Specialist Factual Shines for Terra Mater Studios

Nature documentaries resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, “especially families, educators and those passionate about the environment,” says Sabine Holzer, head of specialist factual at Terra Mater Studios. “There’s still an unbroken demand for natural history programs.”

On the one hand, she says, natural history can be perfect escapism. On the other, Holzer cites an increasing desire to learn about nature, “probably because people are aware of the nearing collapse. Frequently used in classrooms and educational programs, these documentaries serve as valuable learning tools, making them particularly attractive to parents and educators.”

There are also more opportunities to experience natural history content for a broader audience due to outlets such as FAST channels, YouTube and TikTok, says Holzer. “Cutting-edge technology brings audiences closer to the action than ever before. Along with a fresh visual approach and storytelling tailored to specific audiences, we can reach customers who were previously inaccessible through traditional television channels.”

Terra Mater Studios’ films have aired in more than 100 countries, showcasing their universal appeal and ability to connect with audiences globally. “Terra Mater Studios stands out for its exceptional expertise and experience in creating award-winning nature documentaries,” says Holzer. “The team of top-tier filmmakers, scientists and experts bring deep knowledge and passion to every project. We try to blend stunning visuals with engaging narratives that both educate and entertain, often highlighting untold stories of the natural world with fresh insights. With cutting-edge technology, drone cinematography and advanced underwater techniques, we ensure our films are visually striking and immersive. Last but not least, we’re also dedicated to ethical, sustainable filmmaking, aiming to inspire conservation and environmental awareness.”

Also, Terra Mater Studios maintains a robust social media presence, connecting with millions of nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This engaged audience serves as a built-in fan base, supporting new releases and promotional efforts.

For MIPCOM, the company is putting the spotlight on Katavi—Africa’s Fallen Paradise. The new three-part series—from the makers of The Lions Rule and The Bastard King—takes viewers into the unusual, secluded world of Katavi National Park in southern Tanzania, capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event: during a very special year, a severe drought and flood due to a 90-year cyclic change in climate makes life increasingly difficult over the course of the seasons.

Also an African story, Kosha—The Secret Life of a Pangolin follows the journey of an orphaned baby pangolin rescued from poachers and the team of local Zimbabweans who support her right to be a wild and free pangolin. The heartfelt tale offers new insight into how to save the most trafficked mammal on the planet through groundbreaking science.

The royal drama of Jaipur’s Jhalana forest is on display in Leopard Dynasty, in which wild leopards reign supreme. “This is more than a wildlife documentary,” says Holzer. “It’s an epic tale of lineage, legacy and the raw majesty of nature. Join us for a story of power, family and the wild heart of Jaipur.”

Nature’s Return brings viewers close to success stories in nature. It highlights how, all across the planet, even when faced with apparently impossible conditions, life persists.

The lineup of upcoming projects covers a variety of topics designed to “engage family audiences, appealing to both traditional TV and streaming platforms,” says Holzer. “As always, we are eager to speak with presale or co-production partners.”

One of the highlights of the future-projects portfolio is Mara: Rebirth, which looks at one of the most covered and well-known ecosystems but dives deeper into a side of it that is almost never seen.

A two-part miniseries, American Amazon is a journey into the last secret wilderness in North America.

This year, Terra Mater Studios also has two festive films for the holiday season in its portfolio. In Nature of Christmas, filmmakers explore the connection between animals, plants and mystical landscapes with this beloved holiday. Christmas in the Alps is a journey into the heart of the Alps during this enchanting season.

As of late, FAST channels have been furthering the reach of this type of natural history content, according to Holzer. “FAST channels offer a cost-effective way to distribute content and generate advertising revenue,” she says. With the rise of digital trends, natural history programming is well-positioned to deliver exceptional content to a global audience.”

Terra Mater Studios partnered with distributor Autentic to launch its own FAST channel, Terra Mater WILD, which is now available on all major platforms in German-speaking Europe. “Building on this success, we aim to expand into other markets, particularly English-speaking and potentially Spanish-speaking regions,” Holzer says. “The U.S. market, in particular, is far more advanced than others in terms of advertising spend, though other territories are gradually catching up. In addition to extending the shelf life of high-quality natural history programming, a FAST channel provides an opportunity to experiment with new formats, such as live content.”