Channel 4 has commissioned Wonderhood Studios to produce a new four-part documentary series following Britain’s pet owners through the pregnancy and birth of their pets.
Embedded in vet practices across the country Fur Babies (4×60’, w/t) will use a s”tate-of-the art” rig to capture all the important moments in pet pregnancy from initial ultrasounds and pregnancy checks, through to the labours, complications, and the final moments when the young pets are rehomed and meet their new families.
Vets James Greenwood and Bolu Eso use the latest in medical technology and their expert skills to help nervous owners and their pets through pregnancy to a safe delivery, whether it is cats, dogs, guinea pigs or rabbits. The series also follows pet owners across the country at home to capture all the drama and joy at the births of their new Fur Babies and spends time understanding their love of their pet.
James Greenwood says: “Pet pregnancy is not always an easy road. We want to highlight the ups and downs of pet pregnancies and show how important it is for families that are thinking of breeding their pets to do so under the guidance and support of their vets, as we’ve seen first-hand the upsetting consequences of unscrupulous pet breeding over the past few years.”
Bolu Esu adds: “It’s exciting to be part of a programme that’s focusing on the nuances of pet ownership and here we are first hand, able to showcase the marvel of pet pregnancies but also demonstrate all the factors that contribute to breeding our pets responsibly. Being able to help families navigate the intricacies of their pet’s pregnancy will hopefully serve as a great teachable moment.”
Clemency Green, Senior Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 comments: “The arrival of a furry family member is a special time, but it is not always smooth sailing. This fascinating series will follow the sometimes nail-biting events leading up to that day. Using a state-of-the-art rig used in medical programmes the series will give viewers the unique chance to follow the pregnancy, birth, and early days of these Fur Babies.”
Samantha Anstiss, Chief Creative Officer, Wonderhood Studios says: “As a nation of pet lovers, we all love our Fur Babies, and beautiful life moments are captured in this entertaining series from scans when the first signs of life are identified to tense nail biting scenes where pet owners watch their pet give birth – the series will be the perfect mix of heart-warming stories as well as an informative look at how vets use all of their skills to ensure our pets give birth safely and responsibly.”
Fur Babies (w/t) is produced by Wonderhood Studios in association with All3Media International. Joy Ash is series producer and series director, with Phil Broadhurst series directing supported by executive producers Mandy Thomson and Samantha Anstiss. It was commissioned by Senior Commissioning Editor Clemency Green with Head of Daytime and Features Jo Street.
Jon Creamer
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