BBC Studios Unscripted Boss on Tom Hanks, Stanley Tucci Series and the Recipe for U.S. Success

by

The following are some recent factual series that have been making waves in the US: ‘The Americas’, featuring Tom Hanks as narrator on NBC; ‘Stanley Tucci in Italy’ on National Geographic; and ‘Walking With Dinosaurs’, with Bertie Carvel (known for ‘The Crown’ and the upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ series on HBO) as narrator, airing on PBS. These shows are part of BBC Studios Productions, a highly esteemed production company within the British and international media industry, which is a division of BBC Studios – the commercial arm of the U.K.’s public broadcaster, BBC.

Absolutely, alongside shows like “Prehistoric Planet,” executive produced by Jon Favreau, and “OceanXplorers” with James Cameron, there are exciting projects on the horizon. Disney announced that National Geographic has given the go-ahead to a new documentary series tentatively titled “Meet the Planets.” This series is being developed by Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort and BBC Studios.

Besides shows like “Prehistoric Planet” produced by Jon Favreau and “OceanXplorers” with James Cameron, there are upcoming projects featuring big names. Disney shared that National Geographic is creating a new documentary series called “Meet the Planets.” This project is being developed by Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort and BBC Studios.

In essence: Shows produced by BBC Studios, comprising the globally acclaimed Natural History Unit, Documentary Unit, Science Unit, our wholly owned label Voltage, and collaborations with third-party distributors, often attract top Hollywood talent and perform exceptionally on American screens, as well as on a global scale.

They’ve recently been nominated for six Primetime Emmys and 11 Daytime Emmys. Specifically, “Secrets of the Neanderthals” and “The Secret Lives of Animals” are up for Daytime Emmy awards. In the category of Primetime Emmy nominations, “The Americas” is competing for the Outstanding Narrator award (Hanks) and the Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special award (Hans Zimmer). Tucci in Italy is nominated for both the Outstanding Hosted Non-Fiction Series or Special and the Outstanding Cinematography awards. Meanwhile, “Planet Earth – Asia” has been recognized in the categories of Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special and Outstanding Narrator (Attenborough).

In simpler terms, how do we achieve factual success at BBC Studios Productions? According to Kate Ward, the managing director of Unscripted Productions at BBC Studios Productions, it involves a mix of large-scale and diverse projects, teamwork and alliances, as well as mastery in a specific area or expertise. She shared this insight with THR.

She contends that factual programming is gaining significant traction currently, and this trend is becoming increasingly apparent. While large dramas undeniably hold immense influence and cultural relevance, serving as a vital component of the overall system, what sets factual programming apart is its ability to reshape perspectives and initiate meaningful discussions. Given that factual programming hasn’t always been prioritized on U.S. television schedules, when it does take center stage, it feels particularly significant.

Consider the continents, specifically The Americas. As Ward points out, “We aim to foster a common perspective among its inhabitants regarding the nearby natural world, often just steps away from their homes, which can serve as a unifying force in a world that may seem fragmented and difficult.” This aligns with our fundamental values and mission at the BBC: promoting connections between people.

Inquiring about their strategy for thriving in a competitive industry, BBC Studios’ unscripted team expresses enthusiasm over the breadth and diversity of their U.S. projects. Ward explains, “Our shows span numerous genres of factual programming, catering to various broadcasters with diverse business models.

She praises BBC Studios for their “remarkable ambition” and capability to create “extraordinary” productions. For instance, regarding The Americas, it required five years to complete 180 filming expeditions. Therefore, we’re dealing with large-scale production projects. So, you might wonder how many protein bars the team consumed throughout those five years to produce this show. Consequently, such a production generates an engaging curiosity that captivates viewers.

Success’s second key element lies in mastery of a particular field. As Ward puts it, “We offer the expertise, the skillset we are renowned for,” to guarantee top-notch programming. “Walking With Dinosaurs” can provide genuine value and an educational experience, not just entertainment. It’s grounded in real science. Therefore, it combines education and entertainment, making it accessible to a vast audience.

Ultimately, Ward emphasizes that success lies in teaming up with artists, producers, and distributors instead of going solo. He explains, “Creators each possess their unique storytelling style, drive, enthusiasm, and together, we can achieve remarkable feats.” Furthermore, he highlights the strong relationships they have built with producers, such as a long-standing, cherished bond with PBS, partnerships with NBC and Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), fruitful collaborations with National Geographic and Disney, and successful projects with Apple and Netflix.

Strong partnerships not only provide a solid viewer base for current programs but also have the potential to spawn additional, unique shows, asserts Ward. “Such profound collaborative ties enable us to innovate and create offerings specifically tailored for the U.S. market that truly stand out,” she concludes.

What if we talk about the partnership between Hollywood celebrities and BBC? She explained to THR, ‘We are collaborating with some fantastic talent from Hollywood – actors, directors, creative minds.’ The question is, what attracts these individuals, typically known for their fictional work, towards factual content? I think it’s due to the opportunity it provides to delve into subjects they genuinely care about and to experiment with storytelling in a unique manner compared to their usual work, which mostly involves scripted stories. We are really looking forward to this fusion of industries and the exchange of knowledge.

BBC Studios manages to draw in prominent figures amidst the constant competition for talent by focusing on storytelling, trust, and mutual respect, as stated by Ward to THR. He explains that these high-profile individuals choose to work with the BBC due to its established trust, rich history, consistent quality, and the specialized expertise accumulated over time. These factors are crucial when collaborating with other creators.

Collaborating with well-known figures who share a genuine enthusiasm, as well as audience appeal and relevance, is crucial for BBC Studios Productions. This not only extends the series’ reach but also demands the involvement of creative partners whose collaboration makes sense to viewers – otherwise, they may suspect something amiss. As Ward puts it, “We seek meaningful connections and creativity, but this partnership must be genuine. It should be seen as two storytellers joining forces in a true collaboration, and everything must feel authentic.

For instance, consider Tucci. Ward expresses his admiration for Stanley as a remarkable storyteller. Being part of his Italian journey, something he is deeply passionate about, is thrilling, and we’re extremely proud of our collaboration on the project. Similarly, when you think about Tom Hanks in ‘The Americas’, it’s evident that his enthusiasm for the subject truly comes alive. If that wasn’t present, viewers would surely notice.

Essentially, it’s not enough to simply place a well-known figure on screen for a BBC Studios documentary or factual series without a genuine interest or bond with the subject matter. As Ward points out, “This is factual programming,” which means the storytellers must have real, authentic, and deep connections to the topics they are presenting. They should be able to engage and guide you through the journey, sparking conversations, altering perceptions, and introducing you to uncharted territories and eras. Therefore, we always strive for genuine connections and authenticity in our creative partnership with these storytellers.

Thanks to BBC Studios, both U.S. viewers and those from Britain and around the world have developed a fondness for British personalities like David Attenborough, the renowned naturalist, and historian Lucy Worsley, particularly recognized for her work on “Lucy Worsley’s Holmes vs. Doyl.” Ward emphasizes that Lucy has an authentic appeal, stating, “She is incredibly popular in America, and she presents so wonderfully.

Ward pledges to persist in delivering accurate and impactful content to both the U.S. and globally. “Size, expertise, and partnership are key elements in our business strategy,” she shares with THR. “We feel incredibly fortunate to be able to combine these strengths and offer a blend of creativity and what it brings to those who appreciate factual storytelling or seek it out. This combination is an incredibly powerful and thrilling opportunity.

Read More

2025-07-22 11:25