Terra Mater Studios

25/01/2024

"Every crisis offers new opportunities to make the world a better place." ✨

These powerful words are from the glaciologist Andrea Fisher on the Austrian Academy of Sciences Website. We at Terra Mater Studios are proud to work with researchers and scientists to spread the word about nature, wildlife, and the state of our planet.🌍 Our recent documentary, "On the Precipice - The Alps," features Andrea, voted Scientist of the Year by the Club of Education and Science Journalists. Kudos to Andrea for her outstanding work, and big thanks for being a part of our project and sharing her findings with us. 🙌

Andrea's dedication to glaciology and impactful contributions to understanding climate changes through long-term glacier observation set her apart. She shares her thoughts: "The most important task of science is to create knowledge for everyone, as barrier-free as possible, and where it is needed." 💯 Andrea envisions positive change through her research: "I would like to help shape the dialogue on climate issues in a positive way, to focus on the opportunities." 💚

23/01/2024

In the semi-desert of South Africa, a remarkable family of cheetahs calls the Samara Karoo Reserve home. Meet Inara and Chilli, two devoted mothers caring for their nine adorable cubs. 🐆 Life in the vast wilderness is a delicate balance, where cohesion in the family is crucial, yet the mothers hunt independently.

Inara, despite her determination, struggles to match Chilli's hunting success. One fateful morning, Inara sets off on a solo hunting expedition, leaving her weakest cub, Shaka, under Chilli's watchful eye. As the sun rises, Inara faces setbacks in her quest for food, and the pressure mounts.

In the absence of Inara, the cubs begin to feel abandoned. 😿 Days pass, and Shaka stumbles upon the abandoned siblings. With courage and determination, he leads them back to Chilli. The once-weakest cub emerges as the savior, and Chilli, unaware of the ordeal, welcomes them with a freshly caught springbok. 💪

As Inara reappears with a bulging belly, the mystery unfolds – she's expecting new additions to the family. A new chapter begins, and under Chilli's guidance, all nine cubs flourish.

After four months, Inara takes her two newborn boys outside for the first time. She gets another opportunity to prove herself as a mother. Under Chilli's care, all nine cubs thrive; Now a new phase of life begins for her. The cubs learn how to hunt and survive in the wilderness, and Chilli will guide them in the right direction. 🐾

Watch this wildlife soapy tomorrow on :
📺 Der Geparden-Clan - Gemeinsam stark
📅 24.01.2024 I 20:15 CET

📸 Photos: © TMS / AFC / Hansa Winshaw

17/01/2024

The Angola Colobus monkey lives in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park – the largest mountain rainforest in Central Africa. These acrobatic primates spend most of their time in the dense forest canopy … unless they’re after their favorite snack. Eucalyptus is native to Australia, but local farmers planted it here for timber. It wasn’t long before Colobus monkeys were addicted. But it’s a risky journey to the eucalyptus snack bar, with fearsome insects, tea plantations, and humans to avoid. With a bold leader in charge, the monkey troop sets off. Can they fill their bellies safely? Watch our video to find out: https://bit.ly/_tea_monkey

16/01/2024

It sounds very soapy, but this really happened: A cheetah patchwork family of two females, Inara and Chilli, and nine cubs in the semi-desert of South Africa's Samara Karoo. 🐆

Chilli has been looking after the nine cubs alone for a month. Contrary to expectations, she manages to keep everyone alive - an achievement since no female cheetah has ever raised nine cubs. 💪 Meanwhile, Inara, now ready to mate again, searches for Shadow, Samara's resident male. If successful, Inara could give birth to her third cub in ninety days. 👶

With nine hungry boys in tow, Chilli takes the risk and kills a warthog. The meal is secured, but she injures her leg in the scuffle. Days later, the wound becomes infected. 😰 Chilli is too weak to hunt and the cubs are too young to fend for themselves. Without help, Chilli will die and her young will starve. The team at the Samara Nature Reserve decides to intervene: Chilli is anaesthetized, the wound is stitched, and life-saving antibiotics are administered. Now, it's up to Chilli to recover quickly enough to hunt and feed her young again.

