Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography goes into production
We are thrilled to announce that our new feature documentary Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography will go into production in November, 2020.
Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography is the epic story of the most talked about but least understood element on earth. Carbon in nature, industry, culture, war and love. Carbon’s life story is an epic journey from the death of a star to the birth of the modern world, towards an understanding of today’s most vital issues: energy, climate and survival. Told through intimate testimonials from those who know Carbon deeply, we also hear Carbon’s life story in her own words. Carbon is not the enemy. Carbon is life.
“The word carbon comes loaded; we are very excited to present a fresh, beautiful and empowering look at this extraordinary element and its power to shape all life on earth.” Daniella Ortega, Writer and Co-Director.
An Australian / Canadian co-production between Genepool Productions and Handful of Films produced in association with ABC, CBC and ARTE, Carbon: An Unauthorised Biography, received principal production investment from Screen Australia in association with the Canadian Media Fund and support from Film Victoria and Rogers Documentary Fund. It was developed with assistance from Film Victoria and the Shark Island Institute.
“As with all our films, our intention is to illuminate a significant science story in ways that avoid polarisation and help us better understand our complex world. This film will be spectacular, illuminating and revelatory.” Sonya Pemberton, Executive Producer.
Genepool Productions began developing Carbon over four years ago. Today, the company is excited to be partnering with Canadian science specialists, Handful of Films, with founder Niobe Thompson as co-director and producer. An anthropologist and science host, Niobe is known to audiences around the world for his fascination with the human journey, from our evolutionary origins to the present day.
“Carbon is the conductor of the symphony of life, with the chameleon ability to serve us in so many ways. A celebration of the most misunderstood character on the periodic table, this will be a fresh start for our relationship with life’s atom.” Niobe Thompson, Co-Director & Producer.
Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography is the first documentary to be supported by the new creative and commercial collaboration between Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
“CBC and ABC feel like natural production partners. We are delighted to be working together on this exciting and timely project.” Sue Dando, Executive Producer, ‘The Nature of Things’, CBC.
“The ABC and CBC both have proud histories of telling informative stories in innovative ways. ‘Carbon’ continues that tradition, taking a bold and exciting approach to a fascinating and hugely influential element.” Stephen Oliver, Manager, Documentaries ABC.
ARTE France was an early supporter of Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography and has also come onboard as a broadcast partner.
“ARTE is heavily involved in popularising science through provocative and creative documentaries like Carbon. We are very happy to partner with Genepool once again; we share the same goals of enlightening and deciphering the world we live in.” Hélène Coldefy, Head of Specialist Factual, ARTE.
Carbon will have a theatrical release with Australian theatrical distribution by Umbrella Entertainment as well as a global television release with worldwide television sales managed by TVF International.
Carbon: The Unauthorised Biography
Writer Daniella Ortega
Directors Daniella Ortega & Niobe Thompson
Producers Sonya Pemberton, Lucy Maclaren & Niobe Thompson