The making of Planet Earth II comes to the University of Birmingham

The BBC’s hugely popular wildlife series Planet Earth II is coming to the University of Birmingham, as part of the 2017 Royal Television Society Baird Lecture: The Making of a Natural History 'Blockbuster'.

The illustrated talk, which has now sold out, will be held at the University Elgar Concert Hall, where the BBC’s creative Director of Factual and Natural History, Mike Gunton, will take the audience on a ride through the trials, tribulations and approach taken to create a landmark series of such a scale.

As a creative director, Mike’s series are often described as having their own stamp of innovative storytelling, using unique perspectives and pioneering technology, in order to create empathy and a curiosity in the natural world.

Dr James Walters, Head of the Department of Film and Creative Writing, University of Birmingham said: 'Planet Earth II is a landmark in British television history and we are delighted to welcome Mike Gunton to the University of Birmingham to share first-hand his experiences and insights.

‘This talk will provide our audience with a compelling audio-visual accompaniment to the series, and an opportunity to revisit some of its unforgettable moments.’

Planet Earth II, which aired before Christmas reached audiences of over 15 million in the UK.

It is the second time The Royal Society have hosted the Baird Lecture at the University of Birmingham, with the inaugural being held on campus in 2006 when Mark Thompson, Director General of the BBC, gave the first lecture launching the BBC’s iPlayer. 

Tickets for the event have now sold out, for more information about joining the waiting list email here

For more media enquiries please contact Rebecca Hume Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)121 414 9041. 

For out of hours media enquiries, please call: +44 (0) 7813521270

• The event is free, but registration is required

• Mike Gunton has been making wildlife films for over 30 years. Within his dual role, he works as an Executive Producer on many BBC titles, acts as an ambassador for BBC Worldwide and is responsible for bringing new stories and filming techniques to audiences.

• Mike’s work within the Natural History Unit has seen him establish the ‘People and Animals’ output, run The Natural World strand and oversee more than 140 wildlife films including many award winning and critically acclaimed series. These include Yellowstone, Life, Africa, Shark, Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur and Life Story. Mike is also responsible for the Natural History Unit’s most recent success; Planet Earth II.