Serengeti reflects director Simon Fuller’s belief that the closer humans become with nature, the better they can relate to every living soul on this planet which will enlighten them. By Team Viva
Known for its vast grasslands and prancing zebras, the Serengeti is a rich ecosystem in northern Tanzania. However, its drama is unknown to many. Through a six-part series, Simon Fuller, American Idol creator and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, brings forth a lonely lioness, a passionate baboon and many other animals from deep in the heart of Africa. The idea came to Fuller when he went to Africa on a safari and came back with the thoughts of why we aren’t telling the story of the animals in such habitats.
How did you get involved in the series, and what attracted you to the project?
I am a great lover of animals and have spent a lot of time in Africa. Three years ago, after a trip to Kenya with a music artist, I decided to take a short break to recharge my batteries. I found myself relaxing one afternoon pondering over life, looking out at a watering hole in the Serengeti, imagining what it must be like to be one of those beautiful animals. The more I thought about it, the more I started to relate to their lives. Their commitment to family and providing for their loved ones, their instincts for survival and the joy they take from the simple things in life. While sitting there on that steamy afternoon, I decided I wanted to make a TV series to tell their stories.
How was the music put together?
The music came about very easily and naturally. I had grand visions of who I wanted to work with. However, before I had firmed up any ideas, John Downer introduced me to Will Gregory (of Goldfrapp), who he has worked with on several other shows. I was a big fan of Goldfrapp but we had never worked together. After our first conversation it was clear that Will was the perfect person for the job. Instantly we got on so well and our vision for the music was perfectly aligned. The soaring melodies with the infusion of electronic rhythms, together with subtle African musical influences, it all came together very easily. We both felt that the layering of voices could add an ethereal majesty to the visuals, so our first task was to find exceptional singers. I suggested Lola Lennox and Cathy Dennis and both worked like a dream and they elevated the songs to a whole other level. I am absolutely delighted with the music and Will is incredibly talented.
What can the audience expect from the series (and the music)? What do you hope people watching can take away from it?
I am hoping that the audience will be inspired and enchanted by Serengeti. The music helps the viewer to feel things from the animal's point of view in a seamless and natural way. If the viewer can make that connection, they will be rewarded by a very special insight into the lives of these incredible animals. Once we start to understand these extraordinary living souls and relate to their lives in the same way as our own, we will all be better for it. Our lives and worlds are inextricably connected, if we respect and understand each other’s needs we can face our planet’s challenges together.
Did anything inspire you when planning the score?
I believe music has a way to communicate things more delicately and thoughtfully to people than any other form of entertainment. Simple messages combined with beautiful melodies, not only capture a mood but have the power to inspire a generation. The melody and genius of John Barry was certainly an inspiration for me as I contemplated the music for the series.
How did you get involved in a natural history series?
Simply, it is my love of animals and my deep concern for our planet that led me to make Serengeti. I truly believe that the closer humans become with nature and the better they understand and can relate to every living soul on this planet, the more enlightened we will all become. Humans need to be humbled by the magnificence of our planet and stop being obsessed by our own powers.
What is unique about the series, especially from a musical point of view?
I really wanted music to be an important and essential part of Serengeti. The words in a song have a poetic license to say things that could not be simply spoken by a narrator. Serengeti is a soulful show and music plays to our souls, I want people to suspend their belief and go with the flow of these pure stories of real animal’s lives and the music takes you there seamlessly.
(The series premieres on September 9, Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Sony BBC Earth.)