It is possible that Inara senses the stress hormones in Chilli's urine, but in any case - by chance or intention - she heads straight for Chilli and the boys. After a month of separation, her timing is remarkable. 😱 Inara, the less experienced huntress, finally manages to kill a springbok, but only five of the nine cubs eat with her. Chilli, who was the sole provider for a month, still doesn't demand anything from Inara's meal. A week after the warthog incident, they go hunting again, this time Chilli leads the way and kills a springbok - enough to feed all the young. The mothers both remain instinctively independent, driven by a second instinct: to care for all the young. 💛🖤

Watch this wildlife soapy tomorrow on :
📺 Der Geparden-Clan - Kampf ums Überleben
📅 17.01.2024 I 20:15 CET

📸 Photos: © TMS / AFC / Hansa Winshaw

12/01/2024

Let's Kick Off 2024 with Uplifting News. 🙌 As the new year begins, what better way to start than by focusing on the positive stories that inspire hope and bring a smile to our faces? So, let's set the tone for 2024 with five news that will uplift our spirits! 🤓

09/01/2024

Meet Chilli and Inara, two cheetah queens rewriting the rules in Samara Karoo Reserve! 🐆 Their patchwork family, with nine adorable cubs, breaks the mould of solitary cheetah life. 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 They live an adventurous life, a cold morning reunion could at any time turn into a wild drama. Tension, accidental mix-ups, and a miracle night where acceptance triumphs! 🐾 And then, just when you think that harmony sets in, a twist! Chilli's bold move during a hunt leaves us wondering: Can she raise all nine cubs? 🤔

In this wildlife soap opera, observe the unlikely bond between Chilli, Inara, and their extraordinary cubs. Can love conquer the wild? 🥰

And that's not all! Inara's newfound freedom takes her on a quest for a mate, adding a dash of unpredictable excitement to the tale! 💑

Watch this wildlife soapy tomorrow on :
📺 Der Geparden-Clan - Familienbande
📅 10.01.2024 I 20:15 CET

📸 Photos: © TMS / AFC / Hansa Winshaw

05/01/2024

Treasure of the Caribbean" just clinched Best Feature Film at the Female Film Festival! 🏆

🚺 In a world where female voices are still underrepresented, Ana Salceda is breaking barriers, directing a documentary that delves into a crucial conservation topic. Did you know that only 36% of roles in winning screenplays from 2013-16 were written for women? Salceda is an inspiration, bringing a fresh perspective to the industry.

🌊 "Treasure of the Caribbean," a production of Terra Mater Studios and BelugaSmile Productions LLC in co-production with The WNET Group, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Doclights/NDR Naturfilm in association with PBS and CPB, unfolds the story of a struggling fisherman who stumbles upon a hidden reef. 🪸 Throughout the film, we witness fishers and scientists uniting to protect this newly discovered coral reef—a vital ecosystem that plays a central role in Earth's biodiversity. Coral reefs, often called "the rainforests of the seas," house 25% of all marine species and provide economic benefits, including tourism, coastal protection, and support for fisheries.💙

We couldn't be any prouder of such a relevant prize in a movie that covers such a vital conservation topic. 🤩 Watch it here 🎬 https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/about-treasure-caribbean/28747/

📸: 1 & 5: © Terra Mater Studios GmbH / Alfredo Barroso
2 & 4: © Terra Mater Studios GmbH / Mark Carroll
3: © Terra Mater Studios GmbH / Tamara Stubbs

Big Fish Initiative

04/01/2024

Meet the cassowary! 🦚 These flightless wonders are like jungle ninjas, leaping 1m high and speeding at 50 km/h with their powerful legs. Beware of their dino-like claws – not just for show, causing about 200 human encounters yearly.

Curious if cassowaries are as tough as they look? 🤨 Check out our latest video for a peek into their jungle life – survival moves, family secrets, and more! https://bit.ly/dinosaur_bird 📽️ 🦜

29/12/2023

As the year comes to an end, let's celebrate some unseen heroes that make our world bloom—bees! These small fellows are responsible for 66% of our daily food supply, pollinating the veggies, fruits, and nuts we rely on. Beyond the grocery aisle, they uphold entire ecosystems.

