French distribution company Newen Connect is bringing its latest reality series to TV screenings in London. “Master Sapiens” is two episodes (45 minutes and 52 minutes) that delve into Lascaux Cave, considered by experts to be the first art school in history. The series is produced by Pernel Media, and C8/Planète+ holds the broadcast rights in France.
“Master Sapiens” director Nathalie Lavelle, a documentary filmmaker specializing in archaeology, initially thought the project was impossible because Lascaux Cave had been closed to the public since it became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1963. diverse Before the TV shows in London, Lavelle recalls how a key discovery made the series viable.
“I was worried because I knew the cave was closed to the public and scientists, but when I dug, I realized that there was now a 3D version of the cave. It consisted of the complete cave, which was digitally replicated to millimeter precision, so we couldn’t just see the environment inside the cave.” , but also the fine details of the engravings.
The team behind “Master Sapiens” was able to negotiate full access to the data collected by the 3D software and use it entirely in the series to allow fans into restricted areas of the French cave for the first time in six decades. “We were able to move inside the cave like a bird, the way we wanted, at the speed we wanted. This keeps our investigation up to date,” Lavelle added.
On top of the 3D cave walkthrough, “Master Sapiens” also uses animation, archival material, re-enactments with professional actors, and testimony with a wide range of specialists to tell the story of Homo sapiens who lived 21,000 years ago.
Speaking about weaving several different narrative techniques, the director said: “We wanted to make an archaeological documentary, but we did not want it to be as rigid as usual. Normally, when you make an archaeological documentary, you have to talk deeply about the science and it’s hard to humanize it. Dialogue-free reenactments, animation, and 3D work were used in a way that connected to the human side of the story.
Not only does Lavelle direct “Master Sapiens” alongside Jack Pleasant, he is also a writer on the series and was closely involved in the editing process. This hands-on approach at several stages of production allowed the director to have a full understanding of not only the format of the series, but its main goals when communicating with audiences.
“Our main goal with Master Sapiens is for viewers to understand that these were amazing artists with the same cognitive abilities that we have today. They had the same need to communicate through art in a time with no borders and no nationalities. It is good to remember that, at some point, we were all Just one type who needs to make art to transcend ourselves.
The importance of the message at hand is highlighted by the director when she comments on her hopes before offering an episode to international buyers, with rights available worldwide. “Sometimes it can be disappointing when you make a documentary with so many people involved and it is broadcast five times at most and then no one can see it. I would like Master Sapiens to have the opportunity to meet its audience, both in France and internationally.” International.
Newen Connect also features fantasy series on London TV shows such as ‘8 Months’ and ‘In The Shadows’, both of which are heading to Series Mania.