Lori talks to Sophie Darlington and Simon Blakeney, the filmmakers of the new 4-part National Geographic series, “LION,” also streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Sophie Darlington and Simon Blakeney (2026)
Join host Lori Rosales as she interviews renowned wildlife filmmakers Sophie Darlington and Simon Blakeney. They discuss their experiences filming the captivating series ‘Lion,’ showcasing the majestic lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Discover their inspirations, memorable moments, and the breathtaking settings that bring these animal stories to life.
PLEASE NOTE: This online version of the interview is slightly different than how it appeared on the TV episode with host segments rearranged.
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Mini-Biographies (provided by PR company):
After studying biochemistry at university, Simon Blakeney decided life in a lab wasn’t for him and a love of the natural world and photography led him into wildlife filmmaking. He has worked at the BBC Natural History Unit since 2006, first on the behavioral series “Life,” and since then on several more ambitious blue-chip series, including “Africa,” “Shark,” “Great Rivers,” “Dynasties I,” “Dynasties II” and “Kingdom.”
Sophie Darlington, ASC, is a BAFTA-winning wildlife cinematographer who broke barriers as one of the few female cinematographers working globally in the 1990s. She is the director of photography on National Geographic’s “Lion.” With over three decades of experience, her emotionally resonant work includes the acclaimed National Geographic series “Queens,” the Disney Nature features “Penguin” and “Bears,” BBC Earth’s “Dynasties,” and “Our Planet” I and II, narrated by Sir David
Attenborough, which were seen by millions worldwide.
From “The Lion King” director Jon Favreau and BBC Studios executive producer Mike Gunton comes the extraordinary true story of a lion cub named Kio on his epic journey to become a king. Filmed over four years, this sweeping saga of family, hope and courage follows Kio as he grows from a vulnerable cub into a powerful leader. Along the way, he faces loss, exile and fierce rivals in a fight to survive. Combining cinematic storytelling with groundbreaking natural history filmmaking, this series captures the complete coming-of-age story of a lion — and the remarkable making of a king.
Official Site: LION
Interview Credits:
- Recorded: August 20, 2026
- Host / Producer: Lori Rosales
- Editor: Richard R. Lee
- Special Thanks To: National Geographic / BBC Studios Natural History Unit