The “power and mystery” of the Earth’s tides is the theme of a new three-part television series involving TG4 and several broadcasters, with Chinese backing writes Lorna Siggins.
Marine Institute scientist MacDara Ó Cuaig is presenting the Irish language version of the series, entitled Taoide, which was filmed across four continents.
The project, involving Chinese production company LIC, was funded by broadcasters TG4, BBC ALBA, BBC Northern Ireland and S4C, and the distribution company Sky Vision.
The consortium describes the three-part series as a “visually stunning exploration” of one of the globe’s most powerful natural forces.
To mark the fact that this year is the International Year of Indigenous Languages, each participating country in the co-production has received its own “bespoke” edit of the documentaries in its own indigenous language.
Television producer/director Donncha Mac Con Iomaire teamed up with Welsh company Cwmni Da to produce the Irish language version for TG4, which Mr Ó Cuaig is presenting.
TG4 says that the collaboration has already inspired the setting up of a new “Celtic Development Fund” to develop similar co-productions.
This series is being distributed in Greater China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan by LIC.
Sky Vision is currently negotiating its sale to other broadcasters worldwide.
Each partner put in around £100,000, according to Cwmni Da managing director Dylan Huws in Wales.
“This means they’re getting a high-end documentary series which has been filmed all over the world,” he said.
“TG4 is delighted to join forces with our broadcasting partners in the other Celtic nations to commission an Irish language version of this ambitious series,” TG4 commissioning editor Proinsias Ní Ghráinne said, adding that the theme has a “particular resonance” for this island.
The first episode of Taoide will be broadcast on TG4 on Wednesday, May 1st, at 9.30pm, with two further episodes on May 8th and 15th.
