Safari Docu-Series
INTRODUCTION
In Africa is a landmark docu-series hosted by noted South African safari guide, filmmaker and conservationist James Suter and his production team.
Set on the spectacular continent of Africa, James takes viewers on eco-safari in a series exploring the challenges and opportunities of the hot-button environmental issues of the moment alongside the most compelling personalities of our day.
Guest celebrities are “Pathfinders” and it’s through their eyes the viewer experiences all the power, wonder and majesty of Africa.
Our guide will be noted South African safari guide, conservationist, filmmaker James Suter.
James and his team bring... MORE
In Africa features award winning cinematography. All footage in this reel filmed by and © James Suter.
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THE PATH
Before Progress, comes Awareness. In Africa will engage viewers in the most pressing issues of the day through startling imagery, remarkable characters, provocative storylines and sublime scenery.
LEARN
Awareness = Progress. In Africa will engage viewers in the most pressing issues of the day through startling imagery, unforgettable characters, provocative storylines and sublime settings.
THE PATH
SLIDE 1:
Before progress, comes awareness. In Africa will engage viewers in the most pressing issues of the day through startling imagery, unforgettable characters, provocative storylines and sublime settings.
The need to defend Africa’s wildlife and wilderness has never been greater. We all know the challenges faced from problems like poaching, deforestation and trafficking. But the people and stories around these issues are not tragedies, they are the ultimate dramas. Where the stakes really are life and death. Drama connects. Audiences relate and engage.
SLIDE 2:
Using world class cinematography, state of the art technology and powerful, engaging storytelling, James and the team dramatically illustrate one-on-one the stories of the people most affected by the issues in Africa.
SLIDE 3:
High stakes storytelling that attracts and engages critical mass [VIRALITY*] viral media / engaging films… adventures...This is what In Africa brings to the screen, as never seen before.
THE PITCH
PITCH
This is no armchair safari for celebrity 'Pathfinders'. InAfrica delivers tailor made high-stakes, grand adventure, from the most vibrant and dangerous continent on the planet. This means close encounters with wildlife, people and communities.
Each bespoke adventure is tailored around a mission/cause our Pathfinder is passionate about.
on the way, Each day exposes us to the unique joy, heartbreak and sense of wonder that can only be found InAfrica. And
Conversations will be directed but largely unscripted. Daily interviews are conducted by James about the day and how they felt, what happened and where they are at in their journey.
Each episode has a common structure but different locations and experiences uniquely tailored to the Pathfinder and their cause.
The series aims to offer a full-spectrum of experience. Behind-the-scenes, humorous, powerful and unplanned are the narrative touchstones. Africa has a powerful effect on people and / and the chance to see famous people let their guard down, makes for compelling content.
conservationists
THE SETTING
Is there a more breathtaking continent than Africa? From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro, the epic Rift Valley, to the impenetrable jungles of Congo and the vast watery expanse of the Okavango Delta. Every adventure of In Africa is a journey of discovery, not only into nature but a personal journey of those on the path.
Engaging, and meaningful docu-series that will contribute to positive change in Africa through beautifully filmed and conceived adventures...This is what In Africa brings to the screen.
Activist/Fundraiser approach. Reference John Oliver/Daily Show/Michael Moore engagements/viral ideas.
Crafting the message of each episode becomes a meta narrative in the show. This opens up a new dramatic front - the collaborative creative process, unfolding in ‘real-time’ in the wild, and turbocharged when ‘celebrities’ are involved…. a different/fresh angle or perspective in a way that lets them share it with their supporters/followers.
EPISODE OUTLINE
PREPARING FOR THE UNKNOWN
We meet the Pathfinder prior to the trip. What are their expectations, fears and hopes?
ARRIVAL
On the ground in Africa we meet James and his team.
An introduction to the people and the place is followed by a primer on the issue at hand.
CALL TO ACTION
Each episode will spotlight one issue.
We’ll learn more about the challenge and what the team's task is.
