Unearthed is a four-part reality competition made for Animal Planet in 2006, which aims to "unearth" the next great wildlife filmmaker.
In April 2006, Animal Planet invited amateur wildlife filmmakers from around the world to apply to take part in an intensive filmmaking course with experts Andrew Barron and Lyndal Davies.
After reviewing the applications and the many short films submitted, the pool was narrowed down to six participants hailing from Australia, Denmark, India, Mexico, Singapore and the UK.
The show follows the six contestants as they embark on a demanding training course at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, where they learn the essential skills and realities of creating a natural history documentary.
The amateur filmmakers – Karla (Mexico), Mayur (India), Aaron (Australia), Julia (Denmark), Bryan (UK) and Jin Pyn (Singapore) – carried out their challenges at Shamwari in July 2006, ultimately competing to have their film chosen as the winner and broadcast on Animal Planet in 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.
Unearthed follows the budding directors and animal enthusiasts every step of the way, beginning with their arrival at Shamwari.
Renowned wildlife filmmakers Lyndal Davies (also an Animal Planet presenter) and Andrew Barron guide the participants through their tasks on the course. The mentors provide inside knowledge to help the students each shoot and edit their own short wildlife film.
In addition to learning what it takes to become a wildlife filmmaker, the show focuses on the camaraderie that develops between the tutors and their students, and discovers they all share the same passion – not only for filmmaking, but also for animals and the world in which they live.
However, it's not all fun and games for the students. The tension mounts as they learn how to cope with the various challenges of filming in the wild and perform various tasks for the first time – while facing unpredictable animals, tight deadlines and competition with each other.
An international panel of experts judge the contestants' final documentaries and the competition culminates with a gala event and screening, during which the winner is announced.
Unearthed is directed by Andrew Barron and produced by Yvonne Tang for Barron TV, and Executive produced by Jennie Myring for Animal Planet International. Lyndal Davies serves as contributing producer.
The Contestants
Aaron Dexter
Age 20 (Australia)
Studying for a Bachelor of Communications degree at the University of Newcastle, Aaron's favorite film is March of the Penguins and his favorite TV show is Animal Planet's The Jeff Corwin Experience, because of Jeff's ability to integrate humor into conservation lessons. Aaron recently volunteered at a Costa Rican conservation program where his video camera was permanently attached to his hand.
Julia Cartwright
Age 23 (Denmark)
Julia is a recent Zoology graduate and currently lives in Wales. Julia has made a number of amateur student films and is currently pursuing a career in television, where she one day hopes to be a factual filmmaker. Julia spent much of her younger years traveling the world with her family and recently spent time at a conservation project in Mongolia.
Mayur N. Kamath
Age 28 (India)
Mayur has a degree in Polymer and works for the family business. His favorite television show is Attenborough Presents…due to its unique ability to capture details and sequences “beyond the imagination.” Mayur wants to present natural history with breathtaking images and sequences that will provide viewers with an experience of a lifetime.
Karla Mungia Colmenero
Age 28 (Mexico)
Karla has a degree in Communication Sciences and is a member of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Her hobbies include diving, traveling, wildlife and reading. Karla has a desire to communicate to the world the influence that nature has on our everyday lives and the importance of keeping the world strong and healthy.
Lee Jin Pyn
Age 30 (Singapore)
Jin Pyn is a writer and publisher, currently waiting for her latest book to be published. She has volunteered for Wildaid Asia and is a member of ACRES Singapore. She would like to use the power of the media to educate the public on conservation matters and her ambition is to become a wildlife commissioning editor. Her hobbies include motor biking over rugged terrains and being out in nature.
Bryan Grayson
Age 47 (UK)
Bryan is a civil aviation engineer and keen wildlife filmmaker in his spare time. Known locally as the Badger Man, Bryan is often out in the countryside capturing wildlife images on his DvCam, disguising himself as best he can to blend in with his surroundings. Bryan's ambition is to educate people about the natural world and guide them towards protecting it. He hopes to leave his current job in order to become a full-time wildlife filmmaker.
In April 2007 Animal Planet announced a second season of the show, to be broadcast in 2008.