| Sunrise Earth | |
|---|---|
| Format | Documentary |
| Created by | David Conover |
| Starring | Nature |
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of episodes | 64 |
| Production | |
| Editor(s) | Josh Povec |
| Cinematography | David Conover |
| Running time | approx. 50 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | HD Theater |
| Picture format | 1080i (HDTV) |
| Original run | 2004 – present |
| External links | |
| Website | |
Sunrise Earth is a nature documentary television series featuring hour-long episodes that aired in the United States on Discovery HD Theater, now renamed HD Theater. The series focuses on presenting the viewer with sunrises in various geographical locations throughout the world. It is also notable for its complete lack of human narration, concentrating instead on the natural sounds of each episodes' specific location. High-definition video images and Dolby 5.1 stereo surround sound are used to present each natural environment in a clear and detailed manner. The show is an example of the genre known as "Experiential TV", developed by series creator David Conover.[1] The technique has been described by TV critic Tom Shales as "crazily uneventful and thoroughly wonderful."[2]
Compass Light, Conover's small production company in Camden, Maine, started producing the series in 2004. 64 one-hour Sunrise Earth shows have been created in the first four years of production. The crew shoots with High Definition video cameras and the editors cut between multiple perspectives at a leisurely pace. The show is presented in real-time, with each shot lasting an average of 30 seconds. Each episode captures one sunrise from a certain location, such as Machu Picchu, Turkey or Scandinavia. Captions in the lower portion of the frame occasionally give information as to the location, time, and events on screen.
Compass Light was founded by director David Conover in 1992. Specializing in the creation of non-fiction documentaries, the company's work focuses on the discoveries of people in challenging and value forming situations, primarily outdoors and in a marine context.[1] Work includes productions for PBS Nova, The Science Channel, National Geographic Explorer, Discovery Channel, and HD Theater.[3] Compass Light productions have earned the National Outdoor Production Award, a Blue Ribbon by the National Educational Media Competition, a National Academies Communication Award, and a nomination for an Emmy for Outstanding Director.[4]
Sunrise Earth previously aired weekdays at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Eastern time on Discovery HD Theater.[5] However, as of mid-March 2011, the show no longer airs on any channel (current or otherwise) and is rumored to have been cancelled, though no official word from Discovery or Compass Light has confirmed this.