Forget nature documentaries where the host observes serenely from a distance. Bertie Gregory gets right into the heart of the action – mud, mosquitos, and unpredictable encounters included. His series, “Animals Up Close,” arriving on ABC Family this Tuesday, presents a different kind of wildlife viewing. It’s focused on the unvarnished reality of the animal kingdom and the demanding, often messy, process of filming it.
Armed with advanced technology, Gregory aims to bring audiences unusually close to remarkable creatures in their element. Viewers follow him and his crew as they contend with harsh environments, from frigid polar settings to humid jungles. The series doesn’t smooth over the difficulties; it puts the unpredictable nature of filming in remote locations front and center, showing how quickly plans must adapt when dealing with wildlife and volatile conditions.
As the team travels the globe, the program documents not just animal behavior but also the crew’s own adjustments to sudden obstacles – shifting weather, elusive subjects, and logistical hurdles. Gregory provides a candid look at the sheer effort required to capture these powerful moments, illustrating that creating compelling nature television often involves significant human endurance alongside the animal stories.
“Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory” premieres Tuesday, 6 May at 8:30 PM on ABC Family and streams on ABC iview.
