For the BBC Landmark series “Wild Isles,” the Woodlands episode, produced by Chris Howard, features a captivating sequence detailing the journey of mycorrhizal fungi. This segment illustrates how these fungi connect in an unseen network, akin to the World Wide Web. Filmed during lockdown at the Minsmere Nature Reserve, the project benefited from revisiting the same location multiple times, capturing the transformation of an oak tree across seasons, from lush summer foliage to a snow-covered landscape.
A key element of this sequence is the stunning CG work produced by HelloCharlie, which visualizes the underground journey of mycorrhizal signals, adding a captivating layer to the story. This episode also marks my first foray into duration timelapses, showcasing the oak trees coming into leaf and shriveling up due to water scarcity, emphasizing the intricate and hidden world beneath the forest floor.
The experience of spending time alone in the great outdoors during such a challenging period was truly magical. The resulting footage beautifully highlights the resilience and interconnectedness of nature, bringing to life the fascinating world of woodland fungi.
Launched: March 01 2024