Reviving extinct species is the subject of James Reed’s next documentary after “My Octopus Teacher.” Teton Ridge Entertainment is financing the project. The series will follow the work of Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to resurrecting extinct species.
The company aims to revive creatures like the woolly mammoth, the thylacine, and the dodo bird. Reed will showcase Colossal’s use of gene-editing technology to rewild these animals. The filmmaker will have behind-the-scenes access to their work on ancient DNA and genetic engineering.
Colossal Biosciences, funded in 2021, has hired Emily Castel as its first chief marketing officer after receiving initial funding of $15 million. Reed, with his nature-focused filmmaking experience, is excited to lead the project. His previous work includes “My Octopus Teacher” and “Chimp Empire” on Netflix.
Colossal co-founder Ben Lamm views transparency as pivotal. He believes Reed is the perfect filmmaker to document their complex story. Executive producer Michael Dougherty expects the return of extinct species to change the world forever. The documentary will be led by Reed and executive producer Michael Dougherty, Teton Ridge’s Jillian Share, and filmmaker Sophie Todd as the series showrunner.
