Wonderhood Studios has secured access to one of the UK’s leading fetal medicine units for its first documentary series for Channel 4.
Baby Surgeons (w/t) will witness the journey some parents go through to save their babies, during complex and sometimes precarious pregnancies. With access to St George’s Hospital, a centre for specialist fetal care, the series will showcase some of the most pioneering baby surgery in the world, often performed inside the womb. The observational series will also use CGI, MRI and Ultrasound to enhance the view of baby through these often high risk procedures, creating a unique window into the womb.
As expectant mothers, partners and families face some of the toughest choices of their lives, the films will follow their journey of decision making as they are supported by the medical and surgical teams through to birth, to ultimately improve their babies’ chances of survival.
The series is commissioned by C4 Documentary Commissioner, Alisa Pomeroy. The series will be directed by James W. Newton and Executive Produced by Wonderhood’s Chief Creative Officer, Samantha Anstiss, and in-house Exec Producer, Katharine Patrick.
Patrick says “The incredible scientific advances in the fetal medicine world is not something we’re often aware of and this series, alongside the very real and often heartbreakingly ethical dilemmas that expectant parents face, is an extremely privileged look into the world of the cutting-edge surgeons carrying out such delicate and sensitive operations.”
Newton says “Modern medicine is now making even the trickiest of pregnancies possible, where previously babies may not have survived. As a result, medical staff and pregnant mothers can face difficult decisions as they navigate when, how or even if they should intervene. It’s sensitive access, but the team here are really supportive and my hope is that these deeply personal stories will show how, when it comes to having a baby, there are often no right or wrong choices.”
Alisa Pomeroy, Commissioner Editor, Documentaries, added; “Wonderhood has secured phenomenal access to the remarkable work of these pioneering surgeons at St George’s Hospital. The series will no doubt offer up both a fascinating and emotionally challenging insight into the extremely delicate and highly complex medical support that is provided to all those concerned.”
Professor Basky Thilaganathan, Clinical Director for the Fetal Medicine Unit at St George’s, said: “As a designated centre for specialist fetal care and multiple births, we care for a number of babies each year that require surgical intervention in the womb, or soon after birth. This series is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the experiences of families we treat at St George’s, as well as the many different staff and specialist teams involved in their care.”
Jon Creamer
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