As we wrap up the year, let's pledge to protect these tiny heroes—the underrated champions of our planet. 🐝

27/12/2023

As we approach the final stretch of 2023, let's pause and shift our focus to the brighter side of the year. 🔙

Yes, it's true that we faced our fair share of challenges and uncertainties. However, amidst the chaos, there were also moments of resilience, kindness, and triumph that often got overshadowed. And talking about them gives us hope, and that's much needed at the moment. 🍀

What else would you add to our list? Share your positive 2023 news, and let's keep ourselves hopeful for the future. 🌟

23/12/2023

This week, our team embraced the holiday spirit. 🎄 You could hear laughter through the halls during our cozy Christmas celebration, complete with tasty Christmas cookies and a hilarious Ugly Sweater contest. We're excited to share some moments of this day with you, hoping to bring the holiday spirit to all. ✨ The entire team at Terra Mater Studios wishes you a season filled with joy, warmth, and happy holidays! 🎊🎁

22/12/2023

Termites live in colonies of thousands, with each insect assigned a specific role. Some are workers, some are soldiers. 👷 And at the heart of each mound is the termite queen. Over the course of her long life – perhaps 10 years – she’ll lay up to 1,000 eggs a day to ensure the colony’s survival. 👑 But are the mound’s earth walls strong enough to withstand an ant invasion, or the long and sticky tongue of an anteater? And what happens when wildfire threatens to engulf the fortress? Watch our latest video to see the dramatic lives of termites 🎥 https://bit.ly/termites_anteater

20/12/2023

They all share common traits: hooked beaks, fangs like daggers, and the keenest senses among . Whether it's a surviving the Arctic chill or raiding hornet nests in Taiwan, have conquered diverse challenges. 🦅

Some, like the secretary, are habitat specialists, adapting with long legs for the African savanna. Yet, the struggle arises as their nesting choices clash with the scorching sun. Watch as these incredible parents deliver water to their chicks, one beak at a time. 🌞

They also have unique skills—like the tawny owl's mental map for navigating night raids and the cave harrier's versatile ankle, allowing them to reach chicks hidden in any corner. 🦉 Birds of prey are masters at seizing opportunities, whether it's catching bats emerging from a Texas cave or giant sea eagles stealing from fishing boats near Hokkaido.

Despite their exceptional abilities, a third of all global birds of prey face extinction. Yet, stories of hope emerge, such as the snail buzzards adapting to an invasive giant snail species in Florida, showcasing evolution in fast motion. 💚

Learn more about them tonight on :
📺 Legenden der Lüfte
📅 20.12.2023 I 20:15 & 21:15 CET

📸 Photos: © Terra Mater Studios GmbH / WNET / Matt Hamilton

18/12/2023

As we step into the holiday season, let's take Jane Goodall's words with us: "There’s one important thing to remember: every single day you live, you make an impact on the planet, and you can choose what sort of impact you make." 💙

This holiday, let's make a conscious choice to spread love, kindness, and positivity. ✌️ Whether through small acts of generosity, eco-friendly celebrations, or simply cherishing moments with loved ones, our choices matter. 🎄

15/12/2023

As we say goodbye to 2023, let's rewind and talk about some of our achievements.

🎥 From the success of "Patrick and the Whale" to the premieres of "The Eyes of the Orangutan" (UK) and "The Bastard King" (Austria,) we've had quite the year. Newcomers "Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird" and "ORCA – Black & White Gold" added to the excitement.

🏆 "ORCA – Black & White Gold" shone bright with a Jackson Wild Media Award, joined by "Once Upon a Time in Tsavo" receiving Best Ecosystem Long Form at the New York Festivals and the prestigious Grand Prix and Golden Dolphin at Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards.

🌍 We got a Blue Dolphin from Cannes, which awarded the best production company of the year. In addition, our commitment to sustainability earned us the Austria Eco-Label, a nomination for the Austrian SDG Award, and the Air Energy Globe Award Vienna. Movies like "Vienna’s Water" and "When the Alps Glow" proudly sport the Austrian Eco-Label.

🌱 "Star Chasers Senegal" not only won awards but sparked Senegal's first Senegalese Space Study Agency. Our documentaries garnered national recognition and inspired positive changes globally.

