Rare’s The River flows for BBC Four
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 10 May 2019

In its inaugural order under a new banner following the merger of 360 Production and ScreenCut TV, independent production company Rare TV has reported its first commission with The River: A Year in the Life of The Tay, for BBC Four.

In the 90-minute feature-length documentary, writer and naturalist Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) tells the story over the course of a year of Scotland’s largest river, as it transforms from a small Highland burn to the torrent that meets the North Sea at Dundee. Mixing natural history, travelogue and cutting-edge science it examines how microorganisms found in the river can tell us about the origins of all complex lifeforms.

The film’s cast of characters range from the Atlantic salmon to the microscopic creatures that live in the 117-mile river as well as the people helping preserve the Tay’s natural treasures, as it passes through many of Scotland’s most beautiful regions.

The film will be executive produced for Rare TV by creative director Rory Wheeler and Belinda Cherrington. It will be produced and directed by Nathan Budd (Yellowstone; Springwatch). The commissioning editor for the BBC is Emeka Onono. It was ordered by BBC Four channel editor Cassian Harrison and head of commissioning Tom McDonald.

“The coming together of Helen Macdonald and the Tay promises to deliver a truly spectacular documentary,” commented Rory Wheeler. “Helen’s passion for wild places is infectious. The River has it all, from natural wonders to human endeavours. We’re proud and excited to be producing another landmark programme for the BBC.”