We have all asked these questions to ourselves at some point or the other: Why do we grow old? How does the world look for a baby? What is our pet dog or cat thinking? And the answers are all there in The Secret Life of series created by Oxford Scientific Films.
Telecast and available on Sony BBC Earth, the most recent production in the series are The Secret Life of Growing Up and The Secret Life of Growing Old . Executive Producer Alice Keens-Soper reveals how every story is presented with stunning cinematography that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary.
“Especially when it comes to The Secret Life of Growing Up , I found a new understanding of what teenagers go through. There is so much happening with young people in the process of growing up, from being a child to becoming a young adult. There are so many changes in the body and mind that it’s easy to forget just how difficult those years are. Likewise, when it comes to The Secret Life of Growing Old , I gained a new understanding of how our bodies and minds adapt in our later years. I have come to realise just how amazing life is.”
Kitty and Alan
Closely associated with nature, her other shows include The Secret Life of Dogs , The Secret Life of Cats and The Secret Life of Babies that offer answers to some of questions we have all had. “We make a lot of natural history shows. I am personally fascinated by the natural world – both animals and humans. What is so lovely about The Secret Life of series is that we have an opportunity to look in detail at some of the scientific developments in both animals and humans. It is the perfect context. The Secret Life of promises revelations and I hope that is what we deliver.” She adds that the science is quite popular, accessible and the films do not do serious themes. “They are entertaining. We use human stories to narrate the science. We film all over the world. We make sure that we are representing the essence of the shows as well as making it relatable across all age groups.”
At the heart of shows like this, Alice says, is the ability to reveal proper research “by packaging it in a way that is entertaining, and making the images interesting. The science is in the inside, the human stories which make it interesting and the outer wrapping produced by our best cameramen creating a visual treat is the full package.”
The packaging involves a lot of studio-based work. “We make use of high speed cameras, HD lenses and stay on top of technology so our imagery catches the eye.” What piqued her interest in this field? Alice says it was the process of making TV programmes. “Being a TV producer might seem like one job – but it involves you to play so many different roles. Every programme feels like a completely new job. I never get bored. Every three months, it is a whole different research and production effort for me. I would dare to even say it’s the best job in the world!”
Ajit and Harbhajan
Commenting on her personal journey through the shows, Alice says it is a roller-coaster. “It can be very stressful when you are juggling so many different shows and you are also managing so many people and animals. There are good days and bad days, but overall the journey has been fascinating and I think I have been lucky.”
What’s next? Alice promptly replies that she will continue to work with the Oxford Scientific Films team. “That is my family and home. We are aspiring to continue with the Secret Life Of series focussing on wild animals. That would be fun!”
