Osprey created by “His Dark Materials” animatronic team to be revealed for first time to Sacha Dench in Wales
Sacha Dench and Flight of the Osprey Expedition team meet a very different kind of Osprey at Dyfi Osprey Project
A “biomorph” Osprey created through a collaboration between Coleg y Cymoedd college and Wild-Connect owner (and founder of the Creature FX department for the TV series “His Dark Materials”), Welshman Todd Jones, will make its’ first ever public appearance in Wales when it is revealed to Flight of the Osprey Expedition leader Sacha Dench as she visits Dyfi Osprey Project as part of the expedition journey following the Osprey migration route from Scotland to Africa
The Osprey being given to Sacha and her team is built on the same frame as the original “His Dark Materials” Serafina Pekkala’ daemon Kaisa. (With thanks to Bad Wolf)
It will be joining the expedition on the 10,000km journey from Scotland to Africa and become an integral part of the expedition’s educational and awareness programme. Satellite tracks of birds that have migrated from the Dyfi Osprey Project will be used to guide the expedition route and investigations.
The Osprey’s name will also be announced.
The reveal will take place at 11.30 am
at Dyfi Osprey Project, Machynlleth SY20 8SR
Available for interview/photos
· Sacha Dench and members of the expedition team
· Todd Jones, (William Todd-Jones)
· Molly Morgan, Coleg y Cymoedd
· Emyr Evans, Dyfi Projects Manager
Todd will also be running a workshop for the expedition team to teach them how to operate the Osprey puppet
The osprey was once common across Europe but was driven to extinction in many parts, including Britain, in the 1800s. In recent years, with active reintroductions, it has been trying to make a comeback, but threats and mysteries still remain.
Tracks from ospreys of the Dyfi Osprey Project will be used to help define the route of the expedition team.
A full announcement and both stills and video will be available on Monday
