Falmouth filmmakers commissioned by the BBC to share stories of positivity

Anna Roberts, senior lecturer on BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography, and alumni Izzy Carveth, Caylon La Mantia and Prady Samant have produced The Audacious, a mini-series telling the stories of audacious people around the world who are finding solutions to our climate and ecological crises. 

Working as part of Cornwall-based production company Storm Force Films, the series has been in production for six months, having been commissioned by BBC Sustainability Lead Gaby Hornsby and developed with funding awarded by the BFI Young Audiences Content Fund. 

Released to coincide with COP27, the episodes explore an array of solutions, from making cities healthier and happier places to live, to exploring sustainable careers, and safeguarding the future while living a fun and fulfilling life.  

The series particularly looks at how relentless negative news about the future of the planet can have a damaging impact on peoples’ mental health - particularly young people – and, most importantly, how finding out about the many solutions that exist can dispel this anxiety about the future. 

This series is a power-up for anyone who wants to be able to feel excited about the solutions and possibilities that are out there.

Anna directed all three episodes. She told us: “The constant bad news about the future is making young people feel hopeless. So, our brilliant crew of filmmakers set out on a mission to find the most inspirational ride-or-die people who are flipping the story of our future from doom to boom, from all over the world - from Derby to Egypt, and London to India.  

“The stories we hear and tell define who we are and what we think is possible, and currently the stories we hear about our future are all pretty hopeless. The Audacious changes this story, which is so important for young people right now. We’ve been incredibly lucky to work with a talented, honest and dedicated young crew to bring inspiration and empowerment to our audience. This series is a power-up for anyone who wants to be able to feel excited about the solutions and possibilities that are out there.” 

The first two episodes were released on the BBC website, YouTube channel and Our Planet Now home page earlier this week and were featured prominently on the BBC homepage. The third episode will be released on the same platforms later this week. You can watch the series here.

Find out more about BA(Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography