britten's opera, Noye's Fludde; David Mitchell reads from his new novel, The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob de Zoet; and a performance from Seun Kuti, leading his father Fela's Afrobeat band, Egypt 80.
Springwatch High Seas With Gordon Buchanan
8pm, BBC2
Brand Springwatch discovers life...
The Culture Show
7pm, BBC2
His hair will flop in the spring heat, but somehow you doubt whether that will stop Mark Kermode enjoying himself as he heads for the 63rd Cannes film festival. Elsewhere, as the art series returns, Miranda Sawyer visits the Brighton festival to meet playwright Simon Stephens, who has written a musical, Marine Parade, with American Music Club mainman Mark Eitzel. There's also an interview with the festival's artistic director, Brian Eno. Plus Sue Perkins on an unusual production of Benjamin Britten's opera, Noye's Fludde; David Mitchell reads from his new novel, The Thousand Autumns Of Jacob de Zoet; and a performance from Seun Kuti, leading his father Fela's Afrobeat band, Egypt 80.
Springwatch High Seas With Gordon Buchanan
8pm, BBC2
Brand Springwatch discovers life...
- 5/20/2010
- by Jonathan Wright, Will Hodgkinson, Andrew Mueller, Phelim O'Neill
- The Guardian - Film News
The final part of ITV's Wormwood Scrubs documentary was watched by nearly 5m on Monday night. The programme, which documented life in the famous British prison, was watched by 4.98m (21.7%) on ITV1 in the 9pm hour. Earlier on the channel, Countrywise pulled in 3.46m (15.4%) from 8pm to 8.30pm. On BBC One, Panorama gained 2.05m (8.9%) from 8.30pm to 9pm. It was followed by retail reality series High Street Dreams, which appealed to just 2.18m (9.5%), a drop of 290k week-on-week. Springwatch: Signs of Change With Chris Packham averaged 1.99m (8.7%) for BBC Two in the 8pm hour and was followed by 80-minute drama Royal Wedding with 1.65m (7.4%). The Gadget Show saw a 150k week-on-week increase in its audience to 1.12m (5.3%) on Five in the 8pm hour, then FlashForward put in 1.56m (6.8%) from (more)...
- 5/19/2010
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
Springwatch host Chris Packham has joked that he will have to stop "panda-bashing" in order to avoid upsetting BBC bosses. The wildlife expert was criticised last September for suggesting that pandas had "gone down an evolutionary cul-de-sac" and should be left to die out. In a new interview with The Sun, Packham confirmed that he recently signed a deal to continue fronting Springwatch and Autumnwatch on the BBC for another two years. He added: "That's if I don't do anything to blow it. So I think I'll lay off panda-bashing for a while." Reflecting on (more)...
- 1/13/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
TV presenter Bill Oddie has labelled 2009 as the "worst 12 months" of his life. Oddie quit his job as host of BBC series Springwatch in January 2009 and checked into hospital later in the year, where he was treated for depression and bipolar disorder. Speaking to his local newspaper, London's Ham & High, he said: "Basically I thought I had had it, it was that bad. "The last year was probably the worst 12 months of my life because I suffered from bipolar and terrible depression which began in January and February. This has put pressure on my whole family - especially my wife - and I am just glad I managed to come (more)...
- 1/8/2010
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
TV presenter Bill Oddie has spoken to his local London newspaper, Ham & High, about "the worst 12 months of [his] life" which he has said was probably due to his depression and bipolar disorder. Oddie even told the paper that there were moments when he thought he would never recover.
The 68 year old quit presenting his BBC show "Springwatch" last January and has since had two spells in the hospital. Oddie has said he is "just glad [he] managed to come out of it from it" just in time for a family Christmas.
The presenter also paid tribute to the staff at the hospitals he stayed at in London whilst receiving his treatment. Oddie added: "You hear about the NHS not being able to cope but they were absolutely splendid" and that he received "extremely good care."
Oddie then added that he had hopes to return to the BBC after leaving his program "Springwatch.
The 68 year old quit presenting his BBC show "Springwatch" last January and has since had two spells in the hospital. Oddie has said he is "just glad [he] managed to come out of it from it" just in time for a family Christmas.
The presenter also paid tribute to the staff at the hospitals he stayed at in London whilst receiving his treatment. Oddie added: "You hear about the NHS not being able to cope but they were absolutely splendid" and that he received "extremely good care."
Oddie then added that he had hopes to return to the BBC after leaving his program "Springwatch.
- 1/8/2010
- icelebz.com
Springwatch presenter Chris Packham has apologised for claiming that pandas should be left to die out. The wildlife expert sparked criticism after suggesting that the species had "gone down an evolutionary cul-de-sac" and only received attention from the public for being cute. WWF representative Dr Mark Wright was among those who blasted Packham's remarks, arguing: "It is a daft thing for Chris to say, and an irresponsible one. Pandas face extinction because of poaching and humans moving into their habitat. If left alone, they function perfectly well. "Chris has taken an unhelpful position. Giant (more)...
- 9/23/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Chris Packham and Martin Hughes-Games will present the new series of Springwatch and Autumnwatch, the BBC has announced. They will join existing presenters Simon King, Kate Humble and Gordon Buchanan when Springwatch returns to BBC Two in late May. Hughes-Games, who previously produced the show, said of the move: "It will be a real challenge swapping life behind the camera to life (more)...
- 3/18/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Bill Oddie has quit wildlife programme Springwatch. The ornithologist has retired from the BBC series after four years presenting alongside Kate Humble. "I'm really going to miss working with Kate and the team but after an amazing four years of really intense work it feels like the right time to take a breather and recharge my batteries," he said. An hour-long special will be broadcast at the start of the next series with highlights of Oddie's time on the show. The BBC confirmed that Oddie will stay with the corporation and the door has been left open (more)...
- 1/30/2009
- by By David Balls
- Digital Spy
Sensitive Springwatch viewers are complaining about animal innuendos employed by host Bill Oddie. Commentary on two mating scenes on Tuesday night's show prompted complaints to the Daily Mail. "The female is asking for it - and getting it basically," Oddie noted over footage of two sparrows. "She was fluttering her wings and pretending to be a child - that's kind of weird when you think about it. Oh and again. "She is doing that wing-fluttering thing like that as if to say 'I am a baby, feed me', she is getting quite the opposite (more)...
- 5/30/2008
- by By Dave West
- Digital Spy
Kate Humble has insisted that her Springwatch co-host Bill Oddie is a "good mate". Oddie is often seen interrupting Humble on the BBC Two wildlife programme, leading to speculation that the pair do not get along off-screen. "People always want me to say 'Bill Oddie's a complete b*****d' But I'm working with someone who knows his stuff, loves his stuff, and wants to talk about it," Humble told the Daily Record. "There's nothing wrong with that. I've learned so much working with (more)...
- 5/24/2008
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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