A new show, Seasonal Wonderlands, highlights some of the earth’s greatest spectacles, showcasing how animals and plants adapt to the seasons and the stunning transformations that occur thereafter. Paul Williams, the wildlife TV director and producer of the first episode, shares how he felt revived with Team Viva
Imagine a frozen landscape, an absolute white blanket with no sign of life anywhere, except for an occasional reindeer. After just a few weeks, the sun came out. Then it rose higher each day. The snow started melting, flowers and insects burst out bright while birds arrived from different parts of Europe. And the desolate patch of land turned a vibrant green.
Set in three of the most seasonally changeable landscapes on earth, the new series on Sony BBC Earth, Seasonal Wonderlands, reveals the stunning transformations that occur each year and how wildlife copes with them. In Svalbard, one can follow the transformation from a dark, frozen winter to the rich Tundra, home to birds, Arctic foxes, polar bears, walrus and reindeer. In the Okavango Delta, the film reveals how the yearly flood not only transforms the landscape and impacts the lives of the animals that live here but also creates an extraordinary delta. And in New England, as the vivid greens of summer give way to the blazing reds of the fall, the final film shows how the trees work hand in hand with the forest’s inhabitants to create this vibrant fiesta. We talk to Paul Williams, the wildlife TV director and producer of the first episode:
How did you conceptualise the series?
We have been making a small series about Nature’s changing shades across the different parts of the world such as Mexico and Amsterdam for quite a few years now. We wanted to do something different with this three-part series including New England, Okavango and Svalbard. And the thought of seasonal change was quite fascinating to me. There was a story to be told. Seasons in different parts of the world change in different ways. We, thereafter, researched more about it and found the places people would love to travel. Based on our own experience, we found these three locations have interesting insights and many stories to share. New England is about forests and changes in life there, Svalbard is about a frozen landscape with barely anything moving. This series is all about life transformation, animal interaction and personal connection. We want to connect everything, from tiny little creatures to great changers. It is about how life changes within seconds.
What are some of the remarkable finds you chanced upon while filming this series?
We are all naturalists and love to dig deep into the natural world. We have come across many different things, which were stories naturally connected to each other. One of the things I found most surprising is how connected animals are to the changing seasons. It’s interesting how a single place could give remarkable stories. From the bond between animals to the changing nature, all were vibrating positivity. When we were in the forests in New England, we were starving and wanted to come out of shade, and it required a lot of patience but the positive vibes over there let us do everything with our heart for the rest of the world to see. I personally loved how people were connected to each other and were involved in giving their best for the series. These were the moments where I would pinch myself, where we are enjoying the wonders of nature closer, capturing those moments for the rest of the world to see. It’s about showing people the wonders of our planet.
The series is set in three of the most seasonally changeable landscapes on earth. Can you explain how these seasonal transformations affect the wildlife there?
Fundamentally, these changes are about animal reproduction and they need to fine tune with nature. So in Svalbard, for example, when change occurs, the entire landscape was frozen, there was no life anywhere, except for occasional reindeer. After just a few weeks, the sun rose higher each day and the snow started melting, flowers and insects came out, birds arrived from different parts of Europe. This was the change that we saw, a frozen land transforming into a green world. It was incredibly romantic and the timing was perfect. There is a chain reaction that happens. In New England, when snow melts and trees start growing leaves, a woodpecker arrives and when you hear woodpeckers and hummingbirds, that’s when you know that spring is on its way. That’s what we wanted to capture, everything from tiny to big landscape changes.
What were the challenges and difficulties faced while shooting the series?
One of the biggest challenges that we have faced is how to make a story about little creatures, how to narrate that story to the audience and most importantly and how to use technology. I personally went back to capture changes and it was quite difficult for me because had I missed even a single element, then the whole shoot could go down, so timing was very important. Apart from this, we struggled to get intimate shots and to get that, it requires a lot of patience. We were in the wood castle and sometimes we even climbed trees. We also made holes in trees to set up our cameras but each moment was worth it. We really cherished all those moments and put our heart to it. People can totally relate to the show and feel the essence of it.
How is this show different from the other shows you have worked on? What should the audience look forward to in this series?
I think the three places that were chosen are what many people would love to visit. And what we wanted to do was show a very intimate portrayal of those seasonal changes and connections. So it was one of those rare opportunities for the viewer to completely immerse themselves and fall in love with nature. They can escape to these magnificent places. Most of the series I have made have been global, where we travel all around the world and film different animals. But here, you have a story of these forests and how they change. Every single moment of the film is part of the bigger picture. So I feel people can sit and enjoy the changes and see it themselves.
As there is so much happening in the world with people facing too much negativity. This show is a chance to escape. It helps you to see nature and its richness. Take an hour from your routine, remain stress free, so that you can enjoy nature being at home and remain positive.
