Programme and cast - Philippe Cousteau

It took a year to complete a gruelling film schedule in 15 regions around the world, ranging from the extreme heat of the Indian Ocean to the cold icy Arctic climate.

Each film expedition required a different mix of "topside" (above the water) and underwater crew, as well as the skills and expertise of scientists. These included above the water sound and camera operators and safety divers, as well as a director, producer, assistant producer, researcher and production co-ordinator. The underwater crew also included a sound, camera and assistant camera operator, dive buddies (for safety) and a stills photographer.

Due to extensive underwater filming, most of the production crew were experienced divers themselves. Some of the best craftsmen in the industry were deployed including cameramen Scott Tibbles and Mike Pitts as well as dive supervisor Richard Bull; who all have a great deal of experience in natural history film-making.

Other experts were also drafted in from across the globe, including underwater sound engineer Mike Kasic and photographer and cameraman Ian Kellett, both from Montana, USA. Dive supervisor Pete West from Australia also joined the production.

Wildlife film-making is challenging at the best of times, but when you need to film the presenter in the same shot as the wildlife it requires a lot of skill and patience to capture the moment. You sometimes only get that chance once.