A film producer who has collaborated with Sir David Attenborough over the past decade has shared insights into the soon-to-be centenarian's character, noting that the legendary broadcaster shows no signs of slowing down. Sir David is set to turn 100 next month, with the BBC planning a live event at the Royal Albert Hall and several documentaries to mark the occasion.
Working with a Legend
Joe Loncraine, a film producer and director, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his experiences working with Sir David on five projects over the last ten years. When asked about Sir David's influence on his life and career, Loncraine described it as 'immeasurable.' He recalled watching 'Trials of Life' with his mother in the early 1990s, which sparked his passion for natural history. 'Personally, and then from the degree I chose to do, to the career I went into, and then actually in my career, working with him has been really good fun as well as an amazing experience because he's brilliant to work with,' he said.
First Impressions
Reflecting on his first encounter with Sir David, Loncraine admitted he thought he would never be lucky enough to work with the icon. However, he found Sir David quickly put him at ease. 'You imagine you're going to be quite starstruck when you meet someone who is a legend and has been such a big influence, but he so quickly seemed like any other colleague because he puts you at ease and is really integral to the process of making the programme,' Loncraine explained.
Creative Collaboration
Loncraine highlighted Sir David's active involvement in the filmmaking process, noting that he never declines to participate and often suggests additional ideas. 'I don't think he ever says he didn't want to do anything, he always had more ideas, like 'Why aren't we doing this, why aren't we doing that?' because he has so much knowledge about stuff you can do,' Loncraine said. He also described how Sir David takes a temporary script and transforms it into his unique, special way of speaking.
Future Prospects
When asked if Sir David might be 'slowing down,' Loncraine recalled first working with him just before his 90th birthday, expecting that to be a final collaboration. 'Since then, I've worked with him on five projects over the last ten years, and I've stopped thinking he'll be slowing down. You'll lose that bet if you have it any time,' he stated. Loncraine emphasised Sir David's enduring curiosity and desire to share his excitement with audiences. 'He always surprises us, he's always wanting to do more. He remains very curious about the world and wants to learn more and show people what he's learnt,' he added.
Sir David's Own Words
In 2019, Sir David, then 91, told the Radio Times that he would retire if his work became substandard or if he could no longer walk up and down stairs. 'I would like to think I would be able to detect when I couldn't find the right words any more,' he said. 'If I think I'm not producing commentary with any freshness or which is apposite or to the point, I hope I would be able to recognise it before someone else told me.' He also admitted that he dreads not working but has other pursuits, such as writing books, to fall back on.
