TV Showrunner Sarah Gibbs of ‘INCREDIBLE ANIMAL JOURNEYS’ from National Geographic On The Message She Hopes Viewers Take From The Docuseries
Being passionate about the natural world, we aim to use our platform to showcase the awe-inspiring stories of wildlife, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our planet. Instead of focusing solely on negative aspects, we strive to demonstrate the beauty of our world and why it deserves protection. The series highlights the global impact of local changes, such as ocean pollution affecting marine life and temperature fluctuations impacting animals in Africa. By working closely with scientists, our TV production funds research projects, contributes to conservation efforts, and supports initiatives like bat boxes for migrating species. Sharing footage with scientists and engaging in community outreach further extends the impact of our work beyond the television screen.
I had the pleasure to interview Sarah Gibbs, TV Showrunner for ‘INCREDIBLE ANIMAL JOURNEYS’ from National Geographic and Plimsoll Productions.
We might think we are the world’s greatest explorers, but we’re not. Millions of animals migrate across our planet daily using routes passed down through generations. INCREDIBLE ANIMAL JOURNEYS puts us in the action as they soar, fly and swim from the Antarctic to the African savanna and the Pacific Ocean to Alaska. Join the larger-than-life protective humpback mom shepherding her newborn calf, a tiny dung beetle, a monarch butterfly, a determined barn swallow who never gives up, and many more species. Using the earth’s magnetic field, stars, the moon, ocean currents and their innate senses on land, these travelers find food, mates and their way across thousands of miles during their lifetime. Come along for the ride as Jeremy Renner narrates the wildest adventure on earth.
Can you share insights into your background and what inspired your career in bringing incredible animal stories to the screen?
I’ve always been drawn to the media and television because of my curiosity about the world. I believe that curiosity is the foundation for all storytellers. My career started in entertainment television, focusing on talk shows and comedy. I later ventured into factual television, producing a diverse range of programs, from archaeological series for Nat Geo to documentaries about the histories of sitcoms. While working on series about the British countryside in the UK, I developed a deep fascination with the natural world. This passion has driven me to create series and programming aligned with my curiosity. Collaborating with Plymouth Soul Productions in the UK, as well as Nat Geo and Disney Plus, has given me a platform to share these incredible animal stories. Animals, unlike humans, navigate the globe without maps, relying on the sun, moon, and stars, offering us a unique perspective on our world and a chance to step into theirs.
As the showrunner of “Incredible Animal Journeys,” what were the most challenging aspects of capturing migrations, and how did you overcome them?
The distinctive challenge of documenting migrations lies in the constant movement of the animals. Unlike other series where you can anticipate an animal’s location, migrations require following them on their journey. Animals, as unpredictable subjects, don’t adhere to scripts, making capturing their behavior a formidable task. The added complexity for our series was that we embarked on this project in 2020, a time when global travel was restricted. Despite these obstacles, our international team, comprising talented camera operators from the U.S. and Australia, allowed us to overcome the limitations. Navigating inhospitable terrains where these animals thrive and meeting the high standards set by Nat Geo and Disney Plus added to the challenge. We aimed for unprecedented footage, world-first behaviors, and collaborations with scientists, pushing us into uncharted territory.
What surprising discoveries or standout moments impacted you while working on the series?
The journey of creating “Incredible Animal Journeys” has spanned three years, revealing the extraordinary stories of various species. Beyond the well-known migrations of animals like wildebeests and caribou, the series uncovers the remarkable journeys of smaller creatures. A particularly striking story involves a barn swallow, a bird the size of your hand, undertaking a 6,000-mile journey from South Africa to the UK to reunite with its lifelong mate. Witnessing the challenges this tiny bird faces, from evading predators like a tigerfish to navigating the Sahara desert, showcases the ordinary magic present in the animal kingdom. Additionally, our humpback whale storyline brought forth world-first moments, such as capturing the first-ever footage of a humpback birth and revealing the devastating impact of fishing gear on these majestic creatures. These moments, both heartwarming and heartbreaking, offer a comprehensive view of life in the animal kingdom.
Are there misconceptions about animal migrations in the series you’d like to clarify?
While it’s challenging to pinpoint specific misconceptions, one common belief is that migrations involve mass movements of animals. Although some migrations, like those of caribou, do feature large herds, many animals undertake solo journeys. For instance, a green turtle embarks on a solitary 30-year oceanic journey before uniting with its peers, and a polar bear travels with its cubs. Recognizing the diversity in migratory patterns, from solo travelers to group migrations, provides a more accurate understanding of these incredible journeys.
How do you use your platform to contribute to wildlife conservation or environmental awareness?
Being passionate about the natural world, we aim to use our platform to showcase the awe-inspiring stories of wildlife, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our planet. Instead of focusing solely on negative aspects, we strive to demonstrate the beauty of our world and why it deserves protection. The series highlights the global impact of local changes, such as ocean pollution affecting marine life and temperature fluctuations impacting animals in Africa. By working closely with scientists, our TV production funds research projects, contributes to conservation efforts, and supports initiatives like bat boxes for migrating species. Sharing footage with scientists and engaging in community outreach further extends the impact of our work beyond the television screen.
How can the audience stay updated on the series and watch “Incredible Animal Journeys”?
“Incredible Animal Journeys” series premieres on NatGeo TV in the U.S. on November 19th at 9/8 central, followed by its release on Disney+ on November 20th. All episodes will be available at once on Disney+. We will keep the audience informed through social media, sharing news and behind-the-scenes stories.
Timed perfectly for Thanksgiving, the series offers a heartwarming experience as viewers witness relatable animal journeys, mirroring the familial journeys many embark on during the holiday season. We hope audiences will watch, gain insight into our remarkable natural world, and feel inspired to contribute to its protection.
Thank you for your time and for sharing your expertise with us, Sarah.