🚀 Terra Mater Wild FAST channel launched on Samsung TV Plus Europe and Zattoo, and we teased upcoming productions like "Salon of Sugars," "Big Cat, Small World," "Wild San Diego," "Jaguar Beach," and our collaboration with The Whole Spiel on a fresh take on Tarzan.

🌳 We also had some time to connect. In our team event, we connected and brainstormed eco-friendly ideas for our office and embarked on a treasure hunt through Vienna, where our headquarters is located.

🎉 "Soul of the Ocean," "Eyes of the Orangutan," and "Great Lakes Untamed" added to our accolades. Our YouTube Channel made a splash at The Webby Awards.

🎉 What a year it's been! 🎉

Happy holidays, and here's to an exciting 2024! 🌍🎬

11/12/2023

Did you know that there are over 300 species of , each with its own unique set of skills and adaptations? 🦅 From the mighty with talons rivaling a grizzly's grip to the petite !

These incredible creatures, despite their differences, share common traits like a hooked beak, a carnivorous diet, and razor-sharp fangs. 🦉 Whether it's crushing rodents, grabbing flying prey, or snatching with fangs resembling fishing hooks, these adaptations help them thrive in diverse habitats.

Life at the top of the food chain isn't a breeze, though. face challenges with the changing seasons. Imagine a young braving the depths of the Finnish winter for leftovers, a burrowing owl ingeniously using bison dung to raise a family in South Dakota, or young honing their hunting skills in the Norwegian fall. 🤩

Watch the majestic world of birds of prey next week on ServusTV:
📺 „Legenden der Lüfte: Jäger im Sturzflug"
📅 20.10.2023 I 20:15 CET

📸 Photos: © Terra Mater / Matt Hamilton

08/12/2023

Here's where you can watch our newest productions 📺

Our documentaries, “The Hummingbird Effect” and “Soul of the Ocean”, have been acquired by National Geographic Channels International, securing worldwide rights for these captivating wildlife specials. 🌍

“The Hummingbird Effect”
Produced by Terra Mater Studios, Thirteen Productions, PBS , CPB, The WNET Group , and Coneflower Films Studios, the documentary explores the incredible diversity of animal species in the beautiful landscapes of Costa Rica. 🇨🇷

“Soul of the Ocean”
A marine-life documentary from Terra Mater Studios, HOWARD HALL PRODUCTIONS, Mark Fletcher Productions, The WNET Group, PBS, and CPB, that takes you on a journey beneath the waves to explore the wonders of the ocean depths. 🌊

And more 👇
🌊 Watch "The Sharks of Hawaii" and "Canada – Surviving the Wild North" on PBS Thai.
🐅 Watch "Wondrous & Wild," "Dust and Stripes," and "Miami Wild " on RTL Deutschland.
🐘 Watch "Once Upon a Time in Tsavo" on RTVE.
🌿 Watch "Roots of Life” on Rai Italia
🌊 Watch "Alien Contact" on FTV Prima Czechia.

📰 Read more on C21Media: https://www.c21media.net/news/wildlife-documentary-the-hummingbird-effect-creates-a-buzz-for-national-geographic/

06/12/2023

Have you ever seen a white lion cub? 🦁 Born occasionally on the African savanna, these pale predators are highly unusual and live in constant danger. 🚨 As they’re unable to camouflage themselves, they risk being spotted by other animals – including rival prides. That’s exactly what happened to a pair of white cubs born in Kruger National Park. Fearing for their safety, their mother and aunt decided to take them on an arduous and uncertain journey. We followed to see whether brute strength or female wisdom would win the day… Watch our latest video to get the full story! 🎬 https://bit.ly/White_Lions

01/12/2023

We're happy to announce that we have been honored with the Air Energy Globe Award Vienna! 🏆

🌿 The Energy Globe Award is now the world's most renowned environmental award. It annually recognizes outstanding, sustainable projects with a focus on resource conservation, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energies.

