Sea Studios Foundation, based in Monterey, California, was formed in 1996 as an outgrowth of Sea Studios Incorporated, established in 1984 by biologists Nancy and Robin Burnett and filmmaker Mark Shelley. Pioneers in developing science and natural history films, videos and exhibits for zoos, aquariums and science centers worldwide. Nancy and Mark now apply their considerable talents and experience to the ambitious mission of Sea Studios Foundation.

Sea Studios Foundation is a public, nonprofit organization dedicated to communicating a sense of wonder, appreciation and respect for the world around us. By revealing new science and using stunning cinematography, the Foundation generates an exciting new brand of educational television and outreach products. The Foundation believes that through better understanding and education, better conservation and more sustainable practices will be possible.
 

The Shape of Life was Sea Studios Foundation's first project. This compelling eight hour series and accompanying outreach materials, tells the story of the great diversity of animal life on Earth. The Shape of Life was produced by Sea Studios Foundation for National Geographic Television and Film in association with PBS. It will be presented domestically in association with KCET/Hollywood and be distributed internationally through Explore International. The Shape of Life premiers in the United States on PBS Tuesday, April 2, 2002. Currently, Sea Studios Foundation is also developing another landmark series and outreach project focused on Earth system sciences and the environment. This project, presently entitled The Living Machine, is the first on-going television project of its kind and is scheduled to air on PBS in 2002-2003.

	Sea Studios website

Mark Shelley is Executive Producer of Sea Studios Foundation, Senior Producer for National Geographic and an accomplished producer/cameraman. In addition to pioneering the use of broadcast video equipment for field, macro and underwater filming, he has developed systems for high-definition imaging. His work includes such acclaimed Geographic programs as: Dive to the Edge of Creation, Polar Bear Alert, Lost Fleet of Guadalcanal, Lusitania, Roman Wrecks, and Sea Nasties.

Nancy Burnett serves as a Director for Sea Studios Foundation, She served as an Executive Producer for The Shape of Life series and co-authored the companion book. Nancy is one of four founders of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

David Elisco is Series Producer for Sea Studios Foundation. He served as both the Series Producer for The Shape of Life, as well as producer, writer and director for two of the eight episodes. With more than twelve years of science documentary production, his work spans a broad range of topics, from evolutionary biology, and biodiversity, to engineering mathematics and marine forensics. His honors include a first place Environmental Media Award, a Gold Medal in the New York Film Festival, a Cine Golden Eagle, and an Emmy nomination. He is an experienced and successful producer, writer and editorial leader. Prior to Sea Studios Foundation, he produced four Discovery Channel programs about the RMS Titantic and numerous shows for WQED Public Broadcasting System (PBS) in Pennsylvania.

Charles Baxter is Content Director for Sea Studios Foundation. An Emeritus lecturer of biology from Stanford University, Chuck was influential in the formation of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and was the recipient of the prestigious Dinkelspiel Award for Teaching Excellence. His broad biological background and thirty years of teaching experience keeps Sea Studios on the cutting edge of science, both in the topics the Foundation covers and the manner in which the stories are told.
 

Ron Bowman has been creating award-winning documentary television over the last fifteen years for, among others, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, ABC News, PBS, A&E, Smithsonian World, The Learning Channel. His credits as producer, director and writer have appeared on numerous documentaries covering some of the most challenging subjects in science, history, culture, public affairs and the environment. With Lisa Fredrickson, he owns and operates New Pony Productions. Their work has been recognized with the highest awards for both network and cable programming, including the Peabody, two national Emmys, Gold Awards from the Houston Worldfest, the Cable Ace Award, and numerous Emmy nominations. Ron Bowman produced, directed and wrote two programs for The Shape of Life series: "The First Hunter" and "Survival Game."

David Clark has been producing, directing and writing documentary films for over 25 years. He has also produced and directed two large-format IMAX films, Whales and Galapagos 3D. Recent productions include Vietnams's Unseen War: Pictures from the Other Side and Cameramen Who Dared for National Geographic, and Invisible Place, Secrets of the Humpback Whale, and Galapagos: Beyond Darwin for Discovery Channel. David's work has won two national Emmys, the Outdoor Writer's Association Four Star Award, and top honors at the American, CINE, Columbus, Houston, Ohio, Missoula, and San Francisco Film Festivals.

Lionel Friedberg has a background in cinematography, including 18 feature film credits as Director of Photography. He has worked all over the world on both dramatic and non-fiction productions. For the past 15 years, he has concentrated on supervising, producing, writing and directing documentaries, reality and investigative report programs. Lionel has won numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy, the American Association for the Advancement of Science Westinghouse Award for Science Programming, three Columbus and two Golden Eagle awards. He has also successfully run his own company, won awards as a dramatic and episodic TV director, and has functioned as host on reality-based documentary shows.

Johnathon Grupper is an award-winning producer and writer of 30 programs, and a writer of nearly 80 programs. He served as Supervising Writer on seven series, including National Geographic Explorer. He has authored six children's books for National Geographic. Grupper's work has been represented on PBS, TBS, CBS, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, History Channel, Learning Channel, National Geographic Channels, Lifetime, Bravo, AMC and numerous festivals. He lives with his family of four in the wilds of New Jersey.

Chris Sondreal has held numerous positions at National Geographic Television, Washington, DC, where he currently holds the position of Supervising Producer for Specials and Event Programming. In his work as a California-based independent, he has served as associate producer, producer, and writer on many science documentaries for Discovery, The Learning Channel, PBS, as well as documentary features. Chris Sondreal produced and wrote "The Conquerors" and was Line Producer on the series.