THE WORLD'S GREATEST BALLOON ADVENTURES

In our new five-part series we explore the world´s most fascinating landscapes with hot-air balloons. Breathtaking adventures await the balloonists in the endless vastness of the Gobi Desert, in the snow-covered mountain-sides of the Alps or at the steep rock faces of the Venezuelan Tepuis.

Emotional human encounters, exotic cultural experiences and thrilling nature adventures are promising ingredients for a dynamic, exciting and entertaining series about the special life of ballooning enthusiast and their quest for the “Great Picture”.

1^st Episode: The World’s Greatest Balloon Adventures – Mongolia

Eight teams from all over the planet meet in Ulaanbaator seeking to explore the wild land of the Mongolians with their hot-air ballons. As they race across giant sand dunes, spectacular mountain and steppe sceneries, picturesque villages and ancient monasteries the balloon enthusiasts experience the wild nature and fascinating culture of Mongolia in a very special way - and since roads are rare and rough, the retrieval of blown-off balloonist relies on the help of local herdsmen and their camels. Wild Ballooning indeed!

THE BLACK FOREST AND THE VOSGES

Documentary (2 x 45min) ZDF/arte, 2008-2010

The black forest and the Vosges used to be united, until millions of years ago elemental forces parted them. The massif was torn apart and a deep gorge formed between them. Two different habitats thus developed: bright deciduous woodlands in the Vosges versus the darkness of the black forest. We portray not only landscape and animal life, but also old customs and traditions that go along with the respective natural surroundings. Myth and legend also play their part - such as the connection between the Vosges’ highest peak and the “Belchen” in the black forest. The Celts named these mountains after the sun god Belenus, as they allowed them to establish the winter and summer solstice.

GOBI BEAR

Secret Survivor in the Mongolian Desert

Deep in the heart of the Gobi Desert a black mountain range towers over endless plains. Its nameless canyons and peaks give shelter to the rarest mammal on earth: the Gobi Bear. Less than 40 of these wolly brown creatures edge out a perilious existence in an unforgiving desert. Their footprints inspire wondrous tales of a desert yeti and witnesses accounts seem far closer to legend than truth.  Yet, against all odds, Mongolian Professor Samiya and his crew of wildlife photographers and scientists set out on a mission to find the Gobi Bear - a quest to prove its existence and thus help it survive global changes that threaten its arid habitat. To do so they will have to learn all there is to know about the bear’s behavior and genetic design. And they’ll have to be fast - its numbers are quickly declining. On their tedious search for tracks, signs and information the team is rewarded with breathtaking views of untouched landscapes. On lonely hikes they cross paths with Bactrian camel, Mongolian wild ass, wolves, even a snowleopard. The Gobi Bear however is not easy to find. But finally the beast of legend turns into flesh and blood.  Dignified, though somewhat ruffled, and filled with the power and beauty of a wild bear in an untamed country.

IN DEVELOPMENT

 

WILD METROPOLIS

Multi-part series: in production

 

In times of rapidly growing cities the urban habitat becomes ever more important, not only for humans, but for plants and animals as well.
In multiple episodes we introduce clever and adaptive animal inhabitants of our “Wild Cities” revealing the secrets of their survival. Following their special city-lifestyle we will be in for some touching stories and astonishing surprises.

 

 

 

THE CASTLE`S WILD MASTER

Film (53min): in production

This is the story of the true masters of Heidelberg Castle, ranging from the bats in the catacombs to the falcon that’s watching over the country from the tower top.

SATOYAMA

International co-production with NHK and ARTE: in production

Satoyama examines traditionally grown symbiotic relationships between peoples and their environment and the harmony resulting from its sustainable use.

FANTASTIC CREATURES

Ongoing series (5 min each) for the German and international market: in production.
Spectacular shots illustrating incredible stories of dangerous, bizarre but also wonderful sea creatures.