We were recognized in the "Air" category, highlighting our commitment to sustainable production and to protect our planet. 🌬️ Thank you to Energy Globe for acknowledging our efforts, and we look forward to continuing on making a positive impact! 💚

📰 Read more about it: https://bit.ly/3ReCd02

📸 © Florian Wieser

29/11/2023

The fight against illegal orca trade is not over 🚨 Dive into the depths with us as "ORCA - Black & White Gold" premieres at Hamptons Doc Fest Fest on December 1st!

We had a chat with Sarah Nörenberg, the mind behind this captivating docu-thriller, for some insights, and she shared, "This film is an incredible education and inspiration for me. It marks my directorial debut after spending most of my career as a documentary producer." Her journey began with the shocking discovery of a 'whale jail' in Russia and China's booming marine park industry.

🎥 Behind the Scenes: Sarah revealed the challenges faced during months in the wild, enduring canned beans and gaining unprecedented access to industry figures. She recalled, "The Russians were supplying an entertainment industry just like SeaWorld but 10 times larger and on steroids." The interview also uncovered a daring tracking expedition, including a special encounter. "In tracking the released orcas in the Sea of Okhotsk, I got to experience the wild, including a close encounter with a huge brown bear that chose the same stream we got water from to fish for salmon," Sarah shared. 🐻 The unpredictable beauty of the wild became an integral part of the documentary's narrative, showcasing the lengths the team went to uncover the truth.

🏆 Recognition: The film has already earned recognition within the industry. "I am incredibly honored by being awarded the Best Feature award at Jackson Wild Media in 2023. This achievement is very special for me. 'ORCA - Black & White Gold' was not just a challenge to produce, to get access and execute but also my directorial debut recognized by the industry," Sarah stated.

🌍 Impact: As we anticipate the premiere at Hamptons Doc Fest, Sarah hopes the audience will be moved to take action against the global orca trade after experiencing the film's characters and unfolding events. “Even 10 years after BLACKFISH, exhibiting orca whales for entertainment isn’t over yet. Although the focus shifts towards the East, the U.S. still holds the most orcas in captivity worldwide. People are still buying tickets to be entertained by this cruel exploitation, but hopefully, this documentary will help audiences consciously reflect on our own responsibility and become aware of actions we can take to finally provide these cetaceans with a better life.”

🍿 Join Sarah and us on December 1st at Hamptons Doc Fest for the "ORCA - Black & White Gold" premiere followed by a Q&A section. Get tickets: https://www.hamptonsdocfest.com/2023-films/orca-black-white-gold

🎬 Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/XSqHzT2SNgM

24/11/2023

Education is the key to saving species! At Terra Mater Studios, we are committed to driving change frame by frame, ensuring our impact resonates across generations. That's why we're thrilled to announce our collaboration with BOS Schweiz on an inspiring project that aligns with our mission. 🙌 During the challenging times of the Corona pandemic, this non-profit organization initiated an online children's program explaining how BOS rescues and rehabilitates orangutans in need. 🦧

To support the continuation of this educational project, we partnered up with BOS Schweiz to launch episode 2, which sheds light on the crucial topic of orangutan reintroductions. This aligns with BOS's ongoing efforts that, together with the Indonesian government, plans to release 20 more orangutans into the wild by the end of 2023. The recent successful release of already 12 animals underscores their dedication. Since 2012, BOS has released a total of 527 orangutans and reports 34 wild-born babies. 💪

The children's program is starting today, on , and is available online*, allowing continuous viewing and classroom integration. 💚 We invite individuals, families, and especially school classes to join us in watching the program 🎬 https://www.bos-schweiz.ch/de/bildung/bildungsprogramm.htm

*only available in German

📸: ©BOS Schweiz

21/11/2023

The common blue damselfly is a regular sight around (Europe’s) ponds and waterways. These delicate insects live life in the fast lane: at 16 wingbeats per second. 💨 For males, their 12-day lifespan is a non-stop mission to mate as much as possible. A series of unique adaptations mean they can see off competition even during the act… But that’s not all. To give their offspring a safe start in life, damselflies work together to overpower predators trying to lay eggs nearby. 💪 Even the much larger Emperor dragonfly isn’t safe from these winged warriors. Dive into our latest video to learn the secrets of damsels and dragonflies 🎥 https://bit.ly/Damselflies

17/11/2023

📣📣 It's movie time! Our film "The Arctic: Our Last Great Wilderness" has a new screening schedule all over the US! Check it out 👇

New screenings of THE ARCTIC: OUR LAST GREAT WILDERNESS now showing in:

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And coming soon to:

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Visit ProtectTheArctic.org to find screening dates and see up close in !

