The Wildlife genre is enjoying a hot streak that can be measured by an expanding pipeline of commissions and prestigious awards.

Notably, MY OCTOPUS TEACHER swam away with the PGA 2021 Documentary Award, and is a buzzy competitor for the Oscar.

As well as the Human/Animal connection found in Octopus, recent green lights cover pure Natural History from BBC Bristol and its spinoffs and competitors, and series hosted by changemakers and celebrities.

Buyers range from Netflix and the studio-backed streamers to broadcasters who are re-entering the wildlife space.

Sunny Side of the Doc 2021 will feature a dedicated "Wildlife Conservation" pitching session next June. The submission deadline is set for April 22.

 Angela Bassett with Malika the Lion Queen for Plimsoll and Fox

Calls to legislate for Netflix & Amazon to share viewing data // Deadline

Aussie entertainment industry pushes for a 20% local content quota // The Age

"Downloads For You" sends content to Netflix users' mobile devices // VideoNuze

Japan’s unique pay TV & streaming ecosystem // TBI Vision

Amazon Prime France reveals new original series // C21Media

India-based factual streamer DocuBay expands slate after Harbour Rights deal // TBI

Factual streamer CuriosityStream reveals 120% revs jump & 50% subs growth // TBI

ViacomCBS to raise $3 Bn to bolster Paramount+ SVOD // World Screen

Netflix changes release format of unscripted programs // THR

Documentary+ taps Sundance's Charlie Sextro as Editor-In-Chief // Deadline

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos on diversity efforts and more // KCRW podcast

Europe’s New Rules of engagement with streamers in progress // Variety

How the EU regulates online platform behaviour // EBU

European producers launch new code of fair practices for streamers // TBI Vision

William Greaves Fund open call to support filmmakers from the U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Colombia // Realscreen

Immersive van Gogh experiences bloom like sunflowers // NYT

A-List actors starring in documentaries // Washington Post

Oprah interview with Meghan & Harry recharges the prime-time interview genre // NYT

Celebrity documentaries sway public opinion // Washington Post

Tom Jennings takes an Archival look at History // World Screen

Facebook's 1st Oscar nom for ‘Colette’ Short Doc from Medal of Honor VR // Variety

Sunny Side of the Doc Prize @East Doc Platform: The Trans Syrian Express, produced by Pertti Veijalainen (Illume Ltd. Oy, Finland) and directed by Alina Rudnitskaya

Success Story from China: The Six heads to cinemas - Best Asian Side Pitch in 2016 // Variety

What is the carbon footprint of Netflix and the streamers? // Wired

Introduction to Albert carbon calculator for TV production // BAFTA

BBC 3 moves back to linear // TV Europe

Sundance Institute creates funds for BIPOC artists // RealScreen\

Director sues A+E for censoring his Nixon documentary // NYT

UK’s Into Film, Doc Society partner to deliver documentary programming to schools // Screen Daily

Survey: Unpacking the future of global distribution // TBI Vision

Peter Hamilton's Documentary Business and Sunny Side of the Doc are publishing partners, providing our colleagues throughout the year with valuable industry analysis and context. Thanks for your feedback, and for sending us stories with links that you feel our readers will appreciate... at news@sunnysideofthedoc.com.

Editorial Assistant: Becca Wallance