FIRST CONTACT

FIRST CONTACT – 90 MIN FEATURE - BBC STUDIOS / BBC2 – DIRECTOR: NIC STACEY

BBC2 and PBS have commissioned a War of the Worlds-style hybrid drama/documentary that spotlights a near future in which extra-terrestrial life has been detected.

First Contact will combine real documentary interviews with some of the world’s most foremost scientists alongside a fictionalized narrative written and directed by World According to Jeff Goldblum director Nic Stacey. BBC Studios Science Unit, which was behind Netflix’s BAFTA-winning The Surgeon’s Cut (pictured) and BBC2/PBS’ The Planets, is once again collaborating with the two networks on the feature.

Leading scientists now believe there is a genuine possibility we will shortly detect extra-terrestrial life and the show will profile the latest in cutting edge technology while featuring contributions from the likes of Dr Jill Tartar, a pioneer who was the inspiration for Jodie Foster’s character in Contact, along with showcasing the James Webb space telescope.

The 90-minute film was commissioned by Patrick Holland, BBC Director, Factual, Arts and Classical Music Television and Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Science and Natural History.