ON THE MOVE
We travel to the affected area, experiencing wildlife and local people along the way.
GETTING OUR HANDS DIRTY
Meeting and time spent with individuals directly involved in the cause/issue.
Impactful human moments/funny moments/emotional moments
PATHFINDER POV
We hear our Pathfinder’s views on the experience and the issue.
THAT’S A WRAP
Words from the team at the end of the trip and behind-the-scenes footage.
THE AFRICAN CONTINENT IS SO LARGE YOU CAN FIT CHINA, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA AND INDIA INTO IT.
SEASON ONE
BANKSY in AFRICA The world renowned anonymous street artist, political activist, Oscar nominated film director and avowed environmentalist has created arrestedly powerful and insightful street art all over the world, but never in Africa. The premiere episode of In Africa will change that. The episode will focus on pollution, eco system protection and activism. Undercover, Banksy will create new pieces in Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya, the largest slum in Africa. The works will be strategically placed on NGO properties as an unorthodox fundraising mechanism for the charities and will ‘make news’ providing a high profile launch for series one of In Africa.
GRETA THUNBERG in AFRICA
Greta Thunberg is a 15 year old environmental activist who rose to prominence in 2018 when her school climate strike spread worldwide making her a prominent spokesperson for environmental causes and global warming in particular. Greta has travelled across the world (avoiding airplanes) to speak to leading political figures and argue for urgent action to reverse an imminent environmental disaster. Greta will travel to the Sahel where the Addax Gazelle and Savannah Elephant are seriously endangered due to climate fueled armed conflicts. She will then visit Cape Town, to see how a 1000 year drought brought the first major city in the world within weeks of running out of water.
PRINCE HARRY in AFRICA In this episode of In Africa, Pathfinder Prince Harry who said “I am more myself than anywhere in the world when I am in Africa", will spend a week deep in the bush with James and the team on a safari tightly focused on the issues dear to the prince's heart: environmental and sustainable economic development via eco tourism and counter poaching operations. James’s team have previously worked with Prince's Trust organizations on environmental issues.
LEONARDO DI CAPRIO in AFRICA
The Oscar winning actor and global icon is as well known for his environmental advocacy as his on-screen work. In this episode of In Africa, Leo will go on an in-depth adventure into the heart of the Maasai Mara to confront head on, climate resiliency, eco system protection & and indigenous community support. It was once a rite of passage for a Maasai warrior to kill a lion to prove his bravery. But the relationship between lions and Maasai has changed and they now live alongside and help protect them. Leonardo and James will dig into this transition and how it is sustaining the local community.
TAYLOR SWIFT in AFRICA The multi Grammy winning popstar will visit Senegal with James to see up close and personal the positive impact of arts and education programs on children in poverty. She will visit a HipHop workshop in Pikine township and perform with local artists in an impromptu jam at Dakar’s iconic hilltop lighthouse venue Le Phare, with views of the city’s 330 mile coastline. To close out the episode the team will visit the legendary Flamingo swarms at Senegal’s Djoudj National Park, a World Heritage site.
THE OBAMA'S in AFRICA
When Obama became president his portrait was painted on walls, buses and T-shirts across Africa. Businesses, schools and even children were named after him. This episode will retrace his steps as "son of the soil" to Africa as he visits conservation leaders from his Young African Leaders Initiative (Yali) that help youths on the continent prepare for leadership positions by providing training, networking, and skills building opportunities. More than 250,000 African’s have since joined the network. As one of the most recognized and beloved people in Africa, his episode presents many opportunities for groundbreaking TV.
– Sample Shows –
(a) Banksy/Art intervention saves clinic
(b) Massai/Lion co-existence with Di Caprio
(c) Pres Obama on Mobile banking, healthcare
(d) Prince Harry with the Northern White Rhinos
PATHFINDERS
Pathfinders are the celebrity guests on In Africa. It is their cause and adventure. James is the guide.
