The Cosmic Shed

Welcome back to The Cosmic Shed! In this episode, host Andrew is thrilled to bring you a fascinating interview with Fabrice Schnoller, an engineer, biologist, and filmmaker known for his exploration of ocean life and the study of dolphin and whale communication.

Fabrice joins Andrew after they met at the Wild Screen Festival in Bristol, where Fabrice's film "Valdimir: Conversation with a Spy Whale" captivated audiences with the story of Valdimir, the charismatic beluga whale. Andrew and Fabrice discuss the complexities of animal communication, the philosophical questions it raises, and the potential implications of unlocking these mysteries.

Fabrice also delves into his unique approach to studying whales, including the innovative use of technology and the challenges of marine research. He shares some fascinating stories of the eperiences he and his fellow researchers have had with whales and dolphines and we discuss the emotional connections between humans and whales, as well as the broader significance of understanding these majestic creatures.

Join us for this fascinating conversation that bridges science, storytelling, and the quest for deeper connections with the natural world.

Planet Earth III is the latest and greatest installment in the BBC's landmark Natural History series and we are joined by three of the people behind this stunning new television event.

Producer/Director Abigail Lees, Assistant Producer Georgie Ward and Junior Production Manager Georgie Collingwood join Andrew and Steve to talk the making of, and our deep love of, Planet Earth 3.

As the shed is currently a little worse for wear, this podcast was recorded on a 117 year old Dutch Barge in Bristol Harbour.

Just what does go into making such an amazing series? Download and listen or simply press play on this page to find out now.

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Screens of Matter is a cinema development project, specialising in screening science fiction films. The long-term aim of the company is to secure permanent premises in Bristol (UK), to build on venue capacity in the city. The project also aims to attract and support neurodiverse audiences by testing ideas to create more inclusive cinema environments. 

Emmeline is a Bristol based producer who currently works in the charity and education sectors. She is an experienced events manager and lectures in events management and design. She is proudly neurodiverse, diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia. Science fiction films provide her with a place of solace from these conditions. 

Owen is a London based film programmer for a major arts venue. He has worked in a variety of cinemas for nearly a decade, from pop-up events to community projects across the UK. He is a film history postgraduate and has also worked in the comic book publishing industry.  

Their launch event is a double bill of Judge Dredd films.

To get your tickets and find our more visit www.screensofmatter.com

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The Cosmic Shed is part of the Stimulus Network

Daniel Huertas is a Natural History and conservation filmmaker with Studio Silverback who has worked on films and projects including Our Planet and the Earthshot Prize.

Download and listen now.

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You can find out more about Studio Silverback here

Lizzie Daly is a wildlife biologist, wildlife filmmaker and conservation filmmaker who is currently on our screens on The One Show and will be hosting many lovely panels and events at Wildscreen Festival in Bristol and online 10-14 October 2022.

Lizzie first joined Andrew for the Cosmic Shed for our episode exploring the Spirit of Apollo but was talking to Andrew as they arranged something rather interesting which will be taking place at Wildscreen this year. Listen to this episode to find out more.

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Lizzie can also be heard on our Spirit of Apollo episode

ESA Astronaut Tim Peake joins us to discuss the wonderful new Pixar film Lightyear.

Ben Wheatley reports back from the Leicester Square Premiere at Cineworld...which he shared with Taika Waitiki and Chris Evans among others.

"While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source."

Lightyear is in cinemas from July 17th in the UK and we recommend you find yourself a screening as soon as you can but feel free to listen to this episode of The Cosmic Shed podcast before you do as it is spoiler free.

show notes

The Cosmic Shed is part of the Stimulus Network

Mary Anning Rocks was born when 11 year old, fossil mad, Evie Swire asked her mother, ‘Why isn’t there a statue to Mary mummy?’ Well now there is.

We're big fans of Mary Anning Rocks here at The Cosmic Shed so when they invited us to the unveiling of the statue of Mary Anning in Lyme Regis we jumped at the chance.

Dr Hannah Little reports back from the event for The Cosmic Shed.

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You can support Mary Anning Rocks here

Ilan Eshkeri's Space Station Earth with Tim Peake comes to the Royal Albert Hall on May 15th 2022. Ilan joins our Andrew to talk about this stunning new live event which promises to take audiences on a film and audio journey to see Earth and Space through the eyes of astronauts on the International Space Station.

As well as talking about Space Station Earth, Ilan and Andrew discuss Ilan's other work which includes winning a BAFTA for his narrative score for Ghost of Tsushima, scoring films like Stardust and Still Alice and his most recent work for the BBC Natural History Unit, A Perfect Planet.

Sit back, relax (once you've got your tickets) and listen as Ilan Eshkeri comes to The Cosmic Shed podcast.

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The Cosmic Shed has hosted some fairly big names over the years from Tim Peake and Nichelle Nichols to Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Roberts but right now, the shed is housing a litter of hedgehogs.

Those hedgehogs have been filmed for BBC's Winter Watch by Dr. Jack Richardson and Jack joins Andrew to talk all about how he took that lovely footage of them.

You'll also hear about how the shed became home for these wonderful little hedgehogs and hear from the woman who almost single-handedly made it possible; Claudia Bonney.

Prickles down, relax and listen now.

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Claudia Bonney is a contemporary artist and hedgehog lover.

In this episode, recorded at Bristol Con 2021, our Hannah chats to a host of wonderful science fiction authors. We'll let you listen to find out exactly who. It feels more like a Bristol Con that way - you're never quite sure who you'll bump into.

One thing we will tell you though is that you'll hear from Arthur C. Clarke award-winning author Adrian Tchaikovsky.

Download and listen now.

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