Stories

Sat, 09 May 2026

Sat, 09 May 2026 How Sir David Attenborough built 'Green Hollywood'

The city is responsible for 80% of the world's natural history TV shows.

* Bristol has become a hub for wildlife film production, producing 80% of high-quality natural history TV programs in the world.
* Sir David Attenborough's influence on the industry is often overlooked, but his work helped create an entire industry centered around Bristol.
* Keith Scholey, a long-time director of Attenborough, credits him with making the wildlife film industry famous and internationally valuable.
* The Wildscreen Festival brings the global industry to Bristol every two years, solidifying its reputation as "Green Hollywood".
* Bristol filmmakers have been able to sell programs globally without having to travel to Hollywood, thanks in part to Attenborough's influence.
* The city has a concentration of talent that is unique, with around 15 wildlife production companies and 1,000 employees in the sector.
* The industry is worth around £100m, about a third of Bristol's TV industry.
* Attenborough's impact on Bristol is profound despite never living in the city, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and conservationists.