15/11/2023

Thrilled to announce that our film production, "When the Alps Glow"/ "Wenn die Alpen glühen", has been awarded the prestigious Austrian eco-label! 🥳 We believe in making a positive impact on the environment while bringing captivating stories to life. 💚 Here are some eco-friendly practices we implemented during the production that you can adopt too 👇

🚞 Eco-Meetings on the Move: Take the train and turn the riding time into a productive meeting opportunity. It not only reduces our carbon footprint but also encourages creative collaboration.
🎒 Hike and Shoot: Embrace nature with your team! We went hiking, carrying equipment on backpacks, blending adventure and eco-conscious filmmaking.
⛺️ Green Accommodations: Choose green hotels or camp if the shooting location allows. Connecting with nature enhances the experience.
🛸 Drones Over Helicopters: Opt for drones instead of helicopters. In this production, our team, accompanied by mountain guides, carried expedition equipment to the base camp at 2,700 meters, minimizing environmental impact.

🏔️ About the Film - "Wenn die Alpen Glühen" explores the impact of climate change in the Alps—rockslides, record temperatures, and wildlife migration. The film sheds light on the urgent need for climate action amid challenges like closed ski lifts and spreading bark beetles. Despite adversity, Alpine communities show resilience—planting forests and embracing sustainable tourism. 📺 You can watch the documentary today at 20:15 on ServusTV.

14/11/2023

"Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird" took the stage at DOC NYC last weekend. 📽️ The engaged audience and the fantastic vibe made it an unforgettable weekend! 🤩 The documentary, directed by Oscar-nominated Rebecca Cammisa, tells the story of the remarkable life and legacy of reproductive rights activist William Baird. Its narrative is interwoven with the journey of 16-year-old Jada Portillo, who discovered Baird and honours his story in National History Day competitions across the US.

"Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird" urges us to remember that the fight for personal freedoms and reproductive rights continues. Director Cammisa shared on Variety, "I hope they learn about this history and understand from Bill how to fight; how to fight to retain the rights we have or to get back the personal freedoms we lost." 💯

👉 Don't miss it! Streaming is available in the USA until November 26th. Get tickets: https://bit.ly/Tickets_Doc_BillBaird

09/11/2023

Ever heard of a kangaroo that lives in a tree? 🤔 Or a bat that makes its home inside a carnivorous plant? 🦇 What about the humpback whale who can outsmart humans to feast at a salmon hatchery? 🐋 Or the barreleye fish, whose rotating eyes make it one of the most efficient marine hunters? From the depths of the ocean to the high rainforest canopy, we’ve gone in search of the planet’s most weird and wonderful creatures. 👀 Our Top Ten list is in, but which species will make the cut? Watch our new video to learn more about the world’s most fascinating wildlife 🎬 https://bit.ly/TopWeirdAnimals

07/11/2023

🎥 Our documentary, "Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird", unravels the captivating tale of a forgotten American hero who sacrificed everything - family, livelihood, and freedom - to pursue women's rights. William Baird has been a relentless advocate for women's reproductive rights for six decades winning three Supreme Court cases defending them. 🔥 His landmark 1972 case, Eisenstadt v. Baird, established the rights of unmarried people to obtain birth control. Now, at 91 years old, he continues to advocate for a woman's right to privacy and to control her own body. 💪

🎬 Directed by the Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rebecca Cammisa, this documentary is an inspiration for those committed to preserving freedom and choice.

📅 Join the film producers Sarah Nörenberg and Walter Köhler or the world premiere of "Yours in Freedom, Bill Baird" at the DOC NYC on November 10th. Book your tickets now and get the chance to ask your questions to the movie producers and William Baird in person.🎟️ https://bit.ly/BillBaird_DOCNYC 👈
🍿 Alternative screening: November 12th or streaming from November 11th until 26th (available only in the USA).