Disney looks to the future by honouring heritage with launch of new film
label that focuses on nature.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (APRIL 21, 2008) REUTERS -

Disney on Monday (April 21, 2008) announced it is launching a new
film label called Disneynature aimed at making wildlife and environmental
movies for theatres starting with the 2009 release "Earth." The idea
is an attempt to celebrate nature and the environment in a way that is outside
the box of the typical documentary.
    "We seek to balance heritage and innovation here at Disney and
Disneynature is a perfect example of this" explained Disney CEO Robert
Iger in making the announcement at the Disney studio lot. "We're placing
the legend of Disney's true life adventures in the hands of today's great
modern filmmakers using dazzling new technology."
    Disneynature will be run by filmmaker Jean-Francois Camilleri, who was
one of the producers of the surprise hit documentary "The March of the
Penguins," which won an Oscar in 2006.
    Alastair Fothergill, is the director of "Earth," the first
Disneynature film that is adapted from the popular BBC television series
"Planet Earth," and it looks at animal migration patterns around the
globe as well as the environment and ecosystems.
    "That is what is so wonderful about nature in cinema," said
Fothergill. "Since cinema is the place that does justice to the natural
world. I'm also delighted that it is Disney that has this vision because as a
company I know they have the power and the energy to take these images to
millions of people worldwide. But for us, it is a wonderful opportunity and we
feel privileged to be involved."
    Two others films planned for Disneynature are "Chimpanzee"
and "Big Cats," both set in Africa.