New Zealand from Above

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• 10/2012 - "New Zealand from Above" this week on arte

  Our visually stunning documentary series “New Zealand from Above” will be shown on TV for the first time. From 8th [...]

  Our visually stunning documentary series "New Zealand from Above" will be shown on TV for the first time. From 8th to 12th of October the cultural channel arte airs every day at 7.30 pm one episode of the five-part series. Impressive nature pictures give an insight in the fascinating landscape, the diverse culture and the incredible beauty of these pacific islands. monday 08.10. at 7.30pm on arte / episode 1: " The Far South" tuesday 09.10. at 7.30pm on arte / episode 2: "Central South Island" wednesday 10.10. at 7.30pm on arte / episode 3: "The West Coast and Northern South Island" thursday 11.10. at 7.30pm on arte / episode 4: "Southern North Island and Volcanic Plateau" friday 12.10. at 7.30pm on arte / episode 5: "Northland"  

  
  

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New Zealand from Above

How does this mystical, but dangerous landscape inspire its inhabitants? We go on a filmic journey through the country, which was the backdrop for fantasy-films like “Lord of the Rings” or just recently „The Hobbit“. Equipped with a helicopter and high-end technology we discover New Zealand from above. Landscapes, which are already fascinating from the ground, will reveal secrets and patterns of incredible beauty from a birds’ perspective. From episode to episode the journey takes us from the deep south of the South Island to the northern tip of the North Island. We will meet New Zealanders, which will show us their home country and introduce us to their culture.

The first station of our journey is the Fiordland National Park, a nature reserve founded in 1952. Later on, in 1986, it became part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage, because of its unique fiord and water landscape. We travel along the Southern Alps, a region famous for its many lakes formed by glaciers and connected with canals. These canals are used for generating power and some are even used for salmon farming.
The West Coast of the South Island is covered by thick impenetrable rainforests and carved by fiords. High mountains drop down to the ocean creating a wild, rugged coastline. This is the only place, where the Maori greenstone, Pounamu, is found. In the Maori Culture the Pounamo plays an important role. In early days it was used as a weapon and today it is still worn as jewelery.

Our round-trip takes us on the Northern Island to the volcanic plateau in the centre and we discover a geothermal magic world: active volcanoes, hot springs and mud pools allow a glance into the earth’s interior.
The biggest town of the country, Auckland, is located on the narrowest land strip, at some parts only one kilometre wide. Auckland is often called “City of Sails” and some say the island has more yachts then inhabitants. Further north on the western coast an archipelago with numerous active volcanic islands has created a unique marine world. Even Orcas are frequently seen here.

The trip ends at the northern tip of the country. This is the place, where according to the Maori legend, the souls depart from earth.

Director: Bruce Morrison, Serge Ou

Script: James Heyward, Bruce Morrison

Aerial Cinematography: Andy Salek

Cinematography: Martyn Williams, Simon Baumfield, Hugh Barnard
Editor: Dan Llewellyn
Composer: Milan Meyer-Kaya, Peter Imig

Sound recordist: John Patrick, Daniel Wardrop

Assistant director: Hugh Barnard

Sound design: Nick Munnings, Matt Nightingale

3D Animations: Eye Candy Animation

Line producer: Liz DiFiore, Kathrin Isberner

Post production manager: Jerry Helliwell, Philipp Weigold

Executive Producer: Kerstin Meyer-Beetz, Anna Bolster, Andy Salek, Michael Tear

Producer: Christian Beetz, James Heyward

Commissioning Editor ZDF/ARTE: Martin Pieper


Coproduction

• New Zealand from Above - Fiords and Rain Forests

  ZDFinfokanal
  18 May 2013 at 1.30 pm

• New Zealand from Above - The Southern Alps

  ZDFinfokanal
  18 May 2013 at 2.15 pm

• New Zealand from Above - New Zealand's Wild West

  ZDFinfokanal
  20 May 2013 at 11.15 am

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 4

  arte
  11 October 2012 at 7.30 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 5

  arte
  12 October 2012 at 7.30 pm

• New Zealand from Above – Episode 1

  arte
  15 October 2012 at 6.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 2

  arte
  16 October 2012 at 6.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 3

  arte
  17 October 2012 at 6.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 4

  arte
  18 October 2012 at 6.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 5

  arte
  19 October 2012 at 6.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 2

  arte
  23 October 2012 at 1.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 3

  arte
  24 October 2012 at 1.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above - Episode 4

  arte
  25 October 2012 at 1.25 pm

• New Zealand from Above – Episode 5

  arte
  26 October 2012 at 1.25 pm