Brazil’s leading production entity, Globo, has entered into a groundbreaking co-production agreement with BBC Studios for a new documentary series that aims to immerse viewers in the diverse ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for Brazil as it gains traction on the global stage. This year, Walter Salles’ Globo-financed film “I’m Still Here” became the first from Brazil to win an Oscar, while Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” garnered two awards at the Cannes Film Festival, where Brazil was honored as the country of focus at Marché du Film.
The documentary will spotlight the struggle for justice among Indigenous communities and the preservation of the Amazon, emphasizing sustainable practices and the importance of living harmoniously with the forest. It will also tackle urgent issues such as illegal mining, trafficking, and deforestation. The series will be produced by BBC Studios Specialist Factual Productions, with production details to be outlined soon. BBC Studios facilitated this significant partnership and will oversee global distribution of the series.
In an interview with Variety, Janet Brown, president of Global Content Sales at BBC Studios, underscored the cooperative nature of the agreement, which emerged from a mutual goal to create content that amplifies the impact of both parties. “This isn’t a traditional co-production where we, the BBC, initiated a project and sought funding partners,” she noted. “This is a collaborative venture from the outset, with a narrative that inherently arises from Brazil. We are leveraging BBC Studios’ exceptional factual production team to bring this story to fruition. As a sales team, we’re thrilled to present content that remains true to its roots while appealing to global audiences.”
Brown emphasized that this collaboration is about enhancing their longstanding partnership with Globo in the natural history and science domain. “We are expanding our collaboration through this co-production, and that’s what we strive for in any strong partnership — to grow together,” she remarked.
Gabriel Jacome, director of content at TV Globo, shared Brown’s enthusiasm, describing the collaboration with the BBC as “deeply inspiring.” He stated, “The BBC’s legacy of creative excellence and editorial integrity has influenced countless audiences globally. What excites us most about this project is the genuine exchange of ideas.”
“This partnership enhances our distribution capabilities, opens doors for co-production opportunities, and strengthens our engagement in global discussions around sustainable practices, communication, and inclusion,” he continued. “More importantly, it showcases Brazilian creativity, demonstrating that our stories can resonate well beyond our borders, illustrating how compelling narratives can reflect and reshape societies.”
Discussing the complexities of this inaugural deal, Brown acknowledged it took considerable time to navigate. “When you compare this to established co-production relationships, like those with ZDF, this first one is going to require some groundwork. We’re very eager to build from this point onward, ensuring that both the production and the final content align effectively for international audiences and their channel.”
Brown also mentioned that the initial project is intended to be on a “modest scale” compared to some of the BBC’s flagship productions. This approach means that the series will have a shorter runtime and a more focused narrative, which is aimed at ensuring logistical efficiency and budget considerations that will foster success for this debut project, paving the way for future endeavors.
On addressing the common trend of international productions portraying the Amazon, Brown reassured that this was a central topic of dialogue from the project’s inception. She emphasized that the BBC is dedicated to a collaborative approach that authentically represents the region, utilizing local talent and input to ensure that the project is interesting and relevant.
“The goal is to collaborate with an authentic perspective, grounded in Brazilian viewpoints,” she affirmed. “This principle is woven into the planning and logistics from the very beginning.”
Jacome added that it is “crucial” for narratives surrounding Brazil and the Amazon to be told authentically, from the viewpoints of those who truly understand and inhabit the region. “Historically, international productions have often portrayed these stories from a detached perspective, capturing stunning visuals but overlooking the essential human narratives that sustain the ecosystem.”
“As the primary storyteller from Brazil, Globo bears both the responsibility and honor of integrating that local voice into the global narrative,” he stated. “We understand the communities, their rhythms, complexities, and aspirations. My first journey to the Amazon reshaped my perceptions profoundly. This is why I’ve invited our BBC partners to move beyond aerial views of the forest, diving deeper into the realities faced by those living, working, and protecting that land.”
